French Jewish Immigration to Israel Driven by Insecurity, Says MK Yossi Taieb
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Shas MK Yossi Taieb stated that insecurity and antisemitism are now the main reasons French Jews immigrate to Israel, replacing traditional Zionist motivations. He cited recent events in France and his personal connection to the 2012 Toulouse attacks as fueling his advocacy for aliyah. Taieb also called for concrete French actions to protect its Jewish community and emphasized the need for well-prepared immigration and integration support in Israel. He believes French Jews can enrich Israeli society by fostering coexistence.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shas MK Yossi Taieb says insecurity, not Zionism, now drives French Jewish immigration to Israel.
- Taieb cited recent French events and the 2012 Toulouse attacks as reasons for increased aliyah.
- He urged French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot for concrete actions to protect French Jews.
- Taieb called for prepared aliyah and better integration support for French immigrants in Israel.
- He believes French Jews can enrich Israeli society by bridging religious and secular divides.
The primary drivers for French Jews immigrating to Israel have shifted from traditional Zionism to a growing sense of insecurity and rising antisemitism, according to Yossi Taieb, a Member of Knesset for the Shas party. In an interview with i24NEWS, Taieb stated that while previously people were drawn to Israel by love for the country and Zionist ideals, they are now being pushed to immigrate due to a lack of security.
Taieb expressed anger and concern following recent violent incidents in France, including a protest where a young man wore a jersey referencing Mohammed Merah, the perpetrator of the 2012 Toulouse and Montauban attacks. Taieb has a personal connection to the Toulouse attacks, having worked at the Ozar Hatorah school between 2006 and 2008, where four people were murdered in March 2012. He recalled knowing one of the victims, Myriam Monsonego, and stated that these events fuel his ambition to encourage French Jews to make aliyah.
He cautioned against viewing aliyah as an escape, emphasizing instead the difficult questions French Jewish families face regarding their future and safety in France, particularly concerning religious observance. Taieb reported discussing these concerns with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot during his visit to Israel for the October 7th commemorations, urging concrete actions beyond mere words of support.
Beyond encouraging immigration, Taieb stressed the need for robust support structures to help French immigrants integrate successfully into Israeli society. He mentioned plans for preparatory schools for young French immigrants aiming to join the IDF while maintaining their religious identity. Taieb advised that aliyah should be a well-prepared decision, not a panicked reaction.
Taieb also sees French Jewish immigrants as a valuable asset to Israeli society, capable of bridging divides due to their community culture, which fosters coexistence between religious and secular individuals. He concluded by stating, "We are not the same, we do not think the same, but we are one people."
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