Israelis in the United Kingdom

"British Israeli" redirects here. For the belief that the British people are direct lineal descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, see British Israelism.
Israelis in the United Kingdom
Total population
2001 Census
Regions with significant populations
London
Languages
British English, Hebrew, Arabic, Russian
Religion
Judaism, Islam, Christianity

Israelis in the United Kingdom are citizens or residents of the United Kingdom who were originally from Israel or are of Israeli descent.

Demographics

In 2001 Israel was the 68th most common birthplace for British residents; some 11,892 people born in Israel lived in the UK.[1] It is unknown how many people born in the UK are of Israeli descent, as this was not listed as a separate ethnic group in the 2001 Census.[2] The majority of Israelis in the UK live in London and, in particular, the densely populated Jewish area of Golders Green.[2] The vast majority of Israeli Britons are Jewish. The most common languages amongst the Israeli British community are Hebrew, Arabic and British English.

Contemporary issues

Some Israeli-Jewish expatriates in Europe complain that they feel excluded from the rest of the Jewish community. Only 2% of expats in Britain and France who responded to a 2008 survey said that they feel part of the local Jewish community. Despite many Israelis claiming not to feel connected to other Jewish groups in the country, around 33% of those interviewed said they felt more attached to their Jewish identity rather than their Israeli identity, with 11% saying they identified less as Jews.[3] A survey by JTA reported that the Israeli community in the UK had little involvement in the local Jewish community, though Israeli expats often chose to live in predominantly Jewish areas. Israelis in the UK often complain of being discouraged by the perceived "frosty" attitude of British Jews towards them, but at the same time many Israelis in Britain are indifferent to the local Jewish community and reluctant to become part of it.[2]

Media

Alondon is London's main Hebrew-language magazine that caters primarily to the British Israeli community.[4]

Notable people

One of the most notable British people of Israeli descent is Sacha Baron Cohen, comedian, writer and Golden Globe-winning actor. His mother came from Israel.[5] Others include entertainer Uri Geller, former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, professional wrestler Noam Dar, and footballer Yossi Benayoun.

In 2008, six Israelis were counted amongst the top 50 richest people in the UK, according to the Sunday Times Rich List, equal to the number of people born in the UK who made the top 50.[6] They include Sammy and Eyal Ofer, who were listed as 15th with a total worth of £3.4 billion; Lev Leviev (worth £2.5 billion); Benny Steinmetz; and brothers Eddie and Saul Zakai.[6]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Country-of-birth database". Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Retrieved 23 December 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 "Israelis in London prefer their own". Retrieved 23 December 2008.
  3. ↑ Expat and excluded, Israelis in the UK
  4. ↑ Alondon Official Website
  5. ↑ Kirsty Scott (29 September 2006). "'He becomes the character, certainly with Ali G and Borat. He has a mix of Sellers's acting and Rod Hull's bottle'". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 November 2008.
  6. 1 2 Harpaz, Moran (24 April 2008). "Six Israelis make list of 50 richest people in Britain". Haaretz. Retrieved 7 January 2009.

External links

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