Jewish Agency anticipates about 2,500 French Jews immigrating to Israel in 2013, a 40% increase from last year.
The participation of young French Jews coming to Israel for long-term programs is also rising.
Immigration to Israel by French Jews is on the rise, according to data released by the Jewish Agency. The Jewish Agency expects that around 2,500 French Jews will move to Israel in 2013, a 40 percent increase from 2012.
A Jewish Agency aliyah fair in Paris – Photo: Lar
Around 800 French Jewish immigrants will arrive in Israel this summer on flights organized by the Jewish Agency.
The number of young French Jews coming to Israel for long-term programs is also increasing. For example, some 1,000 French Jews will take part in Masa Israel Journey study and volunteer programs, compared to 700 last year. Many French Masa participants end up immigrating to Israel following the conclusion of their programs.
“We are at the start of a significant increase in immigration from France, which stems from the Jewish Agency’s major investment in Israel experience programs,” Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky said. “In the past three years, we’ve invested in bringing young French Jews to long-term programs in Israel — such as studying, volunteering and professional internships — enabling them to experience life in the country in a practical manner. Now we are seeing the results, with many of the graduates deciding to immigrate to Israel following their experiences.”
View original Israel Hayom publication at: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=10759
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