URGENT UPDATE: Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has issued an impassioned call for Jews living in the Diaspora to make aliyah, as antisemitic terror attacks escalate globally. Speaking at a Chanukah candle lighting ceremony, Sa’ar emphasized the dangers faced by Jews and urged them to return to Israel. “Today, Jews are being hunted across the world,” he declared, highlighting a series of violent incidents that have left communities reeling.
Just days after a horrific attack linked to the Islamic State, which resulted in 15 deaths at a Chabad gathering at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Sa’ar’s plea resonates deeply. The attackers, Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS before carrying out the massacre. Naveed, now facing 59 charges including committing an act of terror, was injured in a shootout with police. His father was killed at the scene.
Sa’ar pointed out that this tragedy follows a disturbing surge of antisemitic incidents in Australia throughout 2024, including arson attacks linked to Iranian operatives. The assault on Bondi Beach is part of a broader pattern of violence targeting Jewish communities worldwide, including an incident on Yom Kippur where a car ramming and stabbing at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester left two dead.
The statistics are alarming. Official data indicate a significant rise in antisemitic hate crimes across the UK, US, and Europe following the attacks on Israel on October 7. Sa’ar’s message is clear: “Come to the Land of Israel! Come home!” He reassured those contemplating the move, stating, “Israelis are waiting for you here with open arms.”
This urgent call to action underscores the growing fears within Jewish communities about safety and security. Sa’ar’s plea is not just a political statement; it reflects the deep emotional currents of fear and hope that many Jews are experiencing today. The time for action, he insists, is now: “Why raise your children in this atmosphere?”
As antisemitic violence escalates, the world watches closely. What will be the response from the global Jewish community? How will governments address the rising tide of hatred? The fallout from these attacks will likely shape discussions about security and identity for years to come.
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