Disparity in Perceptions: Germans Growing Critical of Israel, Israelis Remain Positive
Growing Criticism Among Germans Towards Israel
The image of Israel, once considered favorably among Germans, has taken a turn for the worse over the past four years, according to a survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation. Today, 36% of Germans hold a positive view of Israel, down from 46% in 2021 - a noticeable shift, to say the least.
In contrast, Israelis maintain a largely positive view of Germany and its government, with 60% expressing good or very good impressions. This contrast points to a significant divergence in mutual perceptions, according to the foundation.
Unfortunately, the survey also reveals an unsettling increase in classic anti-Semitism in Germany, particularly among the younger generation. This unsettling trend, as well as a rise in anti-Semitic attitudes related to Israel, has reached its highest level in years, with 27% of Germans expressing such sentiments.
While the Israeli government draws criticism from 59% of Germans, the opposite is true for the German government, which only 17% of Israelis view negatively. Interestingly, more than two-thirds (68%) of Israelis aspire for closer cooperation between the nations, compared to only one in four (24%) in Germany.
Anti-Semitism on the Rise
Anti-Semitic attitudes, including claims of excessive Jewish influence, have increased to their highest levels in years. In 2021, this figure stood at 24%; now, it's at 27%. Furthermore, many respondents believe that Israeli policies contribute to a rise in antipathy toward Jews, with 29% agreeing with this statement. Among those under 40, support for this sentiment has grown from 14% to 28%.
"Anti-Semitism is not a marginal concern in Germany, but is prevalent within various social and political circles," explained Stephan Vopel, an Israel expert at the Bertelsmann Foundation.
As the shadows of the past cast a long shadow upon both nations, the memory of the Holocaust still holds a powerful influence. However, more people in Israel view this memory as significant than in Germany. While 32% of Germans are reluctant to draw a line under the past, that number almost doubles in Israel, at 62%.
Split by Education and Political Affiliation
When examining the findings of the survey, it's clear that education levels play a significant role. Only 25% of those with low levels of education reject the importance of drawing a line under the Holocaust's past compared to 41% of those with higher education.
Political affiliation also factors into the equation. For example, 63% of AfD supporters agreed to move past the past, compared to only 14% of Green Party supporters.
Interestingly, Israelis overwhelmingly (64%) see Germany as holding a unique responsibility towards the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Conversely, this sentiment is far less common in Germany, where only around one-third feel this responsibility towards the Jewish people, and fewer still towards the State of Israel.
The survey, conducted on behalf of the Bertelsmann Foundation, interviewed 1,346 adults in Germany and 1,367 in Israel between February 24 and March 25, 2025.
Sources: ntv.de, toh/dpa
- The survey, conducted by the Bertelsmann Foundation, revealed that anti-Semitic attitudes in Germany have reached their highest levels in years, with 27% of respondents expressing such sentiments, a noticeable increase from 24% in 2021.
- The survey also showed a significant divergence in mutual perceptions between Germans and Israelis, with 36% of Germans holding a positive view of Israel, down from 46% in 2021, while 60% of Israelis expressed good or very good impressions of Germany and its government.
- Furthermore, the survey highlighted an unsettling trend of classic anti-Semitism in Germany, particularly among the younger generation, and a sudden rise in anti-Semitic attitudes related to Israel.
- Interestingly, the survey found that more than two-thirds (68%) of Israelis aspire for closer cooperation between the nations, compared to only one in four (24%) in Germany, while Israelis overwhelmingly (64%) see Germany as holding a unique responsibility towards the Jewish people and the State of Israel. This sentiment is far less common in Germany.
