The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused a significant exodus of Jews from the region. According to the Israeli government, since February 2021, a total of
41,813 people have left Russia, 13,490 left Ukraine, and 1,990 immigrated from Belarus to Israel. The majority of these individuals are Jewish, seeking refuge from the war-torn region.
Of the total number of immigrants, however, 32% are not currently residing in Israel. In addition, 138,231 people from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus entered the country under a different status than immigrants, with the large majority (90,221) coming from Russia. However, currently, 77% of this non-immigrant group has left Israel already.
The number of Jewish immigrants from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus has doubled compared to the pre-war year of 2021, according to Dagen. Veronika Melnyk and her family are among those who have left Ukraine for Israel. In an interview with Dagen, she explains that Israel had not been in her thoughts before the war, but now she sees her future there. Melnyk and her family fled Kyiv at the beginning of March when missiles nearly hit their home. They now live in Rishon Lezion, close to Tel Aviv.
Despite the daily air raid sirens in Israel, Melnyk feels safer in Israel than in Ukraine. She explains that Israel has shelters and people know what to do during an attack. She feels confident and safe in her new home.
In response to the conflict, Israel launched "Operation Homecoming," which includes 18 aid centers for refugees in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Israel is welcoming Jewish refugees with financial support, housing allowances, health care, and language courses to help them adapt to their new home.
However, Israel has been criticized for not being as welcoming to non-Jewish immigrants. While the state is providing support and assistance to Jewish refugees, non-Jewish immigrants may not receive the same level of support. Despite this criticism, Israel remains a safe haven for Jewish individuals fleeing the conflict in Russia and Ukraine. Photo by ERIC SALARD from PARIS, FRANCE, Wikimedia comons.