Israel recruits French workers before 4,000 migrants arrive

The Israeli government is preparing to match French immigrants with local employment before they board planes for the country.

Aliyah and Integration Ministry director-general Dganit Sankar-Langa said on Monday that officials are preparing for scenarios where political instability in France restricts capital transfers. She explained that post-election decisions could make it harder for French Jews to move their savings to Israel. This financial risk is being weighed against the economic crisis in France, which officials say is driving immigration interest alongside antisemitism.

Arrivals from France have risen sharply. Approximately 3,400 Jews immigrated from France in 2025. More than 4,000 have already arrived in 2026, a nearly 50 percent increase over the same period last year. For comparison, North America is projected to send only about 4,000 immigrants this year, despite having a Jewish population of nearly eight million. France currently has a Jewish population of roughly 440,000.

Recent aliyah fairs in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon demonstrated strong momentum. Over 600 households attended the Paris event, representing about 2,000 individuals. Ministry data shows that 90 percent of attendees want to immigrate immediately or by 2027. Sankar-Langa noted that many attendees arrived with clear timelines and specific questions about schooling, rather than tentative inquiries.

Personal accounts describe a shifting social climate in France. Roni, a 75-year-old Paris resident since 1975, said speaking Hebrew is now often met with negativity instead of pride. He observed that many Jews are avoiding kippahs even on Yom Kippur. Younger Jews in their 30s and 40s are reevaluating their futures despite successful careers in high-tech. Political polarization between the nationalist right and radical left has led many business owners to question their families' long-term stability.

To address integration, the ministry brought representatives from Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot to the Paris fair. These companies met with approximately 200 prospective immigrants and identified over 50 as suitable for available positions. Advanced interviews were conducted with some candidates the day after the fair.

New immigrant communities are forming in cities beyond traditional hubs like Netanya, Tel Aviv, and Ashdod. Clusters have emerged in Nahariya, Afula, Hadera, and the Neve Sha’anan neighborhood of Haifa. In Or Akiva, approximately 200 immigrants from France have settled in recent years. These groups provide social networks that help newcomers preserve their cultural heritage while navigating the local environment.

Obstacles remain, including Israel's high cost of living and housing prices. Many French Jews live in subsidized housing, making the move financially demanding. The ministry is working to remove bureaucratic barriers and provide tax and pension advice. Officials distinguish this planned integration from the emergency response seen during the Russia-Ukraine war. Prime Minister has instructed officials to formulate a dedicated government plan to support this immigration. Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer stated that immigration from France is at its highest level in years. Sankar-Langa added that the ministry aims to fill shortages in engineering, medicine, education, and artificial intelligence.