What’s happening:
Last week, the President of the Council of the European Union, along with Belgium’s Prime Minister, engaged in actions that have been criticized for promoting antisemitism and undermining Jewish communities in Europe. Their conduct, in the wake of an attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians, has raised serious questions about Europe’s stance on terrorism and liberal democracy.
Why it matters:
The leaders in question, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain, have been accused of displaying political cynicism by condemning Israel while neglecting to address the violent actions of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization by the EU. Their choices reflect broader European policies and attitudes towards Israel and could have significant implications for European Jews and the fight against antisemitism.
The backdrop:
Hamas committed brutal acts of terror against Israeli civilians, breaching a ceasefire and taking hostages, with a third of Kibbutz Be’eri’s members being murdered. Though the European leaders visited the site and condemned the attacks, they later called for a ceasefire at the Rafah crossing without demanding the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The big picture:
This incident has highlighted a perceived moral equivalence between Israel, a democratic state defending itself, and Hamas, a terrorist group with a history of violence against both Israelis and Palestinians. The inconsistent response from European leaders is seen as fostering antisemitism and undermining their own commitments to combat it.
What’s next:
European leaders like De Croo and Sanchez are now faced with a decision: to unequivocally support a fellow democracy in Israel or to indirectly support terrorism through inaction or misrepresentation. Their actions will not only determine the course of European foreign policy but also the safety and security of Jewish communities across the continent.
This story was first published on jpost.com.