Volvieron del Sur (VdS) supports Jewish people in Central and South America and the Caribbean to return to Israel.
Aliyah (ascent in Hebrew) is an important Jewish cultural concept denoting the Jewish people’s return to Israel – a return that has been foretold many times.
Why do people leave their countries of origin and set out for a land they now call their own – after nearly 2000 years of diaspora? Their reasons for moving to this new homeland are as varied as their life stories.
What does risking this new beginning mean for people?
Mia Argentina*
«I made Aliyah because I believe my present and my future are to be found in Israel.»
Escoto family Colombia*
«As a young Orthodox family, our greatest desire was for our children to grow up in Israel, our homeland. We wanted them to have the opportunity to be more naturally immersed in our traditions.»
Dafna mother of 3 children, Chile*
«The multi-culture aspect of this land is impressive, and you receive assistance according to your individual circumstances (as set out in the Law of Return).»
* All names and pictures changed by editor.
ABOUT US
Aliyah – back to the beginning
Since 2003, Volvieron del Sur has been offering assistance to the Jewish people from Central and South America and the Caribbean. Our help goes beyond simply providing practical and financial aid for travel and preparations. We are committed to offering holistic support, care and encouragement for the entire duration of the process of moving to and settling down in Israel.
Do you or people you know want to learn more?
Volvieron del Sur (VdS) would be happy to share our knowledge and experience with you! Members of our team can visit your school, center of learning, congregation or other interested group. We are able to give you up-to-date information on the current situation in Israel, South America and the Caribbean, as well as share important historical, cultural and religious insights and background information. VdS collaborates with both Jewish and non-Jewish organizations.
Interested in hosting a seminar or workshop?
Be a part of the vision!
Get involved.
In addition to our Aliyah work, VdS also supports individual projects. Examples include: The urbanization of the Negev in Israel, initiating spontaneous aid projects in the Spanish-speaking homelands (following hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.) or assisting Jewish and evangelical congregations at a local level.
CURRENT FACTS
PRESENT POPULATION
9,795,000 people
7,3 million - Jews
(78.6%)
2,095,000 million - Arabs
(21.4%)
(Oct 2024)
Projected population in 2048: 15,200,000 (centenary of foundation of Israel).
JERUSALEM
Jerusalem's population reaches one million residents. The city had surpassed a population of one million residents.
Over 2,000 archaeological sites.
(In Israel, there are some 30,000 sites of antiquity, the vast majority of which have never been excavated.)
Over 60 museums can be visited in Jerusalem.
30 annual festivals.
Jerusalem is the most diverse, and multifaceted city in Israel.
A fully walled city.
The walls are roughly 2.5 miles long, 40 feet tall, and 8 feet thick. There are 34 watchtowers along the walls.
WELFARE / POVERTY
February 2026:
One million people, including about 880,000 children, live in Israel below the poverty line.
This amounts to about 20% of the total population and 28.0% of children.
In international comparison, the poverty situation of children in Israel is very severe: Israel ranks highest among the developed countries (OECD), second only to Costa Rica
Stand with
Shoah Survivors in Israel
113,000 Holocaust Survivors live in Israel today. 1 in 3 live under the poverty line.
15,000 distress calls have been made by Holocaust Survivors to mental health hotlines since October 7th dealing with renewed trauma, fear, and loss.
36% of Survivors report feeling isolated and unable to access basic needs like food and medicine.
ALIYAH
In 2026 Israel expects a significant rise in Aliyah, targeting 30,000+ new immigrants with a focus on Western nations, following
a 138% increase from Europe and rising numbers from North America.
While 2025 saw 21,900 immigrants overall, 2026 is seeing increased efforts to support South American Olim, particularly from Argentina.
Sources: Central Bureau of Statistics of the State of Israel, Jewish Agency for Israel, Israeli Missions around the world, National Insurance Institute, USK Israel
NETWORK
SWITZERLAND:
IWS – Israelwerke Switzerland WEB
KKL Switzerland WEB
Midbar Switzerland WEB
Marsch des Lebens für Israel WEB
GRA Foundation against racism and antisemitism WEB
ISRAEL:
Jewish Agency for Israel WEB
KKL Israel WEB
Hatzad Hasheni, La Cara de la Verdad WEB
Ebenezer Operation Exodus, Jerusalem WEB
Ebenezer Haifa, House for Olim WEB
COLOMBIA:
CCJC Confederación de Comunidades Judías de Colombia WEB
Fundación Kehilat Yovel WEB
KKL Colombia FACEBOOK
Marcha de La Vida, Colombia FACEBOOK
GERMANY:
Marsch des Lebens WEB
March of the Nations WEB
USA:
ADL Anti Deformation League WEB
Combat Anti-Semitism: WEB
Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem WEB
Eagles Wings Ministry WEB