In celebration of the Jewish festival of Shavuot, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry announced Monday that, over the past decade, 602 women named Ruth or Naomi have immigrated to Israel, drawing a connection to the biblical story of Ruth the Moabite and her mother-in-law Naomi from the Book of Ruth, where Ruth moved to Israel, and Naomi returned as a resident.
The data shows that 266 women and girls named Ruth and 336 named Naomi made Aliyah in the last ten years. The peak year for women named Ruth was 2021. The top countries from which these women immigrated include France (57), the United Kingdom and the United States (27 each) and Brazil (19).
Among those named Ruth, seven infants under the age of one immigrated with their families in the past decade, while the oldest Ruth made Aliyah in April 2023 at age 97. The largest age group among Ruths is 20-29, with 50 women. Additionally, 14 Ruths work in medical and paramedical professions, one is a musician, 26 are in education and seven are in technology and computing.
The peak year for Naomis making Aliyah was 2015. Notably, 28 Naomis who immigrated were born in Israel, completing a full circle like the biblical Naomi. The top countries of origin for Naomis include France (92), the United States (50), Russia (35) and Brazil (13).
Over the past decade, 12 infants under the age of one named Naomi made Aliyah with their families, while the oldest Naomi immigrated in February this year at age 86. Thirteen Naomis work in medical and paramedical professions, 42 are students, and eight are economists. Since October 7, 21 women named Ruth and Naomi have made Aliyah.
The biblical story of Ruth and Naomi, central to the celebration of Shavuot, begins with Naomi, a Jewish woman who moves to Moab with her family due to famine in Israel. After the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decides to return to Israel. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, pledges her loyalty to Naomi and accompanies her, famously saying, "Where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."
Ruth's dedication and conversion to Judaism symbolize loyalty, faith and the embracing of Jewish faith and people. Upon returning to Israel, Ruth marries Boaz, a relative of Naomi, and they have a son named Obed. Obed becomes the grandfather of King David, establishing Ruth as the great-grandmother of one of the most significant figures in Jewish history.
This story is read during Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, highlighting themes of acceptance, conversion and the continuity of Jewish tradition. Ruth's story underscores the importance of kindness, loyalty and the inclusivity of the Jewish community, linking directly to the lineage of King David, a key figure in Jewish history and prophecy.