About 13% more people chose to immigrate to Israel in the previous Jewish year than the one before it. The largest numbers came from France (7,350), Ukraine (6,868), and Russia (5,900).

Some 200 rabbis and Jewish community leaders report a 75% increase in the number of Europeans hiding their Jewish identity; only 15% of the continent's Jews plan to attend synagogue prayers during the High Holidays.

In light of recent attempts to restrict circumcision and ritual animal slaughter, Jewish and Muslim clerics unite to ensure freedom to practice their religion; they also call on Europe to deal humanely with Middle Eastern refugees.