Rising Emigration of British Jews Amid Concerns of Antisemitism

A recent report by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) indicates that emigration from the United Kingdom to Israel, known as aliyah, reached a 40-year high in 2025, with 742 British Jews making the move. This figure marks the highest level of immigration since the mid-1980s. However, the report emphasizes that this increase is not drastic when viewed against historical trends, as the average annual aliyah over the past two decades has remained stable, fluctuating between 400 and 740 individuals. Notably, the lowest recorded number of Jewish emigrants from the UK in the last twenty years occurred in 2023, with only 396 olim.

The Jerusalem PostTimes of Israel

The surge in aliyah rates has been linked to rising concerns about antisemitism in the UK, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which has heightened fears within the Jewish community. JPR Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Boyd noted that while the number of emigrants increased, it still represents only about 0.2% of the UK’s Jewish population, a figure that is higher than Canada’s 0.07% but significantly lower than France’s 6.4%. Boyd cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about a mass exodus, stating, “There is no Jewish exodus from the UK, at least not yet.”

The Jerusalem Post

The report highlights a notable shift in sentiment among British Jews regarding aliyah, with a survey indicating that the percentage of respondents considering making aliyah rose from 10% to 14% after the October 7 massacre. This shift appears to be influenced by personal experiences of antisemitism and perceptions of Jewish life in the UK. Younger individuals are the most likely to consider aliyah, but those aged 50 to 69 also show significant interest, challenging previous trends. Interestingly, the report found that those who feel a strong attachment to their local Jewish community are paradoxically more likely to contemplate leaving it for Israel.

The Jerusalem PostTimes of Israel

Dr. Boyd's report emphasizes that the increase in aliyah is not solely a reaction to antisemitism but reflects broader concerns about security and belonging among British Jews. He stated, “But focusing on the numbers alone misses the deeper significance of what is happening.” The report also notes that socioeconomic factors play a role, with individuals experiencing lower financial well-being being more inclined to consider aliyah.

The Jerusalem Post

Despite the rising aliyah rates, a significant majority of British Jews still express comfort in their current living situation. According to the survey, 85% of respondents felt they could practice Judaism without restrictions, even as 82% acknowledged antisemitism as a significant issue. This indicates a complex relationship between the perceived threat of antisemitism and the actual experiences of British Jews.

Times of Israel

While the report indicates a rise in aliyah, it also acknowledges that the survey data may not fully capture current sentiments, as it was conducted months before the Yom Kippur terror attack in October 2025. This suggests that recent events may have further influenced Jewish perceptions and decisions regarding emigration.

The Jerusalem Post

• “There is no Jewish exodus from the UK, at least not yet: Migration to Israel has remained strikingly stable over two decades, and even the elevated figures seen in 2025 fall well within a narrow historical range,” — Dr. Jonathan Boyd, Executive Director, JPR

The Jerusalem Post

• “But focusing on the numbers alone misses the deeper significance of what is happening.” — Dr. Jonathan Boyd, Executive Director, JPR

The Jerusalem Post