British Jews show growing interest in aliyah amid antisemitism concerns – includes medical professionals

More than 1,300 British Jews attended a recent aliyah fair and related events in London, as interest in immigration to Israel grows amid concerns about antisemitism. The events included MedEx UK, which brought together around 130 British medical professionals to meet with Israeli government representatives, hospitals and health maintenance organizations to explore employment opportunities in Israel.

The aliyah fair was organized by Ofek Israeli, established in 2016 in partnership with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), the World Zionist Organization (WZO) and Keren Hayesod. The organization works to encourage and facilitate Jewish immigration to Israel.

Deganit Sanker-Lange, director-general of Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, told Ynet News on Sunday that she had never witnessed such urgency among prospective immigrants.

“I’ve been in the business of aliyah for many, many years, and I’ve never seen the sense of urgency that we’re seeing right now. Basically, it’s an earthquake,” she said.

Outside the venue, demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and distributed anti-Israel literature. Sanker-Lange said antisemitism was one factor driving interest in aliyah, but not the only one. She also pointed to Israel’s efforts to attract healthcare professionals and simplify the process of joining the Israeli medical system.

MedEx is part of that effort, led by the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Negev, Galilee and National Resilience, and Nefesh B’Nefesh, in partnership with JAFI.

Sanker-Lange said questions from prospective immigrants in Western Europe had become increasingly urgent, reflecting growing interest in aliyah among the approximately 1.4 million Jews living in Europe.

Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer has prioritized the UK and France in efforts to encourage Jewish immigration over the past four years, amid concerns about antisemitism and unrest in parts of Western Europe.