The Jerusalem Municipality marks “Aliyah Day” with a series of community events across the city – a celebration of identity, integration, and personal stories. New and veteran immigrants share their journeys to the city that became their home, embodying the idea of aliyah as an act of hope and fulfillment.
Immigration in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of Israel’s leading cities in immigrant absorption. Each year, around 3,000 new immigrants and hundreds of families from other parts of the country choose to settle in the capital. As of 2025, approximately 24,000 immigrants who arrived over the past decade live in Jerusalem – a number reflecting the city’s successful integration efforts and the strong sense of belonging among newcomers.
The municipality views aliyah to Jerusalem as a national mission, providing immigrants with comprehensive support in employment, community, and culture. The “Aliyah Day” events highlight the personal stories behind the statistics – people who chose to begin again in the heart of Jerusalem.
Events include cultural performances by immigrant artists, employment fairs, art workshops for children, photo exhibitions, business stands, and community gatherings.
Rina Dray, who recently immigrated from Paris, shares: “Every time I took the metro in Paris, I imagined myself on Jerusalem’s light rail.” Today she lives in the Baka neighborhood, part of a local art community, saying: “I’m finally in the place where my heart has been for years.”
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said: “Welcoming immigrants to Jerusalem is a national and moral mission. We see them as true partners in building the city. Immigration to Jerusalem is not only a geographic move – it’s a journey of spirit, faith, and belonging.”
For more information about Aliyah Day events, visit the official channels of the Jerusalem Municipality,
including the official Facebook page Aliyah To Jerusalem.
