Jerusalem, Israel, February 19, 2023 — More than 15,000 Ukrainians have immigrated to Israel since the outbreak of war in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, according to figures released by The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.

These olim (immigrants) have included many young people who enrolled in special absorption programs, mothers with young children, and senior citizens, as well as hundreds of Holocaust survivors.

The olim arrived in Israel with the help of The Jewish Agency, which worked in cooperation with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), and established emergency Aliyah (immigration to Israel) centers in countries bordering Ukraine immediately once hostilities broke out. At these centers, the refugees had a safe haven until they arrived in Israel.

The Jewish Agency for Israel Chairman, Maj. Gen (res) Doron Almog: “This is one of the largest rescue operations in history. The Jewish Agency did the unbelievable in the face of a global crisis. The operation to save lives and Aliyah to Israel was made possible thanks to our partners; The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Government of Israel, the Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod and the IFCJ. This operation is the epitome of the notion of all of Israel being responsible for each other. Our sense of mutual responsibility serves as a moral compass which has guided us through history and will continue to do so. As such, it is our responsibility and honor to continue receiving olim with loving and open arms.”

Once they landed in the Jewish state, they were placed in hotels across the country as part of the Israeli government’s “Operation Coming Home,” which was led by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.

World Jewry, led by The Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod, immediately came to the support of the Ukrainian community – along with help from Christian Friends of Israel. Tens of millions of dollars were raised in an unprecedented effort to assist the rescue and immigration process.

The multi-pronged efforts initiated by The Jewish Agency to help the Jews of Ukraine after the outbreak of the war was unprecedented in its scope. Within 24 hours, The Jewish Agency, with the assistance of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, set up 18 emergency response centers in Ukraine and its neighboring countries of Poland, Moldova, Hungary, and Romania in order to assist the massive wave of refugees.

A total of 450 staff and volunteers worked at these centers and ensured each refugee had a place to stay as well as emotional support and medical care; 290,000 meals were distributed at these centers and thousands were evacuated to Israel on rescue flights.

Emergency hotlines and command centers were opened and operated around the clock to aid in locating and rescuing the wounded, elderly, and Holocaust survivors. In addition to the Aliyah assistance, Jewish communities within Ukraine received emergency relief, including over 400 tons of humanitarian equipment collected throughout Israel that were distributed to the general refugee population.

“When the war broke out in Ukraine, I traveled as a Member of Knesset to the refugee centers in Moldova to observe the Aliyah process of those who fled the conflict zones first-hand. As the Minister of Aliyah and Integration, I saw the importance of welcoming the olim upon their arrival in Israel and assisting in their integration into Israeli society,” said Ofir Sofer, Minister of Aliyah and Integration. “Massive Aliyah, like we had last year with 75,000 olim arriving in Israel, is a great opportunity or a catastrophic crisis. If we don’t increase the budget to accommodate the olim in the best possible way, it will be a catastrophe. As soon as I took office, I was required to deal with the issue of the ulpanim, and after much effort, I managed to obtain a budget for thousands of vouchers to study the Hebrew language. For me, the Hebrew language is the key to successful integration of olim.”

Today, The Jewish Agency is running seminars for professionals and leaders in Ukrainian Jewish communities to provide them with the necessary tools to grapple with emergency situations as part of JReady, the organization’s global emergency response and preparedness initiative.

The Jewish Agency is also continuing to assist Jews who are looking to make Aliyah and, as such, is providing educational activities for local communities both remotely and through in-person seminars for young people held in Ukraine’s neighboring countries. Support has also been ongoing for Ukrainian refugees who remained in neighboring countries, including connecting them with local Jewish communities and providing assistance to those who wish to make Aliyah.

Media Contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
053.340.8526; 347.497.6900
James@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.