A record year for French aliyah

**Yala** · 07-24-2007, 09:27 AM

President Peres to greet 600 new immigrants from France scheduled to arrive Wednesday. Record number of new immigrants from France expected this year
Ynetnews
Published: 07.24.07, 12:54 / Israel Jewish Scene

Around 600 new immigrants from France are expected to land in Israel on Wednesday as the result of a joint effort of AMI (Aliyah et Meilleure Integration) and the Jewish Agency for Israel.

This year has seen a 10 percent rise in the number of new immigrants from France compared to the previous year, making 2007 a record year for French aliyah: More than 3,000 olim are expected to come to Israel, as opposed to 2,900 in 2006. This is a 35-year record.

Most of the expected immigrants will be going to Jerusalem, Netanya and Ashdod. Many of them have families.

Upon arrival at Ben-Gurion International Airport, the olim will attend a ceremony in the presence of President Shimon Peres, Chairman of the Jewish Agency Ze'ev Bielski, founder of the AMI organization Pierre Besnainou, Minister of Immigrant Absorption Jacob Ederi, Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger, mayors and other dignitaries.

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To clarify further, I believe 3,000 Jews made aliyah to Israel from North America (Canada + US) out of a pop. of ~7 million Jews. So, when 3,000 out of 600k (France's Jewish community pop.) make aliyah, it is a pretty big deal. Don't forget many French Jews are also moving to the US (particularly Miami) and Montreal.

**Kenneth** · 07-24-2007, 10:01 AM

So the Yankees invaded Canada eh?

A nice touch that ceremony at the airport thingy. Moving country can't be much fun.

farmall · 07-25-2007, 07:13 AM

Such an immigrant population could be ripe for grooming into the sort of ultranationalists Israel needs.

What, generally, are their political beliefs?

**Kenneth** · 07-25-2007, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by farmall

Such an immigrant population could be ripe for grooming into the sort of ultranationalists Israel needs.

What, generally, are their political beliefs?

Well if they're coming from France I'd say socialist. Everyone here's a socialist. Even the conservatives.