ICEJ Poised to Assist Wave of Jewish Immigration to Israel
By: Howard Flower, ICEJ Aliyah Director
Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, global antisemitism has significantly increased in countries like the United States, France, and South Africa. As a result, the numbers of Jewish people starting the immigration process has also increased—leading to the Jewish Agency for Israel’s request for the ICEJ to assist in sponsoring flights for Jewish immigrants coming from those countries.
Antisemitism in America
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which tracks antisemitism, reported 3,283 antisemitic incidents between October 7 and January 7 in America alone. These incidents included 60 physical assaults, 553 instances of vandalism, and a substantial number of verbal or written harassment cases. College campuses experienced 505 incidents, and there were 246 incidents in K-12 schools. Jewish institutions like synagogues and community centers also reported numerous cases.
These incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the Jewish community in the United States. The ADL has emphasized the unprecedented level of threat facing the American Jewish community and highlighted the need for vigilance and response to these acts of hate. But it has also turned many American Jews’ focus toward immigrating to Israel.
The Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom recently reported on this rise in US antisemitism and how it is reflected in the 4,200 new Aliyah files opened with Nefesh B’Nefesh—a US-based nonprofit organization that promotes and facilitates Jewish immigration to Israel. This is an increase of 120 percent over the same period last year.
Antisemitism in France
There has been a 1,000 percent increase in the number of antisemitic incidents in France according to an article in Israel Hayom. In a country in which the Jewish community is much smaller than the American Jewish population, more than 1,800 antisemitic incidents were reported in 2023, and in early February of this year, Israel Hayom published that since October 7, there has been a 1,000 percent increase in the number of antisemitic incidents. This has led to a 500 percent increase in the number of applicants for Aliyah from France, according to Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. The French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin reported more than 1,500 antisemitic acts in the country from October 7 to January 7. This surge in antisemitic behavior has led to almost 500 arrests, including 102 foreigners apprehended for related offences—and like in America, is reflected in Jewish people wanting to make Aliyah.
Antisemitism in South Africa
In South Africa, which has an even smaller Jewish community, antisemitic incidents have also shown a significant increase since the Hamas-led attack on Israel last October. According to the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), 180 antisemitic incidents were recorded in the country from the start of 2023 to the date of the report, with 110 of these occurring after October 7. This marked a considerable rise compared to the previous year.
These incidents have not only been a source of concern for the Jewish community in South Africa but have also been linked to the broader political and social context within the country. The government’s delay in condemning the October 7 attacks by Hamas and its interactions with groups like Hamas and Fatah have raised concerns about the impact on antisemitic rhetoric and behavior within the country.
The ICEJ has been asked to help with flights—most urgently for Jewish people preparing to make Aliyah from France—but also South African, US, and Russian flights. God is gathering His people from the nations to the Land of Israel, just as He promised, and the ICEJ is poised to support the expected tsunami of Jewish immigrants ready to escape growing global antisemitism and come home.
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Please join with us in rising to the current challenge by supporting the ICEJ’s Aliyah efforts