Israel readies itself for influx of Ukrainian Jews

Israel has historically sought an opportunity in every crisis to offer itself as a safe haven for the world’s Jews.

Weeks before the Ukrainian invasion, Israeli officials approached their counterparts in countries bordering Ukraine to secure a land route for Israelis and Jews to leave when the time comes. 

Not many chose this option while the time was still right; even fewer raised the possibility of relocating to Israel. 

Behind the scenes, Israel is preparing for a big wave of immigration from Ukraine, much larger than the 3,000 who arrived last year.

If it materialises it will be handled using a “refugee” category, a status that allows special conditions. 

A senior Israeli source told MEE that the state would offer single Ukrainian Jews escaping the war 6,000 shekels ($1,850), 11,000 per couple ($3,400) and 15,000 per family ($4,600) - sums unseen for aliyah outside of wartime.

Read more on Lily Galili’s report on Israel readying itself for an influx of Ukrainian Jews.

Russia-Ukraine war: Israel readies itself for mass migration of Ukrainian Jews