Jerusalem Day symbolizes for many the historical and national connection of the Jewish people to a city that became both a symbol of memory and the ultimate destination of longing. A city people dreamed of reaching, even when it felt distant and at times unattainable.
Throughout the generations, Jewish communities across the world preserved a deep connection to Zion. The many waves of Aliyah from the former Soviet Union, Arab countries, Ethiopia, and today also the Bnei Menashe community from India, were all born from the same ancient longing and the desire to be part of the Jewish people’s national home. Among Ethiopian Jews, the Sigd holiday remains a powerful expression of that yearning for Jerusalem.
Keren Hayesod has played a central role in supporting this mission, working together with our partners, The Jewish Agency for Israel and Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, to help Jewish families fulfill this dream and build new lives in Israel.
But Aliyah is only the beginning of the journey.
For decades, Keren Hayesod has also supported the critical work of immigrant absorption through absorption centers, Hebrew ulpan programs, educational initiatives, and community frameworks that provide new immigrants with stability, practical tools, and a true sense of belonging.
This support is made possible thanks to Keren Hayesod campaigns around the world, which continue to view Aliyah and the strengthening of Israeli society as a shared mission. Over the years, this partnership has demonstrated that Aliyah to Israel is not only an Israeli responsibility, but a national mission of the entire Jewish people, one that connects communities, generations, and personal stories around a shared vision of one home for all.
As CEO and Director General of Keren Hayesod, I witness firsthand the profound meaning Aliyah holds for Jewish communities worldwide. In recent years, and especially since October 7, Jews in many countries have faced rising antisemitism, growing alienation, and at times even difficulty expressing their Jewish identity openly. Within this reality, Israel has become for many not only a symbol, but also a home, an anchor of security, and a source of future hope.
Even today, as Israeli society faces both internal and external challenges, Aliyah reminds us of the strength of the shared idea upon which the State of Israel was built. The people who come to Israel choose to take an active role in shaping its future, and our responsibility is to ensure that Israel remains a country capable of uniting, welcoming, and strengthening those who have chosen it as their home.
It is important to remember that the challenge does not end the moment a new immigrant lands at Ben Gurion Airport. Israel is tested not only by its ability to open its gates to newcomers, but also by its ability to help them build full and meaningful lives here through education, employment, and integration into Israeli society.
Perhaps this is the deeper meaning of Jerusalem Day. Not only the commemoration of a historic event, but also a reminder of our responsibility to continue connecting the many communities, traditions, and life stories that have come together in one country. Our mission is to ensure that this sense of belonging continues long after Aliyah itself, within Israeli society and across the Jewish world.
Only in this way can we continue strengthening the shared idea that Jerusalem has represented for generations: one people, connected by a common story, a shared future, and a home that belongs to us all.
Edna Weinstock-Gabay is the Director General and CEO of Keren Hayesod