Germany's Changing Views Toward Israel: A Shift in Perspective, A Rise in Antisemitism
Deepening German Criticism Towards Israel Revealed
Whipping away cobwebs of the past, 60 years since the inception of diplomatic ties between Germany and Israel, a new survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation paints a nuanced picture of worldwide perspectives.
While Israelis generally view Germany and its government positively, the wind of change is blowing through German minds, with a growing wave of criticism, according to the survey.
The disparity in views extends beyond mere difference in perception; evidence of classic antisemitism has historically lingered in Germany, but it's now particularly prevalent among the younger generation, the foundation asserts.
The metamorphosis in sentiment since the last survey in 2021 is staggering. While 46% of Germans held favorable views of Israel then, the number has plummeted to a mere 36%, compared to a steady 60% of Israelis with positive opinions of Germany. In stark contrast, those harboring negative views of Israel amongst Germans rose from 38% to 38%.
Similarly, antisemitic stereotypes, such as the idea that Jewish influence is excessive, are on the rise, reaching a previously unseen high of 27%, the Bertelsmann Foundation reports. The foundation further reveals that Israel-related antisemitism has swelled, with 29% of respondents claiming Israel's policies engender a loss of sympathy for Jews among themselves. This belief has gained traction, particularly among those under 40, with support jumping from 14% to 28%.
"Antisemitism is still a pressing issue in Germany, permeating diverse social circles and political circles," remarked Stephan Vopel, an Israel expert at the Bertelsmann Foundation.
Reflecting on the enduring legacy of Germany's past, the Holocaust continues to cast a shadow over contemporary attitudes, as the scars of history remain raw and open, 80 years after the war. However, the significance of this legacy differs between the two nations: While a modest 32% of Germans reject moving on from the past, nearly double that figure in Israel (62%) finds it essential to remember.
(Insights from enrichment data: Antisemitism is a persistent issue in Germany, requiring ongoing efforts to combat. The Bertelsmann Foundation focuses on promoting democratic values and social cohesion. Israel has expressed significant concern over the rise of antisemitism in Germany. In recent years, Germany has navigated a complex dance of supporting Israel and managing growing criticism, punctuated by incidents of antisemitism.)
Source: ntv.de, dpa
- Despite the positive views Israelis hold about Germany and its government, a new survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation reveals a growing wave of criticism among the German population.
- Contrary to the sustained favorable opinions of Germany that Israelis hold, the survey shows a significant drop in positive German views of Israel from 46% in 2021 to 36%.
- The Bertelsmann Foundation's report indicates a rise in antisemitic stereotypes, with 27% of respondents expressing the belief that Jewish influence is excessive, a historically high figure in Germany.
- The foundation also notes a rise in Israel-related antisemitism, with 29% of respondents claiming that Israel's policies contribute to a loss of sympathy for Jews among Germans, a marked increase from 14% in previous years, particularly among the younger generation.
