Exodus: The West Is Losing Its Jews

There exists a saying in France that goes, “If the Jews leave France, the country will be left with ‘pain noir,’ the black bread of desolation.” This stark warning, a plea to the Judeo-Christian ethos to avoid an act tantamount to self-immolation, has never rung truer. Yet, despite the gravity of such words, it is likely that few will heed this ominous caution.

Amidst the resurgent wave of antisemitism sweeping across Europe, Jews in France, the UK, and beyond are grappling with a palpable fear reminiscent of darker times. France’s chief rabbi has urgently called for Jews to consider leaving the country, underscoring the severity of the threat. This plea echoes ominously through the streets of Paris, where anti-Jewish violence has surged to unprecedented levels since the harrowing attacks of October 7th. Similarly, Britain has witnessed a disturbing increase in antisemitic incidents, forcing Jewish families to contemplate their future in an increasingly hostile environment.

The decision to leave Europe is not taken lightly. It involves uprooting lives, abandoning careers, and saying goodbye to a land that has been home for generations. Yet, the urgency of these discussions within Jewish households has reached a fever pitch. Parents are now questioning the safety of their children in schools, where antisemitism has become more frequent and severe. The recent scandal in Paris, where Jewish students from the prestigious Yabné school were allegedly discriminated against during exams, highlights the pervasive nature of this threat. These students reported being treated disrespectfully, receiving unusually low scores, and enduring antisemitic remarks from examiners.

This rising tide of antisemitism is no mere coincidence. It is part of a strategic campaign orchestrated by radical elements intent on exploiting social tensions for their own ends. High on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s agenda has been a desire to sever the bonds between the Jewish diaspora and the West, particularly the United States. By fanning the flames of antisemitism, these forces aim to destabilise Western capitals, manipulating public opinion to isolate Jewish communities further.

But the Jews have Israel, a sanctuary amidst the tumult. What, then, of those Western metropolises now swarming with radicals, of those neighbourhoods that will soon wake to find their streets and values—once thought immutable—transformed beyond recognition? When the die is cast and Jews are no longer the designated scapegoats, where will these beleaguered communities seek refuge?

The historical parallels are unmistakable and chilling. The current calls for Jews to leave Europe echo the sinister cries of the Shoah, when Jews were driven out and annihilated. Today’s hysterical crowds demanding the expulsion of Jews remind us that history has a disquieting tendency to repeat itself.

The digital age has only exacerbated this menace. Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for antisemitic rhetoric, translating into real-world violence. From the desecration of synagogues to physical assaults on the streets, the incidents are mounting. Reports have detailed how Jewish-owned businesses have been vandalised, and communities subjected to hate-fueled demonstrations. In one stark example, a mob in London chanted for the annihilation of Jews during a so-called pro-Palestinian protest, eerily reminiscent of past venomous rhetoric.

For many Jews, Israel represents not just a sanctuary but a homeland where they can live without fear. The dramatic increase in requests to relocate to Israel reflects a growing desperation. As Richard Abitbol, President of the Confederation of French Jews, warns, “In a few decades there will be no Jews in France.” Similarly, Dutch author Leon de Winter foresees that “Jewish life in Europe will be a thing of the past by 2050.”

The question facing European Jews is stark: Should they stay and fight for their place in Europe, or should they seek refuge in Israel before it is too late? This decision, fraught with emotional and practical challenges, is one that many feel they can no longer avoid. The time for decisive action has arrived, and for many, Israel beckons as the beacon of hope and safety in an increasingly hostile world.

What if Jews were to leave … 

Imagine Europe bereft of its Jewish communities, driven out by a resurgence of antisemitism. Such a scenario, eerily reminiscent of past expulsions and persecutions, would reverberate across the continent, leaving economic, cultural, and social voids that would be hard to fill. The implications of such an exodus are manifold and grave.

The Jewish contribution to Europe’s economy is undeniable. Historically, Jews have been pivotal in sectors like finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. Their departure would not only diminish innovation but also create economic stagnation. According to research by the European Jewish Congress, Jewish entrepreneurs and professionals contribute significantly to the GDP. Imagine the silent factories, the empty shops, the missing dynamism in Europe’s marketplaces. It’s a grim picture of lost economic vitality and opportunities.

From Freud to Einstein, Jewish minds have shaped the contours of Western thought and culture. Their contributions to arts, sciences, and literature have been monumental. The exodus of Jewish academics and artists would strip Europe of its cultural vibrancy and intellectual prowess. Universities and research institutions would lose invaluable contributors, resulting in a diminished global standing in academia and innovation. The cultural landscape would become a pale shadow of its former self, devoid of the rich tapestry woven by Jewish ingenuity.

Jewish communities have been an integral part of Europe’s multicultural fabric. Their departure would not only reduce diversity but also weaken the social cohesion that these communities foster. Historically, Jewish resilience and community networks have contributed to the social stability and richness of European society. Without them, Europe risks becoming more homogenous, less tolerant, and more prone to social strife. The absence of Jewish communities would mean the loss of vital cultural exchanges and dialogues that enrich societal understanding and cohesion.

The expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492 and the Holocaust during World War II offer sobering precedents. Spain, after the Jewish expulsion, faced economic decline and a loss of cultural richness. The Holocaust decimated Jewish populations and deprived Europe of vast intellectual and cultural capital. These historical events underline the catastrophic consequences of driving out Jewish communities.