Israel’s News Blog Magazine: Daily Stories Video and PhotosIsrael’s multicultural society has always been highlighted by ‘waves’ of Jewish immigration from various corners of the world. Most recently these new immigrants, or Olim, have been arriving from countries such as Argentina, North America, the U.K. and especially from France. France, which is still known for having the largest number of Jews on ‘The Continent’, has recently seen a sharp increase in acts of Anti-Semitism against French Jewish citizens all over the country, most particularly in cities such as Lyon, Marseilles, Toulouse, and even in the capital, Paris. A large Muslim population, together with an increase in anti-Semitic activities by right-winged groups like the National Front, has been more than enough of a warning to encourage Jews, especially younger ones, to seek safer havens elsewhere.
And in more and more instances, that ‘elsewhere’ is Israel. In the midst of Israel’s recent conflict in Lebanon and Palestinian controlled areas, two full El-Al jumbo jets with more than 700 French Olim arrived in one day at Ben Gurion Airport in July, 2006. Israel Prime Minister Olmert and many other government dignitaries were on hand to welcome these Olim, many of whom were either young singles or families who left the higher Euro-based incomes and relative comfort of their native land for a new life with their Jewish brethren. “This is the Jewish answer to both Hamas and Hezbollah” Jewish Agency Chairman Zeev Bielski said at a special ceremony at the airport. “The basic weapon we have is the Jewish People, people who love Israel” Prime Minister Olmert continued.
For years, French Jews have purchased “second homes” in many Israeli cites, including Bat Yam, Netanya, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and more recently in the upscale community of Raanana, near Tel Aviv. In many sea-side communities, particularly Netanya, the arrival of “Ha-Tzarfatim” (the French) was an annual summer event in July and August, when French cities like Paris become emptied of many of their citizens away on holiday. The freedom they experienced in Israel, allowing them to wear skull caps and various Jewish symbols usually not advisable in their home communities, was enough in itself to convince many of them to turn those few weeks in the summer into a permanent residential move. The situation in France has reached a point where many French Jews do not even put Mezuzot on the outside of their residences.
The anti-government riots, occurring all over France in 2005, was one of the big decision makers, as most of the rioters were Muslims from North Africa. In July of 2005, a large group of French Olim arrived, and this year, the tide is even bigger. Many older French Jews are still hesitant to leave as benefits they receive from the French government, as well as restrictions on funds they can transfer out of France makes many of them want to stay on – at least for a while. Learning Hebrew and finding suitable employment are also two major hurdles that the new Olim have to overcome in Israel.
“We know there is a big problem with Arabs in Israel, as there is in France; but at least in Israel we are with our own people” a new arrival was heard saying.
Read the adventures of OlehGirl who made Aliya in 2005.
5 Comments
Zionism is a disease that must be crushed by force.
End Zionism now!
My Dear Nathan,
If you are indeed Jewish and have the outright nerve
to post what you just did, I really pity you. Jews all
over the world are only safe if there is a strong Israel.
Do not ever think that governments of any country in
the Diaspora have the interests of their Jewish
residents in mind. Those Jews who thought this, in 1938-
39, found out differently (on their way to the ’showers’)
Even America was not s completely safe haven as may
Jewish refugees found out when trying to gain entrance.
So, all so-called anti-Zionist Jews had better tune in
to this before it’s too late! This is especially so in
the U.K. and all over Europe. As for America; nothing
lasts forever, and this is especially so concering being
Jewish there.
Wake up, Man!
Insightful read into your Jewish state. Not all Arabs/Muslims are against Jews or their state. There are many half Jewish/Muslims out there who have lived harmoniously in whatever culture of many parts of the world.
Did you know that Iran has the largest concentration of Jews outside Israel? And they live peacefully with the majority Shia Muslim sect and other minority groups although this is rarely portrayed in the media.
Thank you. If you are interested, come and learn more about how Muslims/Arabs and non-Muslims who live in Muslim countries view Islam. You might be surprised because not all Muslims are united nor defend their religion. Their are cracks and holes that abound.
Gee Nathan must be posting everywhere I got the same post. Did you see the picture on his profile,,,,ewww!
Even more important than poor nathan who sits by his computer wearing Pajamas all day.. the original post was WONDEFUL..very hear warming
Thank you!
I made Aliya from France 2 years ago.
I had good times in Israel and less good times, but I know it was the right decision to come here.
I will be happy to answer any questions from people who think of doing it and give my advise to them.
Having relatives in Israel already is a big asset.
In case someone wants to find new relatives and stay in touch with the old ones, I can recommend the Israeli website http://www.jworld.famillion.com
Famillion is a worldwide family project connecting people across the globe, transcending borders and languages. you simply build your family tree and the system matches it with related trees and that way you connect to new or old relatives and make your family tree grow. you can also upload pictures and exchange family stories.
It s a great tool to find relatives and stay in touch with them.
So, guys, let s get all connected!!!
looking forward to receiving your comments…
Stay in touch,
Deborah
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