Addressing Antisemitism Should Be Priority for Europe Before Recognizing Palestinian State, Leading Rabbi Says
What it is about
Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis, highlights the urgent need for addressing rising antisemitism across Europe, particularly following recent decisions by countries like Spain, Norway, and Ireland to recognize a Palestinian state. Goldschmidt warns of the growing hatred and its severe impact on European Jewish communities.
Why it matters
The increasing antisemitic sentiments and actions across Europe, including protests, physical attacks, and hate speech, have significantly worsened conditions for Jews. Goldschmidt believes that recognizing a Palestinian state without first tackling these deep-seated issues emboldens radical elements and imperils Jewish citizens.
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the country’s recognition of a Palestinian state and emphasized it was not against Israeli people but aimed for peace and justice. However, such moves have coincided with a spike in antisemitic acts. For example, Jewish leaders condemned the complacency of universities in addressing antisemitic demonstrations, and recent months have seen various attacks on Jewish institutions, including synagogues and businesses.
Ireland
In Ireland, Prime Minister Simon Harris framed the recognition of Palestinian statehood as a means to contribute to peace. Yet criticisms have arisen about stoking anti-Israel tensions, particularly in educational content that misrepresents Israeli actions and incites pro-Palestinian sentiments among students.
Norway
Norway’s decision to upgrade its diplomatic office in the West Bank to an embassy reflects deeper issues. Reports indicate an unprecedented wave of antisemitism, leading many Norwegian Jews to reconsider their future in the country. This includes troubling instances of pro-Palestinian activism that crosses into antisemitism.
Antisemitic Incidents Across Europe
The situation in countries such as the UK, France, Germany, and Poland shows a dire trend with synagogues and cemeteries vandalized, and Holocaust memorials defaced. The violent anti-Israel protests coupled with various antisemitic incidents underscore the severity of the issue that European Jewish communities face daily.
The Broader Context
Amidst this rising tide of antisemitism, Israeli voices stress the untenable coexistence with hostile organizations like Hamas. The international Jewish community perceives the necessity to prioritize eradicating such threats and restoring peace and security for Jews globally.
Bottom Line
The call from Rabbi Goldschmidt, supported by recent European recognitions of a Palestinian state amid an antisemitism surge, signifies an inextricable link between these political gestures and the well-being of Jewish communities. Europe must prioritize combating antisemitism to ensure a peaceful and secure future for all its citizens.
This story was first published on foxnews.com.