World Immigration News

Israel advancing emergency aliyah plans in wake of Bondi Beach massacre

Release Date
2025-12-21
Media
The Jerusalem Post
Summary
The Israeli government is advancing an emergency immigration and absorption plan, known as “Aliyat HaTekuma,” in response to rising global antisemitism and heightened fears following the deadly Hanukkah terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Although the plan was requested by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the attack, the incident has added urgency to its implementation.

The proposal aims to absorb 30,000 new immigrants in 2026, primarily from countries experiencing sharp increases in antisemitism, including the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. The plan envisions an initial six-month reception period and full integration within three years. To accelerate eligibility decisions to within 30 days, measures include ending apostille certification requirements, establishing a 24/6 call center in French and English, and outsourcing Jewish status verification to local Jewish communities.

To support large-scale absorption, the government would provide monthly stipends during the first year, housing assistance through dedicated managers and standardized contracts, profession-specific Hebrew programs, vocational training, and faster recognition of professional credentials. Several cities, including Beersheba, Haifa, Ashkelon, and Nahariya, have been designated as prepared absorption centers. The plan is expected to cost 600 million shekels in the first year and 1.1 billion shekels in the second year.

Israeli officials argue that antisemitism is increasingly entering the mainstream in Western countries and that this moment represents a strategic opportunity for Israel. Over the past three years, Israel has received nearly 60,000 immigrants from Russia, along with thousands from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, underscoring the ongoing trend that the new emergency plan seeks to accelerate.
Tags
Israel