Jewish emigration to Israel from Britain last year doubled as antisemitism soars, according to striking new figures obtained by the JC from the Jewish Agency.
In the 11 months from January to November 2024, 633 British Jews made aliyah, up 88 per cent on the 336 who made the transition in 2023.
Figures for December have not been included, as those for last month will take some weeks to compile. Meanwhile, the Community Security Trust (CST) has reported historic levels of antisemitic incidents in Britain, with a 204 per cent rise in incidents in the year since October 7.
Aliyah was particularly low the year before last, possibly because some people may have delayed their move in the final quarter immediately following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. But although conflict in the Middle East continued to rage throughout last year, it appears not to have been a significant deterrent.
Vadim Blumin, head of the Jewish Agency’s UK delegation, said: “The fact that British Jews are coming to Israel in time of war is a big thing. As an Israeli, as a Jew, I’m very proud to serve the community here.”
Blumin – who has just received rabbinic ordination from the Shalom Hartman Institute – said there were “always push-and-pull factors” behind migration.
“We know a push factor is antisemitism,” he said, but added, “I wouldn’t overstate its weight. I do feel the sense of commitment to and connection with Israel is a stronger factor in the numbers of people we are seeing decide to make aliyah.”
Prior to October 7, he said, “the vast majority of olim were mature, 55 and above, who had raised their kids and grandkids and were looking for better weather, sea and sun.
“Nowadays, we are seeing more young families, young adults and mid-ranked professionals. From early analysis, we are identifying students with higher degrees. The environment on campus is difficult for students, with even PhD students concerned at the anti-Israel climate in academic circles.”
In denominational breakdown, “a clear majority are more frum or traditional”, he said.
The 2024 total was the second highest in six years, close to the 637 who became Israeli citizens in January to November three years ago. The 11-month average from 2019 to 2024 was 533.
One prospective emigrant, a modern Orthodox accountant who did not want her name to be published, is making aliyah with her husband and his elderly father this September. Two of her children are already living in Israel, with their youngest due to follow.
“We’ve always wanted to live in Israel. We just think that Israel is the future of the Jewish people,” she said.
While they have long wanted to make the move from their Hertfordshire home and had been held back for family reasons, antisemitism since October 7 has further cemented their wish.
“I’ve always felt safer there than I do here, even though there’s all sorts of problems,” she said. “I do feel that things are becoming quite hostile here for Jewish people. You’re reading press about things like the boycotts on Israeli performers and artists.
“People don’t feel comfortable to walk around in the West End with a kippah. People aren’t so comfortable about being openly Jewish.”
She said her husband started wearing a baseball cap to travel to work in healthcare after the Hamas attack. “He has definitely felt less confident walking around with a kippah on than he did previously.”
A poll of British Jewry by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research last summer found that 14 per cent believed it likely they would go to Israel within five years, up from the 10 per cent who thought so in 2022. But JPR noted that overall UK aliyah rates had been “low and stable” for several decades.
