‘Anti-Semitism is in the air in France’
French olim expected to arrive in Israel on Wednesday say they do not feel at home in France; 'there is a feeling that something is about to happen,' one of them says
PARIS - Before learning that the expected strike at Ben Gurion Airport was pushed back by a day, Jewish Agency officials expressed their concern Tuesday that it would prevent hundreds of French olim from arriving in Israel.
Histadrut Labor Federation head Ofer Eini declared a general strike beginning Wednesday at 6 am, but added that airport employees would join the strike only on Thursday.
Around 600 new immigrants from France are scheduled to land in Israel on Wednesday as part of a joint effort of AMI (Aliyah et Meilleure Integration) and the Jewish Agency for Israel.
The olim, many of whom have already sold their homes and packed up all of their belongings, were anxiously awaiting their journey to the Holy Land.
Jewish Agency Chairman Ze’ev Bielski asked Histadrut Labor Federation head Ofer Eini to allow the olim’s arrival on two planes even in case of a strike.
“We are speaking of families from all over France who have sold their homes and detached themselves from their homeland,” Bielski told Eini in a letter.
“These families are already on their way to Israel to begin a new life here with us. Since the country’s inception the aliyah to Israel has never been stopped, under any condition, even at times of war.”
Carolle Ziton, who is making aliyah along with her husband Dan and two small children, told Ynet “whatever happens, happens; if there is a strike upon our arrival in Israel we will go with the flow. Everything is God’s will.
“We don’t feel at home in France,” she continued. “I bought a house with a private backyard because we have Arab neighbors and I want my children to play in a safe place. We haven’t encountered any expressions of anti-Semitism, but there is a feeling that something is about to happen. The murder of Ilan Halimi only substantiated this feeling.”
