Israeli Minister Urges Western Jews to Flee After Sydney Attack

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called on Jews in Western nations to move to Israel immediately, citing a global surge in antisemitism. His appeal came during a public Hanukkah ceremony in Tel Aviv, one week after a gunman killed 15 people at a Jewish event in Sydney. “Jews have the right to live in safety everywhere. But we see and fully understand what is happening, and we have a certain historical experience,” Saar stated. “Today, Jews are being hunted across the world.” The minister did not outline specific policies but framed Israel as the definitive safe haven. His comments reflect growing alarm within the Israeli government over antisemitic incidents in Europe, North America, and Australia. The Sydney attack, where a lone assailant opened fire at a community gathering, has intensified these concerns. Israeli leaders have repeatedly emphasized the country's "Law of Return," which grants Jews automatic citizenship. Saar's direct plea marks a stark public escalation in urging Jewish migration, known as "aliyah," for security reasons.