Executive Summary

Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine has accelerated the transformation of the international order through two key developments: a marked acceleration in the realignment of global alliances and a deepening erosion of the ethical-normative frameworks governing international relations.

These changes have particularly destabilized the liberal international order – an environment in which Jewish communities have historically thrived – leading to four distinct impacts on Jewish life: the largest Jewish displacement since the 1990s, with over 100,000 Ukrainian and Russian Jews seeking refuge elsewhere; the strengthening of states traditionally hostile to Jewish interests; a surge in both far-right nationalism and far-left extremism across Europe, fueling antisemitism and Jewish discomfort; and, paradoxically, an intensification of security cooperation between Israel and European nations.

Turkey has leveraged its “active neutrality” in the Ukraine conflict to enhance its regional position, maintaining ties with both sides while emerging as a key mediator. This strategic approach, combined with Russia’s military overextension in Ukraine, which prevented it from defending its Syrian ally, has strengthened Turkey’s hand in Syria, culminating in the fall of Assad’s regime to Turkish-backed forces in December 2024.

China and the United States have emerged as the greatest beneficiaries of this conflict. China has dramatically increased its global influence while challenging the Western-led international order through its partnership with Russia, expanded influence in the Global South, and leadership of an increasingly anti-Western BRICS coalition. While this marks a fundamental shift in global power dynamics, China’s limited involvement in Middle Eastern affairs means its ascendance has so far had minimal impact on Jewish and Israeli interests.

The war’s most substantial global impact has been the transformation of energy markets, empowering Qatar, Iran, and Russia – all affecting Jewish interests worldwide. Rising energy prices have strengthened Iran and Qatar financially, increasing Europe’s dependence on Qatari gas and debt. This has enabled increased funding to anti-Jewish threats worldwide, including radical Islamist activism and terrorism, while pushing European countries toward positions more aligned with Qatar in the Israel- Hamas- Hezbollah-Iran conflict.1

For Israel and the Jewish people, the Ukraine war reinforces a critical lesson from the Shoah: Western superpowers may abandon allies when broader geopolitical interests dictate. This risk of strategic abandonment validates Israel’s self-reliance doctrine and underscores the necessity for Jewish communities worldwide to maintain independent emergency capabilities, including evacuation plans.

These geopolitical shifts have strengthened Israel-Europe security cooperation, elevating Israel’s diplomatic status. The collaboration has expanded across military capabilities, energy security, and strategic initiatives. Following the Gaza war, while certain aspects of the partnership decreased, key strategic security and intelligence collaborations have intensified. The appendices (1: Economic Relations and 2: Non-Economic Relations) quantify these evolving partnerships.

When crisis struck Ukraine, Jewish solidarity revealed its profound power. With the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) guiding Aliyah pathways, Jewish organizations worldwide mobilized in an extraordinary display of mutual care, delivering unprecedented humanitarian aid. Emergency supplies flowed, medical teams were deployed, and shelter networks emerged – not through formal coordination, but through an innate sense of shared responsibility. This demonstration of Jewish interconnectedness showed how ancient bonds of mutual care remain vibrant today, translating into practical, lifesaving assistance. This global Jewish capability has become critical amid rising antisemitism that threatens Jewish future in Western Europe, exemplified by a recent survey showing 17 percent of French youth under 35 would welcome Jewish emigration.²

Recommendations for European Jewish leaders focus on raising awareness among public authorities, lobbying for protective actions, developing contingency plans, and strengthening family preparedness. International Jewish leadership must establish emergency funding mechanisms, share best practices, advocate for stronger physical protections, and build strategic partnerships with major non-Jewish civil society actors. Israeli policymakers should prepare for potential mass Aliyah, strengthen logistical and financial readiness, enhance emergency evacuation mechanisms, and maintain diplomatic pressure for the protection of Jews.

A coordinated response across stakeholders is essential for ensuring Jewish community security and resilience in Europe.

Concrete Recommendations: Jews’ Safety in Western Europe

Considering the increasing risks facing Jewish communities in Europe, urgent and coordinated action is required across all levels – local, international, and national.

European Jewish Leaders: Safeguarding communities requires proactive measures, including raising awareness among public authorities, lobbying for protective actions, and developing confidential contingency plans for disaster scenarios. Strengthening family preparedness through safe haven planning and evacuation strategies is equally essential.

International Jewish Leaders: The global Jewish community must act in solidarity with European Jewries by establishing emergency funding mechanisms, sharing best practices, and advocating for stronger protections in European political and social systems. Strategic partnerships with governments and NGOs will further enhance Jewish security and resilience.

Israeli Policymakers: As the homeland of the Jewish people and drawing upon Section 6(b) of Israel’s 2018 Nation-State Law, Israel must prepare to support and absorb Jews in need. Strengthening logistical and financial readiness for potential mass Aliyah is essential, alongside diplomatic efforts to encourage European governments to protect their Jewish populations. Emergency evacuation mechanisms and tailored support for European communities will ensure preparedness for crises.

These coordinated efforts across all stakeholders will help ensure that Jewish communities in Europe remain secure, resilient, and supported, regardless of the challenges ahead. The unity and preparedness of the Jewish people globally will be pivotal in overcoming shared threats.