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The Jerusalem Municipality marks \u201cAliyah Day\u201d with a series of community events across the city \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
Jerusalem is one of Israel\u2019s 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 \u2013 a number reflecting the city\u2019s 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 \u201cAliyah Day\u201d events highlight the personal stories behind the statistics \u2013 people who chose to begin again in the heart of Jerusalem.<\/p>\n
Events include cultural performances by immigrant artists, employment fairs, art workshops for children, photo exhibitions, business stands, and community gatherings.<\/p>\n
Rina Dray, who recently immigrated from Paris, shares: \u201cEvery time I took the metro in Paris, I imagined myself on Jerusalem\u2019s light rail.\u201d Today she lives in the Baka neighborhood, part of a local art community, saying: \u201cI\u2019m finally in the place where my heart has been for years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said: \u201cWelcoming 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 \u2013 it\u2019s a journey of spirit, faith, and belonging.\u201d<\/p>\n