Hundreds of workers at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration will receive a pay raise thanks to a new agreement between the Histadrut, the Finance Ministry, the Aliyah Ministry management, and the Aliyah Ministry workers. Eligible workers will receive a salary increase in an amount ranging between 700 and 1,000 shekels, or about $220-$310, each month.
The ministry, the name of which refers to Jewish immigration to Israel, supports tens of thousands of new immigrants each year, helping them access government support and successfully integrate into Israeli society.
“For us, the workers, this is a meaningful moment and genuine recognition of us—those who have been acting for years out of mission and commitment,” Kouki Abutbul, chair of the Aliyah Ministry’s workers union, said. “The agreement ensures appropriate compensation for our important work and strengthens our ability to continue assisting immigrants and returning residents to integrate into Israeli society in an optimal manner. I would like to thank everyone who helped and contributed to reaching this agreement.”
Roy Yaakov, acting chair of the Histadrut, described the agreement as “historic,” especially given the recent increase in aliyah. “It is enough to mention the waves of immigration following the war in Ukraine and the Iron Swords War to understand how important the ministry’s activity is, and how important it is to strengthen and preserve its human capital,” Yaakov said. “The agreement brings a significant salary increase to the dedicated workers, who take care of immigrants and returning residents to the state of Israel. Thanks to everyone who contributed their part to advancing the agreement.”
Ofir Alkalay, chair of the Israel Union of Government Employees, also welcomed the agreement, noting the importance of the Ministry during what he described as “a period of rising antisemitism.”
“This improvement in salary conditions is a sign of honor and appreciation for their important work, as they are the first address for those immigrants,” he said.
The commissioner of wages and labor agreements at the Ministry of Finance, Efi Malkin, said, “This agreement is a continuation of the important work of the minister of aliyah and integration, Ofir Sofer, and the ministry’s director general, Mr. Avichai Kahana, who are working extensively to advance the Ministry of Integration a generation forward, so that the ministry and its employees will provide immigrants to Israel with the best and most professional support framework possible. This wage agreement will enable the ministry to continue the momentum of activity for the benefit of this important goal for many years ahead, for the benefit of the immigrants and thereby of the state.”
Kahana, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration’s director general, described the signing of the agreement as “an expression of deep appreciation toward the ministry’s employees, who carry on their shoulders a daily national mission.”
“Strengthening the workers strengthens the state of Israel’s ability to provide immigrants and returning residents with professional, high-quality, and optimal service, especially during this challenging period. I thank all the partners in the move, first and foremost the minister of aliyah and integration, MK Ofir Sofer, for leadership and advancement of the ministry’s employees and for professional cooperation that made it possible to complete the agreement,” Kahana said.