By Howard Flower, ICEJ Aliyah Director

In recent years, France has emerged as a significant source of new immigrants to Israel, driven partly by rising antisemitism, but even more from a deep-seated desire to reconnect with Jewish heritage and to come to Israel’s aid during this very challenging time.

As we look ahead in 2025, it is imperative to bring more French Jews to Israel. The rise of antisemitism in France, coupled with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, has created a sense of urgency among French Jews to make Aliyah. The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is working closely with Israeli authorities to support these new immigrants, providing them with airline flights and other assistance they need to successfully integrate into Israeli society.

The Christian Embassy has sponsored Aliyah flights for 654 Jewish immigrants from France in the past two years, including 154 since February. But many more are set to come, with French Aliyah up 53% so far this year. And we want to be there to help them along the way.

A Troubled History

France has one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe, with a history dating back to Roman times. However, this history has been marred by centuries of antisemitism, from the medieval expulsions and the Dreyfus Affair to the horrors of the Holocaust. In more recent decades, the Jewish community in France has faced a resurgence of antisemitic incidents, particularly during periods of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

The Second Palestinian Intifada (2000-2005) marked a turning point for French Jews, as the conflict in Israel and the territories spilled over into the streets of France. Synagogues were firebombed, Jewish schools vandalized, and individuals attacked simply for wearing Judaic religious symbols. Later in 2012, the Toulouse school shooting saw a radical Islamist gunman kill three children and a teacher. The vulnerability of French Jewry was further underscored by the 2015 Hyper Cacher supermarket attack and the brutal murder two years later of Sarah Halimi, a retired Jewish doctor, by a radicalized Muslim immigrant shouting “Allahu akbar!”

In each of the recurring conflicts in Gaza since 2008, France has witnessed a disturbing surge in antisemitic incidents. Synagogues have been vandalized and burned, Jewish-owned businesses attacked, and ordinary Jews harassed and assaulted. The Jewish community, already sensitive to antisemitism, has found itself under heightened threat.

Since the horrific Hamas invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023, antisemitism in France has reached alarming levels. Authorities documented a staggering 1,000% increase in antisemitic incidents in the months following the attack. Jewish students in public schools have faced physical abuse, Nazi slogans and other vicious insults. The rise of far-left political parties who spout Jew-hatred and support Hamas has only fuelled the insecurity among French Jews.

In this climate of fear and hostility, many French Jews have come to realise their future lies in Israel. Surveys indicate that approximately 38% of French Jews—around 200,000 people—are now considering Aliyah. For many, Israel represents not only a haven but also a place where they can fully embrace their Jewish identity and contribute to the growth and security of the Jewish state.

Meet the New Arrivals
The stories of David, Alison, Yaron and Valerie, who all recently made Aliyah from France, exemplify the courage and determination of French Jews to build a new life in Israel. They are coming despite the conflict in Gaza, but also because they want to do their part to help Israel with the war effort.

David, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Paris, made Aliyah in 2023 after witnessing the rise of antisemitism in the French capital.

“I always felt a connection to Israel,” David recently explained, “but the events of October 7 were a wake-up call. I realised that I needed to be in Israel, not just for my safety, but to contribute to the country’s future.”

David has since established a tech startup in Tel Aviv, leveraging his skills and experience to bolster Israel’s reputation as the “Start-Up Nation.”

Alison, a 28-year-old teacher from Marseille, moved to Israel just last year. Growing up in a traditional Jewish family, Alison always dreamed of making Aliyah but was hesitant due to family ties in France. However, the increasing hostility towards Jews in Marseille, including attacks on synagogues and schools, convinced her that the time had come.

“I wanted to raise my future children in a place where they could be proud of their Jewish identity without fear,” Alison says.

She now teaches at a school in Jerusalem, where she is helping to shape the next generation to lead Israel.

Yaron, an 18-year-old from Paris, made the courageous decision to make Aliyah on October 7, 2023. Having grown up in a Hebrew school and deeply connected to Zionism, Yaron instantly felt a profound sense of duty to help defend Israel during its time of great need.

“When I saw the injustice unfolding on October 7, I knew I had to be in Israel,” Yaron recounted.

He is currently studying Hebrew at an ulpan in Jerusalem and will soon serve in an IDF combat brigade.

Valerie, a 24-year-old from Paris, had always dreamed of living in Israel and finally arrived last November. Raised in a traditional Jewish family, she had grown afraid to openly express her identity in France. After October 7, she witnessed a sharp rise in antisemitism, even at her university.

“I realised that I couldn’t live in a place where I had to hide who I was,” Valerie says.

She now lives and studies Hebrew at a new immigrant center run by the Jewish Agency in Jerusalem, which is preparing her for a brighter future in Israel.

The Value of French Jews for Israel

The influx of French Jews has brought numerous benefits to Israel. These new immigrants are highly educated and bring valuable skills and expertise to various sectors, including technology, healthcare, education, and the arts. French Jewish entrepreneurs like David are driving innovation and economic growth, while professionals like Alison are contributing to Israel’s robust healthcare and education systems.

Culturally, French Jews have enriched Israel’s cultural landscape. French Jewish artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers have brought their unique perspectives and talents to Israel, creating a vibrant and dynamic cultural scene. French cuisine has also found a new home in Israel, with bakeries, restaurants, and cafes offering a taste of France to Israeli residents and visitors alike.

Bringing More French Jews Home in 2025

The ICEJ has already sponsored Aliyah flights for almost 700 hundred French Jews since 2023, with notable help through our Australian branch for 200 of the most recent flights. And we are excited about bringing even more home in 2025. With your support, we can help many more French Jews embark on their journey to Israel.

The recent arrival of David, Alison, Yaron and Valerie shows how determined many French Jews are to reach Israel at this time. Despite the many challenges they face, these new immigrants have chosen to make Aliyah when right Israel needs them most. And their future contributions to Israel will be invaluable to the cultural, economic and social life of the nation.

Together, we can ensure that these French Jewish immigrants find a welcoming and safe home in Israel. We also will see the Lord’s promise come to pass again this year: “‘I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,’ says the Lord your God.” (Amos 9:15). So, please stand with us in supporting the ICEJ’s Aliyah efforts in 2025.

Donate today at:  help.icej.org/aliyah

Main photo: French Jewish immigrants to Israel in August 2024. Photo credits: JAFI.