Rising Antisemitism Drives New Wave of North American Aliyah to Israel
Rising antisemitism in North America has driven a significant wave of Jewish families and young immigrants to make Aliyah to Israel, boosting local communities and society.
The surge of antisemitism in New York and other North American cities following the events of October 7, 2023, has prompted a growing wave of Jewish families and young people to make Aliyah, choosing to build their future in Israel despite ongoing security challenges. Organizations like Nefesh B'Nefesh, alongside the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency, KKL, and JNF-USA, have facilitated the arrival of over 2,300 new immigrants from North America during the summer months alone, operating across 92 group flights.
Joe and Talia Sanford, a couple who lived in New York for the past five years, were scheduled to join this wave of immigration. However, an unexpected medical emergency forced a brief delay in their travel plans. "We have no words to describe how much we want to get to our true home, Israel," Joe shares. Despite the setback, the couple remains fully committed to their relocation. Having grown up in Zionist households and active in Bnei Akiva, their decision to move was driven by a lifelong passion for Israel, amplified by an increasingly hostile environment in New York.
Rising Antisemitism and the Push to Relocate
For many members of the North American Jewish community, the atmosphere has shifted dramatically. Joe notes that antisemitism played a central role in their decision to leave. The growing hostility is palpable even in daily routines, with community members reporting heightened security concerns and a pervasive sense of animosity. A striking example of this tension can be seen at a kosher cafe on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Despite proudly displaying Israeli flags and hostage posters, the establishment faced intense backlash, including staff resignations and antisemitic vandalism.
Ethan and Alana Zenger, who recently immigrated to Israel with their three-year-old daughter Serena, echo these sentiments. "Antisemitism in New York has skyrocketed in a way we never thought we would see," they explain at the airport. They describe an atmosphere of tension and visible hostility that ultimately convinced them that their long-term future lies in Israel, where children can walk the streets safely and a strong sense of community prevails.
A Vital Boost for Israeli Society
The influx of new immigrants serves as a significant morale boost and an economic growth engine for Israel at a critical time. Among the summer arrivals are 480 families, 250 pensioners, and 700 students—including 80 starting the first grade. Furthermore, the demographic diversity is striking, ranging from a five-month-old infant to a 98-year-old senior.
"The fact that thousands of families and young people choose to relocate their lives and build their future here, especially at this time, is a Zionist morale boost and an immense growth engine for Israeli society and the economy," stated Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and CEO of Nefesh B'Nefesh.
Young Immigrants Enlisting in the IDF
A notable portion of this summer's wave includes future lone soldiers and national service volunteers, such as 19-year-old Ethan Cohen from New York. Growing up in a Zionist environment, Ethan felt the rising tide of antisemitism made remaining in the city increasingly perilous. Inspired by encounters with IDF soldiers during his pre-military preparatory program (mechina), Ethan decided to make Aliyah and enlist in the military.
"I can move to Israel and not enlist, but if all my friends from the mechina are doing it, what is the difference between them and me?" Ethan remarks. As he prepares for his service, likely in the Givati Brigade following in the footsteps of his family's military traditions, his message to others contemplating Aliyah is clear: pursue your convictions despite external doubts.
