4,000 French Jews arrive as Israel recruits pre-arrival jobs

More than 4,000 Jews have immigrated to Israel from France in 2026.

The Aliyah and Integration Ministry is preparing for potential French capital controls that could restrict the transfer of savings to Israel. Ministry Director-General Dganit Sankar-Langa stated on Monday that the government is planning for post-election decisions that might make moving money more difficult. Officials attribute the rising interest in immigration to both an economic crisis in France and persistent antisemitism. This preparation coincides with a sharp increase in arrivals. Approximately 3,400 Jews made aliyah from France in 2025. The 2026 figure represents a nearly 50 percent increase over the same period last year. France has a Jewish population of roughly 440,000. For comparison, North America, home to nearly eight million Jews, is projected to send about 4,000 immigrants this year.

Recent aliyah fairs in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon drew heavy attendance this month. Over 600 households, representing about 2,000 individuals, participated in the Paris event. Ministry data shows that approximately 90 percent of attendees want to immigrate immediately or by 2027. Sankar-Langa described the determination of these prospective immigrants as unprecedented. Many arrived with specific timelines and questions about schooling and logistics rather than general inquiries. This shift in intent is visible in personal accounts from the French Jewish community. Roni, a 75-year-old Paris resident who moved to the city in 1975, said that speaking Hebrew or mentioning Israeli military service is now often met with negativity. He noted that many Jews are becoming more cautious in public, with some avoiding kippahs even on Yom Kippur. This unease is pronounced among younger Jews in their 30s and 40s who are reevaluating their futures in France despite successful high-tech careers.

The ministry has taken proactive steps to facilitate integration by partnering with major Israeli employers. Representatives from Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot participated in the Paris fair for the first time. The goal was to begin recruitment before immigrants arrived. Representatives met with approximately 200 prospective immigrants and identified over 50 as suitable for available positions. Advanced interviews were conducted with some candidates the day after the fair. This approach aims to secure employment for new arrivals before they land. Prime Minister’s office has instructed officials to formulate a dedicated government plan to support this immigration. Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer stated that the ministry is preparing to absorb thousands more. He emphasized that quality employment is key to successful integration. Sankar-Langa added that the ministry views itself as a human resources department for the state, aiming to fill shortages in engineering, medicine, education, and artificial intelligence.