Jewish Agency Chief Almog: Israel can absorb one million new immigrants amid rising antisemitism

Israel has the capacity to absorb one million new immigrants, Jewish Agency chairman Maj.-Gen. (res.) Doron Almog said at a conference in Jerusalem, as senior government officials called for greater national preparations amid rising antisemitism and uncertainty facing Jewish communities abroad.

Speaking at the annual conference organized by Habayta, an Israeli nonprofit organization supporting immigrant communities, Almog said Israel’s economic strength and existing capabilities would allow it to accommodate a large influx of newcomers, provided the necessary resources were mobilized.

The conference, held at Jerusalem’s Cinema City under the theme “Absorbing the Next Million,” brought together government ministers, Jewish Agency officials, community leaders, and representatives of immigrant populations.

Almog also warned that Jewish communities worldwide needed to prepare for worsening security conditions, calling for emergency assistance networks and early-warning systems to protect communities facing potential threats.

Almog's goal: One million new Jewish immigrants

The goal of bringing one million Jews to Israel has been raised by Almog previously. In November 2023, he predicted that rising antisemitism could lead to one million immigrants arriving over the following years.

The ambition remains far beyond current immigration levels. According to Aliyah and Integration Ministry figures released in September, slightly more than 20,000 immigrants arrived in Israel during the Jewish year 5786, from over 100 countries. Russia, France, and the United States were the leading countries of origin.

In a separate interview published last month, Aliyah and Integration Ministry Director-General Dganit Sankar-Langa estimated that Israel would receive between 18,000 and 20,000 immigrants in 2026.

Smotrich: Aliyah is an economic opportunity

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presented immigration as an opportunity to strengthen Israel’s economy.

“There is no better engine of economic growth than aliyah,” Smotrich said.

He argued that international investors continued to demonstrate confidence in Israel’s economy and said the situation confronting Jewish communities abroad created an opportunity to bring hundreds of thousands of new immigrants to the country.

Smotrich praised Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer for his work and described immigration as both a national priority and an economic opportunity.

Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli raised concerns about the possibility of severe instability in countries with substantial Jewish communities, including scenarios involving civil conflict.

Chikli warned that Jews could be among the first populations affected by such developments and stressed the importance of preparing for emergencies.

He also identified language as a central obstacle facing immigrants after their arrival in Israel, pointing to the difficulties of navigating everyday life without sufficient command of Hebrew or English.

Beyond immigration: The challenge of integration

Much of the conference focused on what happens after immigrants arrive, particularly their integration into schools, workplaces, and local communities.

Roi Aviksis, deputy chairman of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), emphasized the role of education in strengthening immigrants’ connections to Israel. He also raised concerns about social isolation and the responsibility of Israeli society to welcome newcomers.

An education panel featured World Zionist Organization president Rabbi Doron Perez and Lali Deri, who previously directed a program helping French immigrants integrate into Israel’s education system. Deri’s son, Saadia, was killed during the war.

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu addressed the importance of introducing immigrants to Israel’s history and national memory, citing the October 7 attacks and stories of civilian heroism.

Former Israeli ambassador to the US Michael Oren also participated in an English-language session, raising concerns about changing American public attitudes toward Israel.

Netanel Rotenberg and Yosef Hoter, co-directors of Habayta, called for a broader approach to immigration absorption, emphasizing long-term community support alongside government services.

“Israel must prepare today to absorb the next million immigrants,” they said in a joint statement.

They argued that successful absorption required building a sense of belonging, connecting immigrants with communities, and providing opportunities for social and economic integration.

“Our goal is for a new immigrant arriving in Israel to feel, within a short time, that they have come home,” they said.

According to Habayta, the organization operates through a nationwide network of more than 45 communities and provides support to approximately 100,000 immigrants in five languages.

The conference featured sessions in Hebrew, English, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese and concluded with a tribute to immigration hosted by actor Daniel Stiopin, known for his role in the Israeli television series Checkout.