Antisemitism in Europe drives Jews to seek safety in Israel despite Gaza war
Ashdod, southern Israel — The rise of antisemitism across Europe has led many Jewish families to seek refuge in Israel, even as the country remains embroiled in a war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This trend has been particularly noticeable in France, which has the largest Jewish population in Europe. The far-right National Rally Party, led by Marine Le Pen, has gained significant traction, exacerbating fears among Jewish communities. Le Pen’s party has a long history of racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia, and recent events have only heightened these concerns.
The situation has been further inflamed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Harrowing images from Gaza have sparked outrage and, in some cases, antisemitic incidents. In London, some individuals even celebrated on the streets following a deadly attack by Hamas militants on Israel. This attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, has led to a significant increase in antisemitic incidents across Europe. In Germany, these incidents nearly doubled, while in the U.K., they more than doubled. In France, the number of antisemitic incidents nearly quadrupled.
These alarming trends have prompted some Jewish families to move to Israel, seeking safety despite the ongoing conflict. Requests from French Jews to relocate to Israel have surged by 430% since October. Among those who have already made the move is Sarah Zohar and her family. They left their comfortable life in France after her children were attacked while walking to sports practice. They now reside in Ashdod, a city in southern Israel located just 15 miles from the Gaza Strip.
“I feel safer here,” Zohar told CBS News, though she acknowledged the transition has not been easy for her family. Her 12-year-old son initially resisted the move, fearing for his safety. “I told him: ‘You have nothing to be afraid. We have an army to defend us,'” Zohar said.
Back in Paris, Rabbi Tom Cohen noted that the current wave of antisemitism has evoked memories of World War II for many Jews. “It feels like we didn’t get past it, and it is still here — it just has changed form, like many viruses change and mutate,” he said.
CBS News also met Guila and Eitan Elbazis, who recently moved to Ashdod from London. They showed off their new home, which includes a bomb shelter room. “Hopefully, please, God, there won’t be any rockets, but as you can see, this door is bulletproof, and it locks up,” Giulia said. The couple decided they would rather face the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah than the antisemitism they experienced in London. “I think there’s a general sense of fear and anxiety and lack of comfort in London,” Eitan said. Giulia added, “Like I have to hide who I am to be safe.”
Despite the ongoing conflict, the Elbazis feel safer in Israel. “We have institutions here to defend us,” Eitan said. Giulia emphasized that while Israel is a country at war, “this is home,” and they no longer have to hide their identity.
The rise in antisemitism in Europe has not only affected France and the U.K. but has also been felt across the continent. Massive pro-Palestinian rallies have been held in major cities, further heightening tensions. The situation has become so dire that some Jewish families feel they have no choice but to move to Israel, despite the risks.
In Israel, the government has been working to accommodate the influx of new arrivals. The Jewish Agency for Israel, which handles immigration, has reported a significant increase in requests for relocation. Many of these new immigrants are moving to areas close to the Gaza Strip, where the threat of rocket attacks is a constant concern.
The decision to move to Israel is not taken lightly. For many, it means leaving behind a life they have built over many years. However, the increasing antisemitism in Europe has made it clear that staying is not a viable option for some. The move to Israel, despite the ongoing conflict, offers a sense of safety and belonging that they no longer feel in their home countries.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, the situation remains precarious. The Israeli government has vowed to protect its citizens, and the military is on high alert. For the new arrivals, the hope is that they can build a new life in Israel, free from the fear and hatred they experienced in Europe.
The rise of antisemitism in Europe is a stark reminder of the challenges that Jewish communities continue to face. While the move to Israel offers a sense of safety, it also underscores the need for continued vigilance and action to combat antisemitism worldwide. The experiences of families like the Zohars and the Elbazis highlight the difficult choices that many Jews are being forced to make in the face of rising hatred and violence.
Source: CBS News
