Bridging the Cultural Divide: How Europe Frames Israel and Antisemitism - INSS Briefing

Miri explores the evolution of anti-Israel rhetoric in Europe and its convergence with antisemitism, reflecting on how her own perspective changed after witnessing intensifying anti-Israeli sentiment. She analyzes the cultural and linguistic gap between Israel and modern European societies—particularly their "postwar," "postnational," and "post-Shoah" sensibilities—and explains how these differences influence the framing of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Using examples from European protests and media, Miri illustrates how terms like "oppressor" and "freedom" are wielded in a narrative that automatically casts Israel as the villain, often without mentioning Israel or Palestinians directly. She highlights the contrasting notions of security: national security in Israel versus personal security in Europe. Miri concludes by urging recognition of these cultural and historical gaps, advocating for bridge-building through honest discussion rather than defensive argumentation, stressing that understanding and acknowledging these divides is the first step toward constructive engagement.