North American Jews Continue Aliyah Wave to Israel Amid Rising Antisemitism
Thousands of North American Jews are moving to Israel through Nefesh B'Nefesh, driven by rising antisemitism and a deep sense of Zionist commitment following the events of October 7.
Thousands of North American Jews are making Aliyah through organizations like Nefesh B'Nefesh, choosing to move to Israel despite the ongoing war, high cost of living, and security uncertainties. For many, the decision is driven by a deep sense of belonging and a response to rising antisemitism on college campuses and city streets following the events of October 7, 2023.
A Conscious Choice Amid Uncertainty
The summer wave of immigration highlights a shift, particularly among younger demographics, with the average age of new olim standing at 29. While comfortable lives, stable careers, and established communities were left behind in the United States and Canada, these individuals view moving to Israel as an ideological and personal imperative. Comedian Yochai Sponder famously captured this sentiment, joking that true Zionism is "downgrading your life to help us reach the level of the country you came from."
Among the newcomers are Ilana and Steven Snyder, 67, from New York, who left behind a comfortable lifestyle to settle in Jerusalem. "America is beautiful and welcoming, but if you are Jewish, you are still an outsider," Steven said. Similarly, Eleanor Kotler, a 43-year-old former Target executive from Minneapolis, decided to make Israel her home after experiencing intense anti-Israel sentiment at a professional conference shortly after the October 7 massacres.
Demographic Realities and Broader Trends
According to Nefesh B'Nefesh, over 2,200 new immigrants from North America arrived during the summer season alone, with the total for 2026 projected to surpass 4,000. These olim include hundreds of lone soldiers, medical professionals, tech experts, and families seeking to raise their children in a predominantly Jewish environment where their identity does not need to be concealed.
"The historic wave of Aliyah we are experiencing this summer is the most moving testimony to the resilience of the Jewish people and the deep connection of North American Jewry to the State of Israel," said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and CEO of Nefesh B'Nefesh.
Despite these inspiring personal stories and the vital work of organizations assisting the newcomers, the broader demographic picture remains complex. While Aliyah from North America remains stable, overall immigration figures to Israel have experienced fluctuations, and negative migration balances since late 2023 highlight ongoing challenges for the country's demographic landscape.
