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French Jews make aliyah amid possible war
French Aliyah / ICEJ Reports / Israel in Crisis

ICEJ Funds Flights for French Jews Making Aliyah Despite Conflict

By Marelinke van der Riet, ICEJ Publications Assistant

Despite the multifront conflict surrounding Israel at present, French Jews and their families are still immigrating to their ancient homeland, with some 70 French Jews arriving in Israel in late August alone on Aliyah flights sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.

In the wake of the recent startling electoral shift in France, where leftist parties with a history of antisemitic rhetoric gained unexpected ground, the Jewish community in France finds itself increasingly unsettled. This climate of uncertainty has prompted many French Jews to make a pivotal decision—to make Aliyah to Israel. In response, the ICEJ has stepped forward to sponsor more Aliyah flights from France at this critical time.

Over the past month, the ICEJ sponsored life-changing flights for two groups of French Jews making their way to their ancestral homeland. The first flight, which arrived on August 15, brought 39 Olim (new immigrants), comprising 12 households, many of which included large families with up to 6 children. Aside from one family from Strasbourg, the rest were from Paris, with new homes awaiting them in Jerusalem, Netanya, and various other cities across Israel.

A French-Jewish family prepares for departure to Israel, August 15, 2024

One family member succinctly captured the collective sentiment, saying: “We are Zionists. We belong in the land of Israel. It is time to come home.”

A second flight arrived shortly after, further demonstrating the urgency driving this movement. This latest group, a blend of 14 households, included both retirees and young adults, as well as families with small children. Their new destinations include Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, reflecting the diverse hopes and needs of these new Olim.

One parent conveyed their heartfelt motivation for making this significant move, explaining: “We are doing this for our children.”

With these recent arrivals, the ICEJ has now assisted more than 187,000 Jewish people in their journey home to Israel. Since last October 7 alone, more than 24,000 Jews from across the globe have taken the courageous step of making Aliyah. The surge in applications from France is particularly striking, as over 7,000 new Aliyah requests have been filed in 2024, a staggering increase from just 1,200 the previous year. Studies show that approximately 38 percent of French Jews are now considering making aliyah—around 200,000 people.

A French-Jewish family prepares for departure to Israel, August 15, 2024

These numbers are more than just statistics; they reflect tough decisions Jewish families are making to ensure a safer future and their hopes that Israel will provide stability and security amid global uncertainty. Even amid a seven-front war, Israel remains a refuge for Jews facing rampant antisemitism worldwide, in some cases reminiscent of pre-Holocaust conditions. From a broader perspective, we see God’s hand in this divinely orchestrated ingathering of the Jewish people.

The Aliyah efforts of the Christian Embassy are making a crucial difference for many Jewish families during their time of heightened concern and need for assistance. You can be part of this significant prophetic moment. Your support for the ICEJ ensures that this critical mission continues, enabling more families to embark on their journey to Israel and to find safety and a new beginning there. Donate today at: www.icejuse.org/aliyah

Make a generous and compassionate gift today to help more French Jews make Aliyah to Israel.

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