Antisemitism on the rise since Hamas massacre
Since the terrorist attack on Israel carried out by the radical Islamic Hamas on 7 October 2023, Europe has seen a surge in antisemitic incidents, and demonstrations against Israel have become common at universities, in parliaments and on the streets. Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip is a key factor. Europe's press voices concern.
No collective guilt!
Antisemitism is also spreading in Sweden, Expressen notes with dismay:
“Criticism of Israel is not antisemitism per se, but holding Swedish Jews responsible for what is happening in the Middle East is a textbook example of just that. The idea that there is a collective guilt shared by all those with Jewish blood is not only distasteful, it is racist and dangerous. ... Antisemitism can be crude and overt: Sieg Heil slogans and Zyklon B canisters placed outside a synagogue. ... But it can also be subtle, taking the form of toxic comments and supposed jokes and comments that send the message: You don't belong here.”
Antisemitism seen as legitimate once more
Philosopher Pascal Bruckner voices dismay at the resurgence of antisemitism in Le Figaro:
“On 7 October 2023, a taboo was broken. ... No sooner had news of the massacre begun to spread than the wolves came out of the woods. It was the most massive antisemitic coming-out since 1945, especially among the left and the radical left. ... The 'Zionist octopus' had finally been struck at its heart. Instead of provoking horror, the atrocities were justified, even applauded, in the name of resistance to colonialism. For the first time since 1945, Jews could be killed en masse again. ... On that day, a licence to kill was issued: since then, being antisemitic has been considered moral.”
Far right and Israel best friends now?
In an article in El País, sociologist Eva Illouz points to new alliances:
“In many democracies, the far right is the most vocal opponent of antisemitism. ... Netanyahu has been particularly adept at forging international political alliances with representatives of this spectrum (Orbán, Trump, Modi, Milei, Duda), and has managed to present the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians as a war of civilisations in which Israel is protecting the West. ... All this is bad news. In modern times, the far right has become a breeding ground for antisemitism. Today, after being deserted by the left, Jews are finding relief and solace there. ... Many Zionist Jews regard far-right parties as their friends. This only goes to show how besieged they feel and how chaotic the ideological sphere has become.”