Nearly 50 new immigrants from North America are expected to become Israeli citizens just ahead of Yom Ha’atzmaut, as Israel prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day.
Twenty olim arrived in Israel last week, while additional individuals already in the country officially completed their aliyah process. More arrivals are expected in the coming days, facilitated by Nefesh B’Nefesh in cooperation with the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and Jewish National Fund–USA.
The arrivals come amid a ceasefire and ongoing security tensions, yet, according to organizers, the situation has not deterred newcomers. Instead, it has strengthened their resolve to build their futures in Israel during a significant national moment.
“The thousands of immigrants who chose to come to Israel, over the past year, are a reminder of the deep belief in our mission and a strong desire among many Jews to be part of the State of Israel now," said Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer. "We remain committed to strengthening Aliyah, and over the past year we’ve continued to make the Aliyah process easier through reforms in professional licensing, offering tax exemptions for new immigrants, providing rental assistance, and more. I wish the new immigrants and all the people of Israel a Happy Independence Day.”
Data from Nefesh B’Nefesh indicates that since the beginning of the war with Iran, about 180 new immigrants have arrived from North America. Since the start of 2026, approximately 550 North American olim have made aliyah. In addition, since the beginning of Operation “Roaring Lion,” more than 1,300 aliyah files have been opened by Jewish North Americans.
“Welcoming nearly 50 new Olim just before Yom Ha’Atzmaut carries special significance, underscoring the strength and enduring spirit of our nation,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “These are days poised between memory and miracle, days of gratitude for the Jewish State we are privileged to call home, for the ingathering of our people, and for a return to an ancient promise. The entire staff at Nefesh B'Nefesh feels privileged each day to be part of the lives of Olim, playing even a small role in helping write this chapter in Israel’s history."
The group that arrived last week includes individuals and families from across the United States and Canada, ranging in age from 1 to 72. They are expected to settle in communities across the country, including Tel Aviv-Yafo, Jerusalem, Haifa, Nahariya, Afula and Rehovot, among others.
“Olim who choose to come to Israel, even in challenging times, are an inseparable part of Israel’s story of independence,” said Jewish Agency chairman Maj.-Gen. (res.) Doron Almog. “They are not just joining the country, they are building it, every single day, even now. Each oleh is a beacon of hope, a living reminder that the Zionist dream has not only survived, but continues to come to life. They are proof that the State of Israel is not something to be taken for granted, but a singular miracle, renewed in every generation through the courageous choice to come, belong, and build.”
As Israel marks its 78th year of independence, the new immigrants—celebrating for the first time as citizens—underscore the continued role of aliyah in shaping the country’s growth, even during periods of uncertainty.
Written in collaboration with Nefesh B'Nefesh