From a conversation we had with some of them during the conference, it appears that the growing anti-Semitism is only one of the reasons that spur many of them to make the change, although it plays an important role. An equally significant reason is the desire to express solidarity towards Israel during one of the most difficult periods the country has known. October 7 is a date that serves as a significant catalyst for many who have previously considered immigrating to Israel, but abandoned the idea for various reasons.
“There is a large Zionist community in France, and recently many of them express a deep identification with what is happening in Israel,” describes Emmanuel Zion, the director of the agency. “This is a historic opportunity that allows them to engage in advocacy activities and donate money, but some feel the need to do more than that and immigrating to Israel is definitely a step that allows them to do that.”
“Israel is the right place for Jews in the current period”
We held the conversation with the doctors who came to the conference in a fairly secure hall in Paris. One of them is Dr. Marciano, an orthodontist, who elaborates on the considerations that led him to consider immigrating to Israel: “I am not a religious person, but it is important to me to be present in Israel, for the simple reason that it is the right place for Jews at the present time. I am not afraid of the current situation in Israel, the risk exists everywhere.’
Dr. Maurice Feld (pseudonym), 37, a dentist from Mersey, has also been considering immigrating to Israel for years. I asked myself how it is that I am here and not in Israel. Until now you had to convince them to immigrate. Of course they are a little afraid, but for us it is the best place Safe in the world right now.”
“If until now anti-Semitism was hidden, now it is everywhere”
“It’s getting too complicated in Paris,” also admits Dr. Aryeh Cohen (pseudonym), an ENT doctor, who joins the conversation. “You don’t feel comfortable walking around here with a kippah. A few days ago I was standing with my family near the synagogue and they really tried to run us over.”
Dr. Adrei Adel’s parents, a general physician, immigrated to Israel about a decade ago. Despite this, she and the nuclear family remained in France and were in contact from a distance. “My children study in settings in Paris and they feel the anti-Semitism,” she says. And there I don’t really feel a change, and most likely I won’t either because the specific involvement in medicine often diverts the discussion, but in other institutions it is definitely noticeable. I have a friend who works at one of the universities in the area and she told me that the Jews who study there were told not to come to the campus, because it is dangerous for them And it’s better that they stay home. It’s simply absurd. The synagogues are also secured by the police. For me, it’s an unbearable situation.”
Dr. Ilanit Shikli, who suffers from a disability herself. Lives in the 19th arrondissement in Paris. Recently she also made a decision to immigrate to Israel, both due to the emerging anti-Semitism but also due to her complex situation. more,” she says.
“The Israeli government recognized a manpower shortage and realized that an effective and good move could be made”
Zeev Gershinsky, Vice President of the “Nefesh Benefesh” organization, explains in a conversation with Mako Health that “the Israeli government recognized a shortage of manpower, and realized that it is possible to make an efficient and good move, which includes new tools that change the rules of the game. At the current conference, we established a united front of parties that convey to the participating doctors, an important message – we are interested in you and are also taking significant steps to assist in the process of immigration and during absorption in Israel, both through assistance in lengthy bureaucratic procedures through easier registration procedures and more. I am absolutely happy that the move has started and I wish everyone an easy and pleasant reception.”
Attorney Avihai Kahana. Director General of the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption, adds that “unlike what was the case in the past, this time a complete system has been established at the doctors’ disposal that accompanies them during their absorption in Israel and helps them deal with bureaucratic and other difficulties. The special system includes 15 employees – all veteran immigrants, that help the new immigrants to pass the first absorption period. To my delight, we are seeing a significant increase in the opening of immigration cases, many more young families who see their future in Israel and wish to be an active part of the construction of the country the day after the terrible massacre. It is certainly exciting and happy.”