Are We Seeing Ps. 102:16 Come to Pass in a Greater Way?
The total number of immigrants (olim) to Israel living in Jerusalem within 10 years of their arrival in Israel currently stands at 23,122. This number includes 6,764 immigrants from the USA; 6,169 immigrants from France; and 3,618 immigrants from the former Soviet Union.
According to Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, “One of the city’s challenges is to remain attractive to young people and immigrants. Today, the city absorbs the highest number and percentage of immigrants. In the past five years (2012-2017), 20,547 immigrants arrived in Jerusalem and 6,735 left. Their contribution to the city is huge—13,812 people—representing a quarter of the city’s natural growth. Our upcoming challenges include expanding the Etzion Ulpan to be a magnet for young immigrants, [Ulpan Etzion Jerusalem is Israel’s intensive Hebrew learning program that has served as the model for all ulpanim catering to new immigrants], creating absorption facilities for immigrants to live in, and turning the city into one which receives preferential treatment from the government.”
Absorption Authority Director Pinny Galinkovich noted that most immigrants who speak English, Spanish and Portuguese come to Jerusalem, and most immigrants are young. He also spoke about the various aid programs offered by the city, including cultural programs, educational programs, housing, employment and post-immigration counseling, according to Arutz-7.
“For the Lord shall build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory” (Ps. 102:16).
