by: Nativia Bühler

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem was recently selected by The Jewish Agency For Israel to be its exclusive partner in the development of “AliyaApp,” a revolutionary digital platform designed to be the primary tool to help new Jewish immigrants navigate every stage of their Aliyah journey to Israel.

Among its features, AliyApp connects prospective olim (newcomers) with volunteer Israeli “guides” who share their language, culture and interests, offering practical advice, social connection, and community support. By providing a human bridge as well as essential services and resources, the new app is designed to ensure that each immigrant feels welcomed, informed and empowered.

The ICEJ and Jewish Agency officially launched this innovative online platform during Israeli Guest Night at the Feast of Tabernacles in October, with an audience of over 1700 Israelis and Christian visitors in attendance.

Since the brutal October 7 terror attacks in 2023, more than 50,000 Jews have moved to Israel – and the numbers are expected to dramatically rise in coming years. The increase is driven in large part by a worrisome spike in global antisemitism. In the United Kingdom, for example, antisemitic incidents rose 204% over the past year, coinciding with a 46% increase in Aliyah from Britain in 2024, especially as younger Jews respond to escalating threats to their safety.

This influx places significant pressure on existing support systems. AliyApp provides a ready-made solution, offering each newcomer a personalised path to integration that helps them make critical decisions on housing, work, schools and community support networks, while also establishing a sense of home.

The AliyApp program functions as a one-stop hub for all new immigrants to Israel. It links them with organisations that offer key services or assistance to new arrivals, as well as volunteer guides who offer informal support on housing, career opportunities, social connections, and cultural adjustment. By connecting these olim with people who share their language, background, and interests, the app provides real, accessible relationships and guidance from those who already understand how it is to live in Israel.

The platform is being rolled out in stages. It began with a soft launch from October to December 2025, engaging 2,000 volunteers and recent immigrants. In 2026, the hope is that it will support 4,000 active users, with an expansion goal to over 8,000 users by 2027.

Danielle Mor, the Jewish Agency’s Vice President for Israel & Global Philanthropy, explained the decision to partner with the Christian Embassy in launching AliyApp, saying: “We appreciate the ICEJ’s strong stance against antisemitism and support for Aliyah as evidenced by our many years of joint projects together. We are excited to bring forward a new vision for Aliyah. This partnership is truly groundbreaking as never before have we at the Jewish Agency partnered exclusively on a project with a Christian organisation.”

“We consider it a great honour for the Christian Embassy to be chosen as JAFI’s exclusive partner in providing the ease and broad services of AliyApp to new Jewish immigrants to Israel”, said Dr. Jürgen Bühler, ICEJ President. “This innovative tool will meet an especially urgent need as the nation prepares to welcome a fresh wave of newcomers from places where Jewish communities no longer feel safe.”

“We look forward to this first stage of the app launch with great anticipation, as it will allow us to see the impact of community support for immigrants who will receive answers to questions in real time”, added Nicole Yoder, ICEJ Vice President of Aid and Aliyah. “Our hope is that every oleh will have not only the practical tools they need, but also a friend and a community ready to welcome them into life in Israel. May AliyApp help more Jewish families not only arrive but thrive in their ancient homeland.”

From its founding in 1980, the ICEJ has placed great emphasis on helping Jewish families return to their ancestral homeland, viewing it as the fulfilment of biblical promises made to Israel long ago. In the decades since, the Christian Embassy has assisted over 190,000 Jews in making Aliyah to Israel, including more than 3,000 in 2025 alone.

At a time when rampant antisemitism is driving Jewish families to seek safety, the launch of AliyApp ensures that no one will make the journey alone. By pairing cutting-edge technology with human connection, the ICEJ and the JAFI are providing a friendly digital framework that can accompany thousands of Jews in reaching stability and belonging in Israel. Its launch during the Feast of Tabernacles is a reminder that the promised Return to Zion is still unfolding, and that with every new arrival, Israel’s future grows stronger.

Please support the ICEJ’s ongoing Aliyah efforts by donating below.