Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has issued a compelling call for Jews living in the Diaspora to make aliyah, in light of recent antisemitic terror attacks. His remarks, delivered during a Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony, follow a troubling series of incidents, including a massacre in Sydney that left 15 people dead. “Jews have the right to live in safety everywhere. But we see and fully understand what is happening,” Sa’ar stated, reflecting on the current global climate for Jewish communities.
The call to action comes just days after gunmen linked to the Islamic State opened fire at a Chabad-run gathering at Bondi Beach, Australia. The assailants, identified as Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS before executing the attack with legally owned firearms. Naveed has since been charged with 59 offences, including committing an act of terror, after emerging from a coma due to injuries sustained during the incident. His father was killed by police at the scene.
Sa’ar emphasized the urgency of his message, stating, “Come to the Land of Israel! Come home! [Israelis] are waiting for you here with open arms. With love. In the true home of the Jewish people.” He urged families to leave behind a hostile environment and return to their ancestral homeland, referencing Israel’s historical significance and the resilience of the Jewish people.
The violence in Sydney reflects a broader trend of rising antisemitism, particularly in Australia, which has experienced a series of arson attacks linked to Iranian influences throughout 2024. In the UK, a shocking incident occurred on Yom Kippur at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, where a Syrian-born man carried out a car attack followed by a stabbing spree, resulting in two fatalities before he was shot by police.
Official statistics show a marked increase in antisemitic hate crimes across the UK, the US, and Europe, particularly following the attacks on Israel on October 7. These developments add weight to Sa’ar’s call, as he highlights the need for safety and security for Jews worldwide.
With tensions escalating and violence targeting Jewish communities on the rise, the call from Israel’s leadership serves as both a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Jews and a heartfelt invitation for those in perilous situations to seek refuge in Israel.