How Russian-speaking repatriation to Israel has changed – statistics

The article analyzes changes in Russian-speaking repatriation to Israel over the past five years. In 2022, amid the geopolitical crisis, the flow of repatriates surged to 74,700 people, a record in two decades. However, by 2025–2026, aliyah rates declined due to stabilization and administrative barriers. Some new citizens left the country because of the high cost of living and language barriers, but those who remained, especially young people, integrated into society.

The Kursor article analyzes the dynamics of Russian-speaking repatriation to Israel over the past five years. In 2021, the country accepted about 25,500 repatriates. In 2022, amid the geopolitical crisis, the flow surged to 74,700 people, a record in two decades. The majority came from Russia and Ukraine. However, by 2025–2026, aliyah rates significantly declined due to stabilization and administrative barriers. Concurrently, the share of arrivals from Western countries—the US, France, Canada, and the UK—increased. The article also describes the sociocultural features of the new wave, including the phenomenon of "pumpkin aliyah" and debates between old-timers and newcomers. High living costs, expensive rent, and language barriers led some repatriates to leave the country, using Israel as a transit point. However, those who stayed, especially young people who joined the army and the high-tech sector, became an organic part of society.