Los Angeles, CA — In the wake of a violent attack on a synagogue in Los Angeles last week that sparked widespread condemnation from local to national leaders, a deeper narrative unfolds, shedding light on a growing trend among American Jews. Amid the outcry, President Joe Biden and other officials voiced their strong denunciations. Simultaneously, a less visible yet significant movement is taking place, as many Jews are increasingly considering relocating to Israel.
Gidon Katz, CEO of International Marketing & Promotion (IMP), and his business partner Emanuel Vatari, have been organizing real estate fairs across North America, aimed at assisting Jews in the Diaspora who are contemplating Aliyah—the immigration of Jews to Israel. Demand for these events has surged, especially following the incident in Los Angeles, underscoring a tangible shift in the Jewish community’s response to rising tensions and antisemitism.
Despite the gravity of the attack, Katz points out that the real story is perhaps the gathering itself, and not just the violence that surrounded it. Over 350 attendees, including young adults, families, and community leaders, convened inside the synagogue, exploring opportunities to purchase homes across Israel. Katz explained, “This reflects a potent realization of the parashah’s message from the previous week: ‘The Land is very, very good.’ It is a proactive step in healing historical wounds and reaffirming their ancestral connections.”
The bleak backdrop of the event was marked by antagonistic protesters outside the synagogue, some of whom assaulted attendees as they attempted to enter the venue. The protesters loudly proclaimed exclusionist slogans, directly challenging the historical and modern Jewish presence in Israel.
Katz noted, “The hostility faced at the synagogue’s doors underscores why so many are now determined to move to Israel. It’s an unintended consequence that actually strengthens our bond to the land.”
This sentiment is reflective of broader themes found in Jewish teachings. For instance, the Torah portion from the week of Korach discusses the peril of envy and disputes, using the story of Korach’s revolt against Moses to emphasize the destructive nature of such emotions. Envy, according to Jewish sages, can be ruinously consuming.
In contrast, these sages also recommend contentment and gratitude as virtues that enrich one’s life. These themes are increasingly relevant today, where societal pressures and public personas on social media can exacerbate feelings of discontent and competition.
The optimism amongst those considering Aliyah contrasts starkly with the recent tragic events in Israel that affected many, such as the loss of Noy Zafrani, a young woman deeply connected to her heritage and the land of Israel, who was a victim of violence along with her fiancé and his brother. Her sister, Maor Shaked, reminisced about Noy’s love for the country, expressed through song and celebration, a personal testament to the enduring strength and appeal of the Israeli spirit.
Despite facing significant loss, Shaked and others like her choose to celebrate the land’s beauty and heritage, reinforcing a commitment to their home country in defiance of external turmoil and internal despair.
This resilience and hopeful determination exemplify a broader narrative of renewal and return, as American Jews like those in Los Angeles reassess their places of residence and belonging in light of the challenges and opportunities of the current era.