What's Happening?
An Australian family from Sydney has become the first group of olim, or Jewish immigrants, to arrive in Israel in 2026. The family, consisting of father Trevor, mother Dalit, and daughter Ashira, landed at Ben-Gurion Airport on January 1. Their son, Levi
Zaks, had previously immigrated to Israel and is currently serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This event marks the beginning of a new year of aliyah, the process of Jewish immigration to Israel, which is a significant aspect of Israeli national policy and cultural identity.
Why It's Important?
The arrival of the first olim of 2026 underscores the ongoing significance of aliyah in Israeli society and its role in shaping the demographic and cultural landscape of the country. For Israel, encouraging Jewish immigration is a strategic priority that supports national growth and cultural continuity. The integration of new immigrants can have wide-ranging impacts on the economy, education, and social services. For the families involved, aliyah represents a major life change, offering new opportunities and challenges as they adapt to a different cultural and social environment.
