Jerusalem, December 29, 2024 – As 2024 draws to a close, The Jewish Agency for Israel is completing a year in which its work has been rooted in the strategic partnership between Israel and world Jewry, as the organization has resoundingly responded to a time of war by strengthening the State of Israel and bolstering global Jewish communities amid surging antisemitism.

Throughout the year, The Jewish Agency mobilized world Jewry to strengthen Israel amid the war and assist populations affected by terrorism; to enhance security in Jewish communities worldwide due to an exponential increase in antisemitism; and to bring to Israel tens of thousands of new Olim, volunteers, and solidarity missions from around the globe.

Chairman of The Jewish Agency, Major General (Res.) Doron Almog: “The Jewish Agency works to strengthen and restore the State of Israel in a variety of ways that are also possible thanks to our relationship with world Jewry. This is a relationship of existential importance that is an expression of strength and unity. This commitment, which has been so felt since October 7th, is the source of strength for the rebuilding of the State of Israel and for the healing of Israeli society.”

Chairman of The Jewish Agency Board of Governors, Mark Wilf: “The incredible accomplishments of The Jewish Agency throughout this very difficult year are a reflection of the strength of our collective. The connection between Israel and world Jewry is a source of light, building the Jewish people’s strength, resilience, and hope. In defiance of darkness, may our light continue to grow in 2025.”

CEO of The Jewish Agency, Yehuda Setton: “The mutual responsibility between global Jewry and the Israeli people is a ray of light in one of the most challenging periods in our shared history. We worked together to strengthen Israel during the war and to bolster the security of Jewish communities around the world as they faced the rising tide of antisemitism. The Jewish Agency will continue to build the strategic partnership between world Jewry and Israel and allow every Jew in the world to take part in building our common future.”

Unprecedented Mobilization of World Jewry in Support of Israel

During the past year, the global Jewish community rallied unprecedentedly to strengthen Israel following the October 7th terrorist attack and the ensuing Swords of Iron War – through solidarity rallies worldwide, raising awareness for the release of hostages, massive donations to bolster Israel’s resilience, and more.

The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror assisted over 11,000 families with more than 80 million shekels (about $22 million) in support, through quick emergency grants, rehabilitation grants, and unique programs. The fund, supported by The Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod-UIA, Spirit of Israel, and other donors from Israel and around the world, assists hostage families, bereaved families, and the wounded.

Approximately 1,000 children and teenagers from the northern and southern border regions participated in Campers2Gether, a project of The Jewish Agency and Mosaic United, hosted at Jewish summer and winter camps in the U.S. and worldwide. The love and support from these communities demonstrated the value of mutual responsibility and the special connection between Israel and world Jewry.

In the past year, the Youth Futures initiative assisted thousands of at-risk children and their families, providing support to many families experiencing crisis and upheaval due to the war, as well as comprehensive support for displaced families. The Youth Futures model offers a holistic framework, including personal mentorship, life skills reinforcement, and emotional empowerment, fostering loyalty and personal growth in children. Next year, activities will be expanded in the north and south to support an additional 1,600 new families.

Since October 7th, The Jewish Agency, together with its partners, has assisted more than 8,000 businesses affected during the war, providing over 350 million shekels ($96 million) in immediate grants, emergency loans, and business support. Assistance was given to businesses in border communities, northern communities, and businesses owned by reservists nationwide.

The Jewish Agency’s Partnership2Gether network, connecting hundreds of Jewish communities worldwide with Israeli communities, helped establish 26 new partnerships between southern border communities and overseas communities, to support these communities as they rebuild over a three-year period.

Facilitating Robust Aliyah Despite the War

Since the outbreak of the war, over 35,000 new immigrants have come to Israel with the help of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and The Jewish Agency, of which about 31,000 arrived during 2024 from around 100 different countries (from January 1 through mid-December, 2024). About a third of all immigrants are young adults ages 18-35, who came to build their future in Israel. Many have been enrolled into special programs by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and The Jewish Agency, helping to strengthen society and the economy, with many also enlisting in the IDF.

The Jewish Agency’s Global Aliyah Center in Jerusalem, operated with the support of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, saw a significant increase in the opening of Aliyah files by applicants from Western countries. Thousands participated in Aliyah fairs organized by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency, the World Zionist Organization, Ofek Israeli, Nefesh B’Nefesh, Keren Hayesod, and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, in collaboration with other Aliyah organizations. The Jewish Agency, supported by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, assisted new Olim living in absorption centers nationwide, providing them with support amid the war.

Additionally, the Wings program of The Jewish Agency, the Mirage Israel Foundation, and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration supported lone soldiers who served in Operation Swords of Iron. Masa Israel Journey, founded by The Jewish Agency and the Government of Israel, continued to bring thousands of young Jews to Israel despite the ongoing war. Alongside existing programs – teaching English, career development, a special program for overseas doctors, and many more, the Masa volunteers program continued, bringing young people from around the world to volunteer in Israel, driven by a strong desire among young Jews to contribute and show solidarity.

Strengthening Jewish Communities Worldwide Amid Rising Antisemitism

This year, The Jewish Agency sent over 2,300 Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) to 65 countries worldwide to strengthen Jewish communities amid a hundreds-percent increase in antisemitic incidents, garner support for Israel, and raise awareness for the release of hostages. More than 100 of these Shlichim are based on major university campuses worldwide, mainly in North America, supporting Jewish students facing antisemitic threats and building Jewish leadership in these spaces.

Additionally, 87 officers and soldiers who fought in the war were sent to Jewish communities as part of the Shlichim in Uniform initiative by the Chairman of The Jewish Agency, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog, to dozens of destinations in North America, Europe, Latin America, and more, to share their perspectives on the October 7th atrocities.

The Jewish Agency’s Security Assistance Fund invested over 19 million shekels ($5.2 million) in strengthening the security and preparedness of Jewish communities in 62 different countries, following a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents. The fund helped Jewish communities worldwide with immediate emergency grants and enhanced security measures in Jewish institutions such as security cameras, armored doors, etc. The Jewish Agency also operated the JReady platform in collaboration with the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, KKL-JNF, and the World Zionist Organization, conducting professional training in dozens of communities to develop the resilience and emergency preparedness of Jewish communities in light of rising antisemitism and the impact of the war in Israel on Jewish communities.

Media Contact:
Noa Amouyal, JCubed Communications
Noa@JCubedPR.com

About The Jewish Agency for Israel:

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. It was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continues to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled it to address the Jewish People’s greatest challenges in every generation. Today, the Jewish Agency connects the global Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, and Israel to Jews, by providing meaningful Israel engagement and facilitating Aliyah. It also strives to build a better society in Israel – and beyond – energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.