Immigration to the North: Tens of Thousands of Immigrants, and a New Center in Haifa

(live here) – The immigration data published ahead of Independence Day 6,000 indicate a significant process of absorbing new immigrants – approximately XNUMX of them in the northern region alone. A thorough examination of the numbers, background, and statements shows that immigration is not just a demographic process, but a social, economic, and even strategic move, especially given the complex security situation and the need to strengthen the periphery.

Haifa as an absorbing city: conscious choice or economic constraint?

The fact that 3,586 of the new immigrants chose to live in the Haifa and Krayot areas is no coincidence. It may be an economic constraint, as housing prices in the central area have skyrocketed. But it may also be a trend of seeking a different quality of life – an area with advanced education, accessible public transportation, and a diverse population. This combination makes Haifa a city that absorbs immigrants not only out of necessity, but out of choice. At the same time, the question arises: is the city really prepared to integrate new communities and provide them with tailored services?

Population dispersion or neglect of the center?

The data indicate a relatively impressive dispersion of immigration – Netanya, Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem are leading, but areas such as the Upper Galilee, the Galilee Landscape and the Valleys are also mentioned. On the one hand, this is a welcome move to encourage settlement outside the borders of Greater Tel Aviv. On the other hand, there is a sense of the lack of a clear and encouraging policy from the Israeli government regarding where to direct the waves of immigration, and how to support the emerging communities in the periphery, including infrastructure, transportation and employment.

Gender and family identity: Absorption that requires a broad infrastructure

The impressive figure of almost equal numbers of women and men among immigrants, and the fact that most of them are young people aged 25–34 or children up to the age of 18, poses a huge challenge to the welfare, education and health systems. It is not just about absorbing individuals, but about bringing in entire communities – children, families and the elderly – who require coordinated services. It is interesting to see that the number of isolated elderly people is not insignificant – 1,250 – and it is worth examining whether there is a supportive urban framework for them in the northern periphery, such as the one that welcomes immigrants in the center.

Human capital in the North: Employment potential that is not always realized

With thousands of immigrants with backgrounds in technology, engineering, medicine, and education, the North is receiving a dose of high-quality human capital. But are there enough places of employment that are able to absorb this capital? Immigrants who have difficulty with professional recognition, due to the fact that they do not have established social networks or in-depth knowledge of the language, will have difficulty integrating even if they have rich experience. Here, not only the city or region is measured – but the entire country. Without a match between the needs on the ground and the integration capabilities, there is a danger that a sense of alienation will replace the spirit of Zionism.

Security crisis – an engine for modern Zionism?

The words of the Minister of Immigration and Absorption, Ofir Sofer, place immigration not only in an economic or demographic context, but almost as a conscious ideological act – a choice to immigrate precisely in a time of war. But is Israel prepared to translate this ideological choice into a proper absorption experience? Are reforms such as recognition of degrees, rental assistance, and programs for students arriving on the ground at the right time and effectively? The challenges are many – but so is the potential.

The Periphery as a National Challenge: Immigrants as a Lever for Growth

When looking at immigration through a northern prism, it is clear that the key to its success is not just in numbers – but in the quality of absorption. If the state knows how to see the periphery and cities like Haifa as an engine of growth and not as marginal areas, and if the new immigrants feel that they have a supportive infrastructure – it is possible that the immigration of 2015 will be remembered not only as a numerical achievement, but as a real turning point.

Kirill Kartnik, Chairman of the Haifa Immigration Absorption Authority and City Council Member:
The city of Haifa has become a magnet for new immigrants in recent years. In 2024 alone, more immigrants immigrated to Haifa than all the cities between Hadera and Kiryat Shmona combined – a figure that indicates the city’s growing attractiveness.

The mayor maintains close and ongoing contact with the Minister of Immigration and Absorption, with the aim of deepening cooperation between the Haifa Municipality and the Ministry of Absorption - and this cooperation is already bearing real fruit on the ground.

Most of the immigrants coming to Haifa are from the former Soviet Union – young people of working age, many of them academics, high-tech professionals and professionals. The city’s educational institutions – schools and kindergartens – have been filled with immigrant children, which is an encouraging sign of successful absorption and shared life in the city.

In accordance with the policy I outlined, we are investing focused efforts in young immigrants – especially in the areas of education and employment – ​​to ensure they have a solid starting point for life in Israel.

In addition, we are also working to absorb immigrants as part of a community immigration from English- and Spanish-speaking countries. For example, last summer, a core group of 20 young families from South America immigrated, 10 of whom are families of doctors – a welcome addition to Haifa and its healthcare system.