Immigrating UK Jews Cite Rising Anti-Semitism
Ryan R. Jones - All Headline News Middle East Correspondent Jerusalem, Israel (AHN) - Some 140 British Jews immigrated to Israel Wednesday, many citing rising anti-Semitism in their home country as the reason behind their decision to leave. On flights sponsored by Nefesh B'Nefesh and the Jewish Agency, the Britons were joined by some 380 fellow Jewish immigrants from Canada and the US. Those from the UK said the Israel-Hezbollah war had created an almost unbearable situation, fueled by British media coverage of the conflict, wherein they were the constant victims of vandalism and threats. Coupled with local security alerts of planned Islamic terror attacks, many decided to leave before things got any worse. Yossi Vardakis, 19, told The Jerusalem Post while en route from London, "You don't feel really welcomed being Jewish [in England]. You're attacked for supporting Israel... You see this hatred coming out." Jewish Agency Chairman Ze'ev Bielski said that despite the heavy bombardment of northern Israel, nearly 4,000 Jews had immigrated during the war with Hezbollah. He said that more and more are realizing that even with all its external physical threats, "this is the only Jewish state we have," the only place a Jew can feel at home. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert looked to bolster that feeling by meeting the new immigrants personally at the airport. He cautioned the newcomers and that life in Israel was not always e |
