French Jewish Community Eyes Aliyah Amid Unrest, Poll Shows
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Amidst riots and fears of escalating tensions in France, a significant portion of the French Jewish community is considering immigrating to Israel. According to Ariel Kandel, CEO of Keli'a, a recent poll indicates that 52% of French Jews wish to leave France. Kandel anticipates a surge in aliyah, potentially reaching 10,000 to 15,000 immigrants annually, up from the current 4,000. The community is preparing for this possibility, with philanthropic groups also showing interest in assisting with absorption efforts.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 52% of French Jews want to leave France and immigrate to Israel, according to a recent poll.
- Ariel Kandel, CEO of Keli'a, anticipates a significant rise in aliyah due to current unrest in France.
- The number of French immigrants to Israel could increase to 10,000-15,000 annually, up from 4,000.
- French Jews fear rising antisemitism and becoming targets amid widespread riots and political uncertainty.
- The community is actively preparing for a potential wave of immigration, with philanthropic aid also being considered.
- Concerns exist about potential future leadership, with some seeing current events as a prelude to Marine Le Pen's presidency.
Widespread riots in France and fears of escalating tensions are increasing the desire among French Jews to immigrate to Israel, according to Ariel Kandel, CEO of Keli'a, the umbrella organization of French olim. Kandel, who previously headed the Jewish Agency's delegation in France, described scenes of burning tires and looting, noting that while the crisis may not encompass all of France, a sense of emergency is palpable within the community. He stated that women are afraid to go out at night in some areas where a curfew has been imposed, and warned that the situation could worsen leading up to the country's elections.
Kandel expressed concern that current events might be a prelude to a potential presidency of far-right representative Marine Le Pen. A significant worry is the reaction of the Muslim population to election results and the possibility of broader protests. He emphasized that while the riots are not necessarily targeting Jews, the community understands it could be affected. Kandel noted that alongside anti-establishment slogans, pro-Palestinian calls are also being heard, fueling fears of rising antisemitism. "You can't say it's not against Jews, it's also against Jews," Kandel stated, adding that French Jews fear becoming targets as the situation deteriorates.
The community is preparing for a potential significant wave of immigration, with Kandel asserting, "I think I already know, I'm no longer thinking, we are no longer in the stages of thinking, we are already in the stages of knowing. We have ready-made plans." Philanthropic organizations are also reportedly interested in assisting with preparations for absorbing new immigrants.
Research conducted in France after the October 7th attacks indicates a strong desire to leave the country. Kandel cited a study by the French research institute Ifop, which found that approximately 52% of French Jews expressed a wish to leave France and immigrate to Israel. He estimated that while around 4,000 French Jews immigrate to Israel annually, the current situation could lead to 10,000 to 15,000 immigrants per year, or possibly more. With approximately half a million Jews living in France, many are now considering aliyah. Kandel added that while Canada, the United States, and Australia were previously considered, these options are now being explored less, with many viewing Israel as the safest destination.
The French Jewish community is closely monitoring political developments in Israel, hoping to understand how the next government will approach immigration from France.
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