April 2023

Dear Friends,

In 2022, ​​it was with great excitement and an incredible sense of honor that we stepped into the roles of Chairmen of The Jewish Agency for Israel. We came on board at a time when the organization was rising to unprecedented challenges and were extremely proud to witness groundbreaking accomplishments.

Now, it is just before Yom Ha’atzmaut, the joyous holiday commemorating the establishment of Israel’s independence, a profound day we celebrate each year as a nation whose people now have the freedom to return home to a sovereign Jewish state. And a large part of The Jewish Agency’s work is related to freedom, which was never clearer than in 2022, as we helped thousands of Jews fleeing the Russia-Ukraine war start new lives in safety in Israel. By the end of the year, we had helped 76,261 people, a 23-year record high, from 95 countries around the world in making Aliyah; 59,870 of whom came from Ukraine and Russia.

Young Ukrainian immigrants in Israel | Photo: The Jewish Agency for Israel

Doron: On my first day as Chairman of the Executive, I visited our Ulpan Etzion program in Jerusalem, meeting dozens of olim (immigrants) there from various countries around the world. Each immigrant summed up his or her life story in a few words, repeating a common refrain: Coming to Israel meant liberation. To that end, the work we do is akin to aiding redemption. Getting to know these olim, who embody the spirit of Israel’s pioneers, is still one of my favorite highlights since I took office.

Mark: In my early days as Chairman of the Board of Governors, I attended an event organized by RootOne, which brings young North American Jews to Israel for life-changing experiences. Seeing the teens’ energy and passion, and their excitement to be in Israel and connect to our heritage, gives me tremendous hope. Especially with the increase in antisemitism, particularly in the U.S., creating lasting relationships between young Jews and fostering their love of the Jewish state is vital for a strong Jewish future.

Both of us also visited our operations on the ground at the borders of Ukraine in 2022 and saw firsthand how The Jewish Agency was able to act quickly in response to the conflict, saving lives and safeguarding Jewish life in the region, and supporting refugees’ journeys out of danger. We met so many brave Ukrainians who left their homes with nothing, and who were waiting to make Aliyah to Israel with our assistance.

Ukrainians deboard a train to safety in Hungary | Photo: Guy Yechiely for The Jewish Agency for Israel

And this is the Jewish story. We deal with tribulations and difficulties, with enemies who want to destroy the Jewish people, and yet, we hold our heads high and refuse to give in to any force that wishes to subdue us. We keep writing new chapters and transmitting them to the next generation, creating a never-ending legacy that continues to be built upon.

Of course, The Jewish Agency’s work would not be possible without the support of Jewish people from around the world, our dedicated staff and organizations that serve as our backbone. Those who are behind the scenes are our driving force: the Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod, the World Zionist Organization and the Government of Israel, as well as many respected foundations and donors globally. Thanks to all of you, we were able to raise an incredible $64 million in emergency funds for Ukraine, and our work worldwide can continue to be done at its best, reaching more and more Jews every year. We’d also like to thank our Director General and CEO, Amira Ahronoviz, for her extraordinary leadership and our Marketing & Communications team for their remarkable efforts in producing this report.

New immigrants in Israel | Photo: The Jewish Agency for Israel

Today, the aim to “bring hearts together” is all the more relevant. In 2023, we celebrate the 75th year of Israel’s independence, in which we will focus on the shared destiny between World Jewry and the State of Israel. We will continue our work nurturing strong ties between Jews in over 65 countries, built on an understanding of one another as members of our global Jewish family.

We experienced many ups and downs in 2022 but we are hopeful for peace and for a future where every Jew is connected to our heritage and committed to collective action. The bond between the State of Israel and World Jewry is more important now than ever before and we remain focused on our mission of bringing together and uniting the Jewish people all over the world.