TESTIMONIALS. Despite the war and uncertainty, French Jews continue to settle in Israel

Retirees or young parents, around 1,500 French people of Jewish faith have emigrated to Israel since January 1, 2023.

It is a movement that the attacks of October 7 did not stop. French Jews continue to settle in Israel in similar proportions to previous years. According to the Jewish Agency, which manages this Aliyahalmost 1 500 French people emigrated to Israel in the first eight months of the year. How can we explain this choice to live in a country at war?

Aline and Alain had been planning their departure to Israel when they retired for a long time. For two months, this has been done with several visits to shelters during rocket attacks. The Lebanese border is only nine kilometers from their town of Nahariya, much to the dismay of their loved ones. “When I told them I was going to the north, they told me ‘to the north ?'”, recognizes Alain. He adds : “If there is a missile that is going to fall and we are under there, it will be the good Lord who decided.”

In this war context, Aline wanted to get involved. She has sent packages to the military and appears calm. “We are no more sheltered in France than here. I would even say that we are even more sheltered here, knowing that we have our soldiers who are there to protect us.”

Elisheba, a single mother, arrived only four days ago. She says “flee France”points to anti-Semitism, immigration, insecurity, inflation. And yet Elisheba has slept very little since her arrival, because of the noise of anti-aircraft gunfire, just like her 12-year-old daughter. “It’s true that she hasn’t been sleeping well since we arrived, she said. It’s true that I make her sleep in the shelter. If I don’t sleep for a week, it’s going to take a toll on me. Then at some point, it will stop. It’s not going to last forever.”

According to the person responsible for supporting the French in Nahariya, none of those welcomed during this year of conflict returned to live in France