"The Debate in Israel is Whether to Eat Beef or Veal, But Abroad It's About Jewish Survival"

The Chief Rabbi of Geneva, Rabbi Yitzchak Dayan, recently gave an interview to the 'Kikar Shabbat' website, where he stated that Jews outside of Israel are in a true battle for survival, and his main daily task is to prevent assimilation.

The interview took place in Monaco, where the Conference of European Rabbis is currently being held. Rabbi Dayan spoke about the existing Jewish community in Geneva: "Our community has about five thousand registered Jews, but it is estimated that we are about six and a half thousand Jews. We have a synagogue, a kollel, and several mikvahs. Many young people are leaving the diaspora and making aliyah to Israel—usually those who are closer to religion."

Rabbi Yitzchak Dayan spoke with regret about the phenomenon of assimilation in Geneva and in general: "Unfortunately, much assimilation exists. We have no contact with them—there are no confrontations. Everyone goes their separate ways. Our daily work is to prevent assimilation, to bring as many people as possible closer to the community, to the synagogue, and to Torah study... Today, our public is growing closer and closer," the rabbi added and noted that the community includes Jews of all types, from 'Yom Kippur Jews'—meaning those who only observe Yom Kippur—to fully observant Jews.

Rabbi Yitzchak Dayan encourages Jews from Geneva to make aliyah to Israel, and according to him, it has nothing to do with anti-Semitism in Europe or global terror attacks. "Our problem abroad is to be or not to be, whether to be faithful to the Jewish people or not," says Rabbi Dayan. "The debate in Israel is whether to eat beef or veal, but abroad it's about being or ceasing to be Jews. Therefore, I always encourage aliyah to Israel," Rabbi Dayan concluded.

For details and contact, free of charge:

Rescue – The Department for Preventing Assimilation, Assistance, Reports, and Donations:

Tel: 073-2221333, Mobile: 052-9551591. Email kalina@htv.co.il