A Jewish family that left London for South Florida is building a new life in West Boca Raton after growing concerns about antisemitism influenced its decision to relocate. Their experience reflects a broader conversation among some British Jewish families about personal safety, raising children and maintaining a visible Jewish identity.
Adam Regev, 41, moved to Florida last year with his wife, Natalie, and their two young children after spending most of his life in London. Although the family had already considered relocating to a warmer climate, Regev said the atmosphere surrounding Jewish identity in Britain became an important factor in their decision.
A Family’s Decision to Leave London
Regev described a change in how comfortable he felt expressing his Jewish identity in public following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel and the subsequent rise in tensions.
He said he began concealing his Star of David necklace during demonstrations and became more cautious about telling strangers that he had Israeli heritage. He also described seeing anti-Israel stickers on public transportation and shop windows, as well as experiencing antisemitic remarks from people he knew.
The experiences contributed to his concerns about raising his children in London.
Although lifestyle was an important consideration in the family’s move, Regev said antisemitism had become difficult for him to ignore.
“However, the anti-Semitism in the UK was unbearable. It was unbearable for me,” he said in an interview with TAPinto Boca Raton.
South Florida Emerges as an Option for British Jewish Families
Adam Jacobs, a London native who operates Jacobs Relocation in Boca Raton, said he has received inquiries from British Jewish families considering a move to South Florida.
His business helps people navigate relocation, including finding housing, identifying schools and understanding immigration requirements. Jacobs said he has spoken with hundreds of families in Britain and often receives inquiries following incidents in London.
However, the number of British Jewish families who have actually relocated to South Florida in recent years has not been established.
Boca Raton and nearby communities such as Delray Beach and Boynton Beach offer established Jewish infrastructure, including synagogues, schools, kosher services and community organizations. These resources can help newcomers maintain religious traditions and build connections after moving to a new country.
The region’s climate, residential neighborhoods and established Jewish population also make it an option for families seeking a different lifestyle.
Antisemitism in Britain Remains a Serious Concern
The concerns described by Regev come amid high reported levels of antisemitism across the United Kingdom.
The Community Security Trust recorded 3,700 antisemitic incidents in 2025, the second-highest annual total in its reporting history. During the first half of 2026, it recorded another 1,926 incidents nationwide, representing a 21% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
The figures include reported incidents of anti-Jewish hate and are not limited to criminal offenses verified by law enforcement.
These reports provide wider context for the concerns expressed by some Jewish residents, although they do not establish how many families are considering emigration or how many have left Britain because of antisemitism.
For Regev, the issue became personal as he considered the kind of environment in which he wanted his children to grow up.
Starting Over Brings Financial and Personal Challenges
Moving internationally requires more than choosing a new home. Families must consider immigration eligibility, housing costs, school enrollment, employment and the challenge of rebuilding a social network.
Regev spent approximately a year preparing for the relocation before obtaining an E-2 investor visa, which allows eligible foreign nationals to live in the United States while operating a qualifying business.
He invested part of his savings in Brillify Merch, a company specializing in branded merchandise, corporate apparel and employee gifts.
The transition also meant leaving behind relatives, lifelong friends and a career in accounting.
Regev said his children, ages seven and five at the time of the report, adjusted quickly to their new schools and made friends. For him and his wife, establishing new social connections took longer because of the relationships they had left behind in London.
His experience illustrates the personal, financial and emotional considerations involved in leaving a familiar community to begin again somewhere else.
Finding a Sense of Community in Boca Raton
Since moving to West Boca Raton, Regev said he has felt welcomed by local Jewish residents, law enforcement officials and non-Jewish neighbors.
One moment that stood out occurred at a local chamber of commerce event, where he noticed an employee openly wearing a Star of David necklace. In London, he said, he had become accustomed to hiding his own necklace in certain public settings.
The contrast reinforced his feeling that the move had brought a welcome change.
Regev has since encouraged friends in Britain to consider relocating, while acknowledging that immigration rules, costs and personal commitments make such a decision difficult for many families.
He said he and his wife are happy with their new home and hope to contribute to the local community.
A Difficult Choice Facing Some Jewish Families
For some British Jewish families, the question of whether to remain in the United Kingdom or start over elsewhere has become increasingly personal. Safety concerns, the desire to raise children in a supportive community and the ability to express religious identity openly can all influence these decisions.
At the same time, relocating does not come without sacrifices, and the experiences of individual families do not necessarily represent the views or plans of British Jewry as a whole.
For Regev and his family, the move to South Florida has provided an opportunity to establish new routines, build relationships and create a future for their children in a community where they feel at home.
Their story highlights both the concerns that can motivate Jewish families to consider relocation and the importance of strong, welcoming communities for those seeking a fresh start.
Credit: The Jewish Voice
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