Top Hong Kong political adviser Regina Ip calls on Israelis seeking safety to move to city

Top Hong Kong government adviser Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee has called on Israelis to move to the city if they want a safe place to live and raise their children amid their war with Hamas, prompting the country’s consulate to defend the values of the nation.

The seasoned politician made the call on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday as she shared a hyperlink to an excerpt of a Time magazine article in which author Danya Kaufmann, a Jerusalem-based lawyer and writer, bemoaned the emotional toll of trying to fly home to Israel amid flight cancellations and news of hostage deaths.

“Israel may be winning its battles against Hamas and Hezbollah, but losing its country. Any Israelis who want a safe place to raise their kids and live their lives, consider Hong Kong. You can live well and be happy in our city,” Ip, convenor of the government’s key decision-making body, wrote.

The Israeli consulate was quick to respond, leaving a comment on her post suggesting its citizens were resilient people who had emerged from challenges stronger than before.

“Our commitment to peace, security and our democratic and liberal values are unwavering, and have turned Israel into a prosperous country and economy, a home to nearly 9,000 tech companies,” the post read.

The consulate also said it wished Ip and residents a happy new year “filled with peace and prosperity” ahead of the Jewish New Year on Wednesday.