Riots in France: 50 thousand repatriates on their way to Israel

Amid the riots in France, about 50 thousand Jews are considering repatriation to Israel, Ynet reports citing the head of the Qualita organization, Ariel Kandel. He links the rise in emigration sentiment to protests, antisemitism, and economic instability, and predicts an escalation after the presidential elections in May 2027.

Amid the riots and chaos in France caused by the so-called "student protests," tens of thousands of French Jews are considering repatriation to Israel. Ynet reports this, noting that the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration is studying the possibility of a large aliyah from this country. Ariel Kandel, CEO of the Qualita organization, which facilitates repatriation from France, believes that what is happening is merely a test of strength ahead of the presidential elections in May 2027. According to him, polls show that already today about 50 thousand Jews are weighing the possibility of repatriation. In addition to the riots, antisemitism, economic instability, and the demonization of Israel are driving aliyah. Kandel notes that many Jews in France are well-established, and leaving the country is not easy. Most potential repatriates are educated middle class, many speak Hebrew and English. The article relies on statements from a single source and does not provide independent survey data.