France's Economy Drives Jewish Migration Surge

The Aliyah and Integration Ministry is bracing for potential French capital controls that could block immigrants from transferring their savings to Israel. Dganit Sankar-Langa, the ministry's director-general, told Walla on Monday that the agency is preparing for a post-election government decision in France. Such a move would make it harder for Jews to move their funds out of the country.

The financial instability in France is now a primary driver of immigration, rivaling antisemitism in its influence. Sankar-Langa noted that France's debt-to-GDP ratio is among the highest in the OECD. The ministry is responding by offering tax, pension, and financial guidance to prospective immigrants.

Immigration numbers have risen sharply. Approximately 3,400 Jews moved to Israel from France in 2025. More than 4,000 have already arrived in 2026. This represents a nearly 50% increase over the same period last year. For comparison, North America, with a Jewish population of nearly eight million, is expected to send only about 4,000 immigrants this year. France's Jewish population stands at approximately 440,000.

Prospective immigrants show a new level of certainty. Sankar-Langa said she has seen people arriving at fairs with firm plans to move in the summer of 2027. They ask specific questions about school placements rather than general possibilities. This urgency contrasts with previous years when inquiries were often tentative.

Roni, a 75-year-old French-Israeli who has lived in Paris since 1975, describes a change in daily life. He said speaking Hebrew in public or mentioning Israeli roots has become a source of friction. He and his wife now keep their mezuzah on the inside of their door frame. Many Jews in their social circle avoid wearing a kippah in public, even on the High Holidays.

Political polarization in France adds to the pressure. Roni noted that Jews feel squeezed between the nationalist right and the radical left. His generation, which built successful careers in France, is now reconsidering their long-term plans. Younger Jews in their 30s and 40s are particularly focused on securing a future for their children.

The government is actively recruiting French professionals before they arrive. For the first time, representatives from major Israeli firms attended aliyah fairs in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. These companies included Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and the National Artificial Intelligence Headquarters. They met with about 200 prospective immigrants and identified more than 50 as suitable for open positions.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has instructed officials to create a dedicated plan to facilitate this migration. Minister Ofir Sofer said the ministry is preparing to absorb thousands more arrivals. The goal is to ensure successful integration and retention. Sankar-Langa described the ministry's role as the human resources department of the state, aimed at filling shortages in engineering, medicine, and technology.