In the wake of a terrorist incident on Friday in France, Israel urged Jews residing in the country to leave and immigrate to Israel. According to Israeli media, Ze'ev Elkin, Israel's Minister of Immigration, called on Jews living in France to immigrate to Israel just hours after the incident in Lyon. On Friday, July 5, an extremist Islamist attacked a factory near Lyon, and a severed head was placed on the fence surrounding the factory. The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack. Ze'ev Elkin, referring to this terrorist attack in France, stated, 'The land of Israel is the homeland of the Jews, and Jews in France must return to their homeland.' According to this Israeli official, the immigration of Jews to Israel is 'a national mission' and 'antisemitism and terrorism in France have intensified.' Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, had also called on Jews in France to immigrate to Israel five months ago following the attack on the Charlie Hebdo office and the deaths of several cartoonists, as well as the attack by an African-American Islamist on a Parisian Jewish supermarket that resulted in the deaths of several hostages. Mr. Netanyahu had invited Jews from 'all over Europe' to 'fulfill the national mission of permanent life in the land of their ancestors.' However, a few days after this call, which faced opposition from French Jewish leaders, when Netanyahu participated in a solidarity march with other world leaders in Paris, he retracted his call and stated that his remarks regarding the lack of security in France had been misunderstood. It is estimated that more than six hundred thousand Jews live in France. French Jews claim that their harassment by extremist Islamists residing in France began years before the rise of ISIS. Synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in France have repeatedly been desecrated, and even French presidents and prime ministers have visited these sites to console the Jewish community. The Jewish Agency of Israel confirmed in its latest report this spring that the majority of Jews who have immigrated to Israel in recent years have been Jews residing in France. In this context, the President of France described the recent attack in the country as 'terrorist.'
Following Attack on Factory in France, Israeli Minister Calls on Jews in the Country to Emigrate
Following a terrorist attack in Lyon, France, Israeli Minister Ze'ev Elkin called on French Jews to immigrate to Israel, citing increased antisemitism and terrorism. This follows a pattern of Israeli leaders encouraging Jewish emigration from France due to security concerns. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding Jewish safety in Europe.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A terrorist attack occurred at a factory near Lyon, France, where a severed head was displayed. In response, Israeli Minister Ze'ev Elkin urged French Jews to immigrate to Israel, citing rising antisemitism and terrorism.
- The attack was claimed by ISIS, indicating a link to extremist Islamist violence.
- This incident follows a pattern of Israeli leaders encouraging Jewish emigration from France due to security concerns.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The rise of antisemitism in Europe has led to increased emigration of Jews to Israel, with many citing safety concerns. Historical tensions between Jewish communities and extremist groups have been exacerbated by recent terrorist attacks.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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