Immigration to Israel from Western Europe hits record high

Jewish immigration to Israel from Western Europe has reached an all-time high as a result of a rise in anti-Semitic attacks, the Jewish Agency says.

According to the agency, 9,880 western European Jews immigrated to Israel in 2015 — the highest annual number ever.

The vast majority, close to 8,000, comes from France where a rise in anti-Semitic attacks has shattered the sense of security of the world’s third-largest Jewish population.

Close to 800 Jews emigrate from Britain in this latest exodus. Italy and Belgium are next on the list.

“That a record number of European Jews feel that Europe is no longer their home should alarm European leaders and serve as a wake-up call for all who are concerned about the future of Europe,” says Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky.

“At the same time, the fact that Israel has become the number one destination for European Jews seeking to build a better future elsewhere is a tribute to the appeal of life in Israel and the values the Jewish state represents.”

— AP