Copenhagen shootings: Israeli PM Netanyahu announces plans to encourage mass migration of Jews to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that if Jewish people aren't safe in Europe, they will be encouraged to migrate to Israel.

Speaking in response to the shooting at a Copenhagen synagogue which left 38-year-old security guard Dan Uzan dead, Netanyahu told a meeting of Israel's cabinet: "Extreme Islamic terror in Europe has struck again and this time it's in Denmark. We send our condolences to the families of those killed. They are once again killing Jews on European soil simply for being Jewish.

"The wave of attacks against Jews in Europe is expected to continue and it is up to us to stay prepared," Netanyahu continued. "Jews need protection wherever they are, but we're telling you: Israel is your home."

Referring to plans by the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption to provide additional funding to help European Jews to migrate to Israel – known as "Aliya", or "ascent" – Netanyahu said Jews would always be welcome.

"Israel is there for [European Jewry] and Israel is their home," said Netanyahu quoted in the Jerusalem Post. "Today, the government will discuss a NIS180 million (£30m) program to support aliya and we are going to create more programs for Jews around the world. Israel is waiting for you with open arms."

The extra funding will go towards improved Hebrew lessons and an improved telephone hotline for Jews from France, Belgium and Ukraine to move to Israel. France and Belgium have both seen deadly anti-Semitic attacks recently. It is unclear whether Denmark will be added to the list following the latest attacks.

Referring to the mass protests against the Charlie Hebdo massacre, Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman said rallies weren't enough and that the international community should launch a "devastating war against Islamic terror and its root causes".

It's believed the security guard at the synagogue prevented a massacre by preventing access to the building where a Bar Mitzvah was taking place. Uzan, whose mother is Danish and father is Israeli, is thought to have been shot in the head at point-blank range.

Local community leader Dan Rosenberg Asmussen said: "I dare not think about what would have happened if [the killer] had access to the congregation." Rabbi Yair Melchior said that Uzan had "saved lives".

Speaking from outside the synagogue, Denmark's Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said: "Our thoughts go to the whole Jewish community today. They belong in Denmark, they are a strong part of our community and we will do everything we can to protect the Jewish community in our country."