The State of Israel has officially entered an especially charged election period, and while voters rack their brains, a group of new immigrants feels left behind.
New Tel Aviv University study finds more than 90,000 Israeli citizens left the country for an extended period in 2025. Researchers say there is no immediate economic threat but warn: “Looking ahead, there is growing concern that emigration could endanger Israel’s security and economy.”
Some 6,000 new olim are expected to arrive to Israel this summer, and OU Israel is preparing to help children and teens build social connections ahead of the start of the school year through Camp Dror. Eyal Tannenbaum, who began as a camper and is returning to the camp as a counselor, speaks about the importance of creating friendships for young olim that last throughout their lives, even after camp.
New National Insurance data reveals that new olim account for the majority of Israelis who terminate their residency – sparking urgent calls for a sweeping overhaul of the country's absorption system.
Most of the new Olim are from France and the US, but many still do not have plane tickets due to cancellations and limited availability. The state is preparing for accelerated absorption: “Aliyah continues even in the most complex periods.”
