Unfortunate but probably typical story. At the beginning of the week, disturbing data were published in the media, according to which only 16 percent of immigrants to Israel in the last eight years are properly Jewish. Among other things, it is specifically argued about the immigrants from France, of whom only 27 percent are considered Jewish. Several factors, including us, raised an eyebrow and turned to the Population Authority for clarification. In the course of a day, denial was published, and the Jewish Agency made it clear that about 97 percent of French immigrants were Jewish.

This toddler case is at the same time an innocent mistake, but also a symptom of Israeli society's peculiar attitude to French immigration. On the one hand, an endless festival of clichés and exaggerations, such as the pathetic figure of the French anal at the Miller Junction, identifying immigrants with a dark religion, and even their accusation of rising housing prices. And now a false figure joins, as if only one in six immigrants from France is a true Jew. On the other hand, complete indifference to the immigration from France, or cynicism. No plan to absorb them, no serious budget. Empty promises are plentiful during campaign times, and perhaps some inaugural places are in few lists for the Knesset. that's it.

Well, here is the data. In Israel, there are currently some 250,000 French speakers; 150,000 French citizenship holders. About ten percent of members of the Jewish community in France have come to Israel in the last ten years out of deep Zionism and identify with the values ​​of the State of Israel.

About 90 percent of French immigrants are of Oriental origin, though they feel entirely European, and are really like that in their cultural identity. For them, the distinction between Mizrahi and Ashkenazi is irrelevant because in France it simply does not exist in the way it is present in Israel. French-speaking Israeli citizens are characterized by a vibrant and powerful political culture, they vote at very high rates, and identify with parties on the right and left.

But after a few years in the country, they find out the truth: Don't count them in meters, if you use local slang. Taking them, and their deep Zionism, for granted. This attitude comes not only from the bottom, but also from the top.

Now, while we are galloping into a third election system, and unnecessary in the eyes of most Israeli citizens, we are calling on politicians and media people: Change the cultural and governmental attitude toward French immigrants. Massano in the role of Zionist good and polite children. We require serious treatment, integration in realistic places in the various parties, fair budgets and dedicated programs for our absorption.

Yael Yifrach, a new immigrant, is a parliamentary adviser; Dr. Marilyn Smadja, a veteran immigrant, is an educator