Anti-Semitism in Israel Growing

Anti-Semitic feelings in Israel growing

The immigrants, who come to Israel from Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union are considered to be the major reason for the development of anti-Semitic sentiments in Israel. As it has been said, these immigrants basically only have distant relatives who were Jews. The so-called promised land is currently considering restricting immigration from Russia.

According to the London newspaper the Sunday Telegraph, the number of racist incidents grows every day in the Jewish state. These incidents include violence and insults, drawing swastika on houses, and desecration of cemeteries. Because of the growing anti-Semitism in Israel, the Israeli government might reconsider it’s immigration policy.

Yuli Edelstein, the Minister for Absorption of New Immigrants, was one of the first statesmen who set forth such an idea. The official is concerned about the growth of anti-Semitic sentiments in Israel. He stated that the policy of Jewish agencies to attract more immigrants to the country is too zealous.

Edelstein has already had some meetings with the administration. He suggested the filtration of undesirables, who will not follow Jewish traditions and customs. A recent opinion poll conducted among immigrants from Russia showed that 70% of them are not considered Jews according to Jewish religious law.

The problem is intensified with the fact that the law of return guarantees a right to return to the “historic homeland” to anyone who has a Jew grandmother or a Jew grandfather. Now, the “homeland” is thinking over the necessity of inviting people who have distant Jewish relatives.

Rabbi Zalman Gilchensky researched anti-Semitic incidents in the “promised” land. Five hundred such incidents have been registered over the recent year. No wonder Rabbi initiated a campaign to change the law of return to Israel. The first demonstration in support of this change took place near the office of the Jewish Agency in Jerusalem last week. The Rabbi stated that the uncontrollable zeal of the agency to attract more immigrants is becoming more and more threatening for the country.

The agency itself is concerned about the growth of anti-Semitic incidents in Israel as well. However, it is not going to change its policy. According to their opinion, it would undermine the confidence of the Jewish community on the whole. The agency believes that the issue is ought to be solved with the help of education.

Sergey Borisov PRAVDA.Ru

Translated by Dmitry Sudakov