The EAJC extends its congratulations on Aliyah Day

Today, on the 7th of Cheshvan according to the Hebrew calendar, Israel marks one of its most symbolic dates: Yom HaAliyah. This special day was established by the Knesset in 2016 to recognize the vital role of Aliyah as a cornerstone of the State of Israel.

Yom HaAliyah is symbolically linked to the Torah portion 'Lech Lecha', which recounts the very first Aliyah: the patriarch Abraham’s journey to the Land of Israel at the behest of the Almighty. Millennia later, the journey to Israel remains a challenging choice that demands great resolve. Furthermore, Yom HaAliyah serves to honor the dedication of everyone who chooses to build their life in the historic homeland of the Jewish people.

Over the 76 years of Israel's existence, millions of Jews from all corners of the globe have repatriated here. Every wave of Aliyah, from the early pioneers to contemporary olim, has made an invaluable contribution to building and developing the country. It is precisely due to its immigrants that Israel has become the nation we know today.

EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yakov commented:

"The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) consistently advocates for the support of Aliyah and the integration of new Israeli citizens. In its resolutions and public statements, the organization has repeatedly emphasized that Aliyah is not only a right of every Jew but also a crucial factor in strengthening the Jewish state. The EAJC actively works to facilitate favorable conditions for the integration of Jews from Eurasian countries, helping to sustain the vital bond between the Diaspora and Israel.

The Law of Return, passed by the Knesset in 1950, remains a cornerstone of Israeli statehood. This law guarantees the right of every Jew to immigrate to Israel and obtain citizenship, embodying the fundamental concept of the Jewish state as a home for the entire nation, regardless of where they reside. Notably, at one of our conferences in 2022, the former President of the Supreme Court of Israel, Professor Aharon Barak, emphasized the fundamental significance of the Law of Return for the Jewish state. He noted that due to its profound symbolism, this law should be regarded on par with Israel's Basic Laws, despite originally being enacted as ordinary legislation.

This year, Yom HaAliyah is observed against the backdrop of a grueling two-year war, the outcome of which remains uncertain, lending this day even greater significance. Thousands of new immigrants continue to arrive in Israel despite the hardships. However, we must monitor these trends and work diligently to ensure that the decision to relocate and build a life in Israel becomes increasingly straightforward and appealing."