Diane Neal has moved to Israel after experiencing 'unpleasant' antisemitism in New York over the last few years. 

The Law and Order star said she 'experienced some antisemitism in a really unpleasant way' in the Big Apple.

As a result, the actress, whose mum is Jewish, moved to the Middle East nation in March and now feels 'definitely safer.’

Speaking about her decision to relocate, she told the Jerusalem Post: “Even in the last few years in New York, I have experienced some antisemitism in a really unpleasant way, which to me was shocking, absolutely shocking.

“For me, the better place to be is in Israel. I am feeling incredibly happy to be here, incredibly grateful to be here. 

“Believe it or not, I feel safe here and definitely safer. I cannot express the gratitude I have for all of my family members that came before me who suffered horrific things so that there would be a country to come to.”

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Neal said she had been the victim of various antisemitic incidents in New York in recent years (Photo: Getty)

The 46-year-old declined to give further details about the incidents because legal action is underway, but she described the ordeals as 'detrimental' to her life. 

After announcing her move, there was a lot of backlash against the planned move to Israel. However, she said: “I’m really grateful that I have a place to go, I have a much deeper appreciation of everything that our ancestors went through and I’m just really happy to be here.”

Neal made aliyah through the Nefesh B'Nefesh organisation, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry and the Jewish Agency. 

Writing on Instagram shortly afterwards, Neal said thank you to those who facilitated her move for 'making my dream come true'. 

Neal played attorney Casey Novak on the series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She made her first debut on the show in the season five episode titled Serendipity. Her regular position on the show ended in season nine but she made a brief return in Seasons 12 and 13.