Antisemitism, France, Macron, Aliyah

Will Macron's support of the Far Left bring 50,000 French Jews to Israel?

French Jews see Macron's support of the far left as a betrayal, and the prospect of Aliyah looks more enticing than ever.

Israel and France (Photo: Shutterstock / ruskpp)

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent political maneuvers have not only reshuffled France's political landscape but may also accelerate Jewish emigration from the country. The prospect of increased aliyah - Jewish immigration to Israel - looms large as French Jews grapple with the implications of Macron's tacit endorsement of far-left parties in the wake of disappointing parliamentary election results.

Ariel Kandel, CEO of an organization facilitating aliyah from France, sees the current political climate as a catalyst for departure. "Whether the far right grows, or the far left, or both, it means life in France is changing for the worse for French Jews," Kandel explains. He predicts a significant uptick in aliyah, citing Jewish Agency projections of around 3,200 French Jews making the move to Israel this year - a threefold increase from 2023.

As reported by the Times of Israel, this potential exodus builds on a trend that has been gathering momentum for a decade. Approximately 50,000 French Jews have already made aliyah in the past ten years, more than double the number from the previous decade. However, Kandel notes that another 50,000 are considering the move but remain hesitant, partly due to France's robust welfare system and high quality of life.

To transform this consideration into action, Kandel suggests that the Israeli government needs to take concrete steps. These include offering to cover a year's rent for new immigrants, streamlining the recognition of academic and professional qualifications, and providing longer school days comparable to those in France. "The steps our government takes to absorb this movement will determine whether it will be a trickle or a flood," Kandel asserts.

As French Jews weigh their options, the outcome of the upcoming second round of parliamentary elections on July 7 could prove decisive – The choice before them: to stay and navigate an increasingly complex political landscape or to seek new beginnings in Israel.

0 Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation, and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

Trump surrounded by pro-Israel Jews

Meet Howard Lutnick - Trump transition leader with a pro-Israel mission

1
| Avi Nachmani | 04.11.24

Chicago, Board of Education, Anti-Semitism

Chicago’s new education board president has a history of antisemitic posts

Avi Nachmani | 30.10.24

UK Jewish Film Festival, Anti-Semitism

UK Jewish Film Festival raises alarm on cultural "erasure" 

Avi Nachmani | 30.10.24

Anti-Zionism, Anti-Semitism, Europe

This city in Europe has anti-Zionist traffic lights

Avi Nachmani | 30.10.24

Chabad in Kyiv

Russian drone strikes Jewish school in Kyiv, Ukraine

Gila Isaacson | 30.10.24

Twitch, Anti-Semitism

Twitch faces accusations of antisemitism on platform 

Avi Nachmani | 28.10.24

UK, Author's Boycott of Israel

Over 400 authors back controversial anti-Israel boycott

Avi Nachmani | 28.10.24

Chicago, Orthodox Jew, Anti-Semitism

Orthodox Jewish man shot in Chicago while walking to synagogue on Shabbat

Avi Nachmani | 28.10.24

Neo-Nazi, UK, Anti-Semitism

Survivor of neo-Nazi group abuse considers leaving UK 

Avi Nachmani | 23.10.24

Sri Lanka, Terror Alert

Urgent alert on terror threat to Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka

Avi Nachmani | 23.10.24

London Metropolitan University, Anti-Semitism

London professor stirs outrage with Sinwar tribute

Avi Nachmani | 22.10.24

Kamala Harris, US Elections 2024, Jewish Vote

US 2024 elections: Harris faces historic low support among Jewish voters

Avi Nachmani | 20.10.24

Columbian University, New York, Shai Davidai

Columbia bans professor Shai Davidai for "harassing" staff over Israel protests

Avi Nachmani | 16.10.24

Paris, Anti-Semitic Attack

"Hey Jew, come here!" - Violent anti-Semitic attack in Paris

1
| Avi Nachmani | 15.10.24
Get JFeed App
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play