Again I ask for sources. I believe that many of the folks that left were forced to leave, but again I am willing to stand corrected. The only distinction I know of between Semitic Jews and some form of non semitic Jew would be those that came to the religion as opposed to being born Jewish.

Using your explanation, would Palestinians who left the area and immigrated to Europe not be considered Semites?

I am making these distinctions to make the point that congratulations will be in order when these "cousins" are living in peace. I would prefer to congratulate Jews and Arab, semitic cousins, on an accord which allows them to recognize what they have in common, and celebrate that which is different.

Mick