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Sydney Family Becomes Israel's First 2026 Immigrants Amid Western Aliyah Surge

The Sachs family from Sydney was officially welcomed as Israel's first immigrants of 2026, with their son having already moved and enlisted in the IDF. Their arrival highlights a broader trend where immigration from Western nations like the US, UK, and France is increasing. This shift comes as immigration from Russia and Ukraine has sharply declined, a change officials link to rising antisemitism in the West. Israel's population now exceeds 10.1 million, with nearly 22,000 people having moved there in 2025.

Key Points: First 2026 Immigrants to Israel Arrive from Australia

  • First immigrants of 2026 from Australia
  • Son already serving in IDF
  • Western aliyah up, Eastern European down
  • 2025 saw nearly 22,000 new immigrants
2 min read

Israel's first Immigrants of 2026 from Australia amid shifts in Jewish migration

The Sachs family from Sydney became Israel's first 2026 immigrants as data shows a major shift, with Western immigration rising while numbers from Eastern Europe fall.

"The Sachs family's choice to immigrate to Israel, especially when their son is serving in the IDF, is gratifying and encouraging. - Minister Ofir Sofer"

Tel Aviv, January 2

The Sachs family from Sydney, Australia -- father Trevor, mother Dalit, and daughter Ashira -- became Israel's first immigrants in 2026 after arriving at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday as trends point to rising Jewish immigration from Western countries.

On landing, the three were greeted by Minister of Immigration and Absorption Ofir Sofer, received Israeli ID cards, and officially began their new life in the country. The family's son, Levi Sachs, had already immigrated ahead of them and enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces.

"The Sachs family's choice to immigrate to Israel, especially when their son is serving in the IDF, is gratifying and encouraging. We are working for the aliyah [immigration] of Australian Jews to Israel and have already taken and will continue to take significant steps to that end," Sofer said.

The arrival of the Sachs family adds to the nearly 22,000 immigrants who moved to Israel in 2025.

According to Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), approximately 21,900 people moved to Israel last year, representing only about one-third of the previous year's total.

Signaling a shift in the global pattern of Jewish migration, Russian and Ukrainian immigration fell by half, while arrivals from the United States, United Kingdom, and France increased. Overall, North American aliyah rose by 13 percent, and French immigration jumped 45 per cent, the CBS reported.

The change is generally attributed to rising Western antisemitism.

"The changing composition of new immigrants shows how Israel continues to attract Jews from around the world," a ministry spokesperson said.

As of December 31, 2025, Israel's population stood at 10,178,000.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A family moving together for a better future is something we Indians understand very well. Wishing the Sachs family all the best in their new home. 🙏 Hope they find peace and prosperity.
A
Aman W
The article mentions rising antisemitism in the West as a key driver. This is a sad reality of our times. No community should feel unsafe in their own country. Safety and belonging are fundamental needs.
S
Sarah B
From an Indian perspective, we have our own complex history with migration and diaspora. It's fascinating to see another nation actively encouraging the return of its people. The 45% jump from France is particularly striking.
V
Vikram M
While I respect their right to migrate, the article feels like a promotional piece. It only shows one side. What about the challenges immigrants face settling in? And the son already in the IDF... it frames the narrative very specifically. A more balanced report would be better.
K
Kavya N
10 million+ population! For a country that size, that's quite dense. Makes our Indian cities look even more crowded by comparison! Jokes aside, managing resources and integration for new arrivals is always a big task for any nation.

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