The decision by Spain, Norway, and Ireland to recognize a Palestinian state has been met with criticism from Jewish leaders who believe it has emboldened antisemitism in Europe. Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, president of the Conference of European Rabbis, has expressed concern that these declarations have made it politically correct to be antisemitic again and has led to a rise in attacks on the Jewish community. He emphasizes the need for these European countries to understand the impact of their decisions on the security and well-being of their Jewish citizens.
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that his country would diplomatically recognize a Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders in support of peace, justice, and moral consistency. However, there are worries that pro-Palestinian sentiments in Spain have fueled increased antisemitism within the country. Reports indicate that since the recognition of a Palestinian state on October 7, there have been numerous attacks on Spain’s Jewish community, including physical assaults, boycotts, and antisemitic graffiti. Jewish leaders have criticized the Spanish government for not taking stronger action against these incidents.
Similarly, in Ireland, there has been criticism over some leaders stoking anti-Israel tensions and propagating misinformation about the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Jewish groups have raised concerns about a school curriculum that portrays Israel in a negative light and fails to acknowledge Hamas’ atrocities. The World Jewish Congress has called on the Irish government to prevent the use of this biased curriculum and promote education that reflects historical truths and promotes peace. Israeli officials have noted that Ireland is among the most hostile countries towards the Jewish state, despite its small Jewish population.
Norway has also announced its recognition of Palestinian statehood, with plans to convert its diplomatic office in the West Bank into an embassy. Rabbi Joav Melchior of Oslo has highlighted a concerning wave of antisemitism in Norway, prompting discussions within the Jewish community about whether to stay in the country. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide faced backlash after being photographed with the daughter of a Palestinian terrorist, raising questions about his ties to anti-Israel sentiments. These incidents have added to the growing sense of unease among Jews in Norway.
Across Europe, there has been a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, including attacks on synagogues, desecration of Jewish cemeteries, and vandalism of Holocaust memorials. The U.K. has recorded thousands of antisemitic events, with a significant number occurring in London, leading to concerns about the atmosphere created by pro-Hamas supporters. Rabbi Goldschmidt notes that Israelis continue to face the threat of living with Hamas next door and grapple with the dilemma of prioritizing the return of hostages or the destruction of the terrorist organization. As hate spreads against Europe’s Jewish population, there is a pressing need for unity, education, and action to combat antisemitism and promote peace and understanding among all communities.
