UPDATE: Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has urgently called on Jews around the world to make aliyah in response to a troubling series of antisemitic terror attacks. Speaking at a Chanukah candle lighting ceremony just days after a deadly shooting in Sydney, Sa’ar emphasized, “Jews are being hunted across the world. Today I call on Jews in England, France, Australia, Canada, and Belgium: come to the Land of Israel! Come home!”
The call follows a horrific incident on December 14, 2024, when 15 people were killed at a Chabad-run gathering at Bondi Beach by gunmen linked to the Islamic State. The attackers, Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, had reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS. Naveed is now facing 59 charges, including committing an act of terror, while Sajid was shot dead at the scene by police.
Sa’ar’s emotional plea highlights a broader, alarming trend. Earlier this year, Australia witnessed a wave of antisemitic arson attacks linked to Iranian intelligence. Furthermore, on Yom Kippur, a tragic attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester left two people dead when Jihad al-Shamie, a Syrian-born assailant, drove his car into the synagogue gates and initiated a stabbing spree. He was subsequently killed by police.
Official statistics reveal a disturbing rise in antisemitic incidents across the UK, US, and Europe following the October 7 attacks on Israel. The situation has prompted Sa’ar to urge Jewish families to escape the growing dangers and return to their ancestral homeland. “Why raise your children in this atmosphere?” he questioned, inviting families to seek refuge in a nation built on Jewish self-defense.
The urgent call for aliyah comes amid mounting fears and escalating violence targeting Jewish communities worldwide. As antisemitic sentiments continue to rise, many are reflecting on their safety and future.
For those considering making this significant life change, Sa’ar reassured, “Israelis are waiting for you here with open arms. In the true home of the Jewish people, the time has come.”
As developments unfold, this call to action resonates deeply within global Jewish communities grappling with rising threats. The world watches closely as the Israeli government seeks to bolster its population amid these urgent challenges.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
