- Source: Anglo-Israelis
Anglo-Israelis, also referred to as Anglo-Saxim or English-speaking Israelis, are Anglophone Jewish olim, whether born-Jews or gerim, and their descendants in the State of Israel. They've become an integral part of Israeli Jewish society, bringing with them traditions from the countries of origin.
As of 2022, it was estimated that there were 300,000 to 400,000 Anglos in Israel, comprising 4% of the total Jewish population.
Anglo-Israelis come from a variety of different countries, such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, Kenya, the Caribbean, and South Africa.
Name origin
The term "Anglo-Saxim" is not an ethnic term in Israel, but rather a cultural and linguistic term for diaspora Jews whose first language is English and who grew up in a country within the Anglosphere.
The name derives from the ancient Anglo-Saxons who were the precursor population to the modern English people.
History
Jews have existed in the English-speaking world since the Middle Ages when Jewish merchants from Normandy arrived in England in 1070.
During the Israeli War of Independence in 1948, the 7th Armored Brigade became known as the "Anglo-Saxon Brigade", due to its heavy amount of Anglo-Jewish soldiers.
See also
Jews in the Southern United States
Moses Montefiore
Arieh O'Sullivan
Jewish English varieties
Yiddish words used in English