Sankar-Langa Warns of French Capital Controls as 4,000 Jews Arrive

Israel's Aliyah and Integration Ministry is preparing for the possibility that new French capital controls will restrict the movement of savings from Europe to Israel. Dganit Sankar-Langa, the ministry's director-general, stated on Monday that officials are modeling scenarios where post-election decisions in France make it difficult for Jewish residents to transfer assets. She noted that the government is weighing these potential financial hurdles against the economic crisis currently gripping France, which officials cite as a primary driver for immigration alongside rising antisemitism.

The urgency of this planning is reflected in a sharp increase in arrivals. Approximately 3,400 Jews immigrated from France in 2025, but more than 4,000 have already arrived in 2026. This marks a nearly 50 percent increase compared to the same period last year. For comparison, North America, which hosts nearly eight million Jews, is projected to send only about 4,000 immigrants this year. France currently has a Jewish population of roughly 440,000.

Recent aliyah fairs in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon demonstrate the momentum behind this migration. Over 600 households, representing about 2,000 individuals, attended the Paris event this month. Ministry data shows that approximately 90 percent of attendees expressed a desire to immigrate immediately or by 2027. Sankar-Langa described the determination of these prospective immigrants as unprecedented, noting that many arrived with specific timelines and logistical questions rather than tentative inquiries.

Personal accounts from the community illustrate the shifting social climate in France. Roni, a 75-year-old Paris resident, said that identifying as Jewish, such as speaking Hebrew or mentioning Israeli military service, is now often met with negativity. He observed that many Jews are becoming more cautious in public, with some avoiding kippahs even on holidays like Yom Kippur. This unease is particularly strong among younger Jews in their 30s and 40s, who are reevaluating their futures despite successful careers in high-tech sectors.

Political polarization in France further complicates the situation. Community members feel caught between the nationalist right and the radical left, both of which hold strong opinions regarding Israel. This tension has led business owners and professionals to question where their families' future lies. Roni and his wife have purchased an apartment in Herzliya and visit Israel frequently, though his wife remains concerned about security. Roni reports hearing French spoken frequently in local shops and cafes, indicating a growing French presence in the city.

To address logistical and economic challenges, the ministry has taken steps to facilitate integration before arrivals land. For the first time, representatives from major Israeli companies, including Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot, participated in the Paris fair. The goal was to begin recruitment prior to immigration. Representatives met with approximately 200 prospective immigrants, identifying over 50 as suitable for available positions, with advanced interviews conducted the following day.

New immigrant communities are forming in various Israeli cities. While Netanya, Tel Aviv, and Ashdod remain primary destinations, new clusters have emerged in Nahariya, Afula, Hadera, and the Neve Sha'anan neighborhood of Haifa. In Or Akiva, approximately 200 immigrants from France have settled in recent years. These communities provide social networks that help newcomers integrate while preserving their cultural and linguistic heritage.

Obstacles remain despite the high volume of immigration. Israel's high cost of living and housing prices present financial hurdles, particularly for French Jews residing in subsidized housing. The ministry is working to remove bureaucratic barriers and provide tax and pension advice to ease the transition. Officials distinguish this preparation from the emergency response during the Russia-Ukraine war, noting that the current focus is on planned, large-scale integration rather than immediate emergency absorption.

Prime Minister has instructed officials to formulate a dedicated government plan to support this immigration. Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer stated that immigration from France is at its highest level in years. He emphasized that bringing major companies to France is based on the understanding that quality employment is key to successful integration. Sankar-Langa added that the ministry views itself as a human resources department for the state, aiming to fill shortages in engineering, medicine, education, and artificial intelligence.