Aliyah and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer told the JNS conference on Tuesday that Britain’s Jewish community faces a bleak future as antisemitism rises. He tied his remarks to the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and accused British leaders of choosing to condemn Israel rather than confront antisemitism directly.
Sofer said that during visits to London and Manchester he repeatedly heard that “there is no future for Jews in Britain.” In his view, by focusing on criticizing Israel, the British leadership has given encouragement to extremist Islamists, who have become bolder in attacking Jews across the country.
He added that since the October 7 massacre and the broader multi-front war, the bond between many Jews around the world and Israel has grown stronger, and many Jewish communities now see their future in Israel. The minister said his office is working to expand immigration from countries where antisemitism has intensified.
Those countries, he said, include Britain, France, Australia, the United States and South Africa. The ministry is promoting dedicated programs for students, support for families and communities, financial benefits, and efforts to remove bureaucratic obstacles.
