Feeling at Home: Boarded the Plane in France - and Got Off as Israeli Citizens

140 new immigrants from France, including 80 toddlers, children, and teenagers, landed in Israel on the families flight. During the flight, they received immigrant certificates and ID numbers. Immigration from France has surged by more than 30% this year, and according to data from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency, about 2,400 immigrants arrived by the end of July 2026. Since October 7, 2023, more than 8,000 immigrants have arrived from France.

140 new immigrants from France landed in Israel on the families flight, including 80 toddlers, children, and teenagers. During the flight, at an altitude of tens of thousands of feet, the immigrants received immigrant certificates and Israeli ID numbers, making them officially citizens while still in the air. Among the immigrants, three sets of twins stood out, as did the oldest immigrant, Annie, aged 85. Upon landing at Ben Gurion Airport, they were welcomed with a festive ceremony attended by their family members, representatives of authorities, and donors from the Christian Embassy. According to data from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency, about 2,400 immigrants arrived from France by the end of July 2026, an increase of more than 30% compared to the same period last year. The immigration trend has strengthened: in 2023, 1,097 immigrants arrived, in 2024 – 2,234, and in 2025 – 3,357. Since October 7, 2023, more than 8,000 immigrants have arrived from France. Minister Ofir Sofer said it is moving to see young families choosing to immigrate, and Doron Almog described the immigration as a growth engine.