2016 Annual Assessment

In January 2016, the findings of two in-depth studies of French Jews’ desire to immigrate to Israel were published. One study was conducted by the survey institute IFOP, the other by a competing firm, IPSOS.⁴ Although they used different methodologies, both studies indicate that many French Jews feel threatened in the country of their birth and are seriously thinking about leaving. Of the half-million Jews currently living in France, 40 percent are considering the possibility of moving to Israel.⁵

Based on these survey findings, the Aliyah slowdown does not necessarily indicate that the pool of French Jewish Aliyah candidates has “dried up” or that interest in immigration has lessened. Rather, it likely indicates the existence of delaying factors that have yet to be addressed. If this is the case, then actualizing the untapped French Aliyah potential will require efforts of a different kind, suited to the challenges of this new target population.

JPPI

Action Strategies for the Jewish Future

2016 Annual Assessment

Annual Assessment 2016
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