I Left Europe for Thriving Jewish Life in Asia

In 2009, I left the UK for Singapore. I returned in to the UK in 2016, thinking perhaps I’d settle back into European life. By 2023, I knew I couldn’t stand to stay. Aside from general safety concerns and the affordability of London, the atmosphere was rapidly shifting on the Jewish front. The casual comments at dinner parties. The protests that felt less like political expression and more like permission to hate. In 2023 I left again, spent a year in Dubai, and finally returned to Singapore in 2024.

I’m not going anywhere. This is my home.

When Jews talk about leaving Europe today, the conversation usually goes one of two ways: Israel or America. Both are legitimate choices. I’ll be in Israel twice this year. I’m learning Hebrew. I have friends and family there. It is the home of the Jewish soul, and I feel that pull deeply.

But Israel is not for everyone. It’s chaotic, a balagan, and for some families, the reality of war always around the corner is too much to bear. America has its own complications both politically and socially.

So let me offer a third option that rarely enters the conversation: Asia.

A Different Kind of Welcome

I can wear my kippah pretty much anywhere in Southeast Asia and there is rapidly growing Jewish scene here. In Thailand’s Koh Samui and Phuket, there’s a surprising abundance of kosher restaurants. Singapore has Aniba, Pita Bakery, and several other spots serving excellent Israeli food like North Miznon, which is packed every time I visit, and maybe five percent of the clientele are even Israeli! People come for the vibes and the food. Nobody’s making political statements. They’re just eating.

More importantly, the governments and public services here actually have your back. In November 2025, Singapore’s Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam visited Chesed El synagogue on its 120th anniversary and stated unequivocally: “Acts of antisemitism will not be tolerated in Singapore.” There are no weekly protests outside synagogues here. No being shouted at in the street. No need to hide who you are. And on the extremely rare occasions it does happen, the police deal with effectively and quickly.

The general attitude across much of Asia is refreshingly simple: people want to get on with business, build families, create something. There’s less time and appetite for obsessing over Middle Eastern politics. In Indonesia, a majority-Muslim country, I’ve never had an issue telling someone I’m Jewish. The response is usually curiosity, not hostility. A genuine admission that they don’t know enough to pass judgment. In September 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto addressed the UN General Assembly, stating that Indonesia would eventually recognize Israel, and ended his speech with “Shalom.” From the leader of the world’s most populous Muslim nation, that word carried weight.

Stereotypes That Work in Our Favor

Here’s something that took me time to articulate. In parts of the West, success has become suspect. Jews are often seen as successful, and within certain ideological frameworks, that’s now a problem. The old stereotypes have been repackaged as critique.

In Asia, those same stereotypes are often seen as virtues. Hear me out…Jews are perceived as smart, hardworking, entrepreneurial, family-oriented. These are qualities that are encouraged and admired across much of the region. It’s a strange relief to exist in a place where achievement isn’t something to apologize for. Instead it is respected.

A Rich History, A Growing Future

Singapore’s Jewish history runs deeper than most realize. David Marshall, the nation’s first Chief Minister, was Jewish. He is one of many illustrious famous Singaoprean Jews who have helped shaped Singapore. Harry Elias, Jacob Ballas, Joseph Grimberg and Frank Benjamin to name just a few. When Singapore declared independence in 1965, Israel was among the first to assist, secretly sending military advisors to help establish the Singapore Armed Forces and its National Service system.

Today, Jewish communities are growing across the region. Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong all have Jewish schools, kindergartens, and increasingly robust kosher options. The infrastructure for Jewish life is being built in real time.

I believe this trend will accelerate. We’ve already seen it in Dubai, where the Jewish population has grown from a small private expat community to approximately 5-7,000 since the Abraham Accords. I’m seeing similar energy here. Families arriving. Communities forming. Roots being planted.

Practical Realities

Moreover, moving to Southeast Asia isn’t as complicated as people assume. Many countries offer straightforward visa options for entrepreneurs, professionals, and retirees. Income tax is generally much lower than in the West. The international scene is well-established. Vegetarian food is everywhere, which makes keeping kosher easier even where certified options are limited.

The cost of living is also considerably lower than in most of Europe. And beyond Jewish safety, general safety is markedly better. According to the Numbeo Safety Index 2025, Singapore scores 77.4, Hong Kong 78.5, Thailand 62.7, and Vietnam 59.2. These places are ALL statistically safer than countries like the United States at 50.8, the United Kingdom at 51.7, and France at just 44.6. These aren’t marginal differences.

It won’t suit everyone. But for those weighing their options, wondering where they might build a life that feels both safe and full, Asia deserves a place in the conversation. If you’re considering the move, platforms like Rumavi can help navigate the property and relocation landscape across Southeast Asia.

I left Europe twice. I have no intention of moving back.

Singapore is my country. This is my flag. This is my home.