German Opinions on Israel: A Shifting Landscape, According to Bertelsmann Foundation
Growing Criticism of Israel in Germany Gains Momentum
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In stark contrast to Israeli views on Germany, the latter's outlook towards Israel has witnessed a notable shift, with increasing criticism, as per the latest survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation.
There's more than a meet-the-eye disparity in mutual perceptions, the foundation suggests, alongside a surge in traditional antisemitic sentiments, particularly among the youth, in Germany.
Compared to the 2021 survey, the shift is palpable. Back then, 46% of respondents held a positive view of Israel. Today, that number drops to 36%, while the unfavorable views rise to 38%. On the other hand, 60% of Israelis view Germany and its government positively.
Encouraging a cause for concern is the rise in antisemitic attitudes. For instance, the number of respondents agreeing with excessive Jewish influence claims increased to 27%. Antisemitism related to Israel has also escalated, with 29% of Germans asserting that Israel's policies make Jews appear less sympathetic. Among the younger generation under 40, support for this view jumped from 14% to a concerning 28%.
"Antisemitism is not a marginal phenomenon in Germany but is visible across various social circles and political camps," remarked Stephan Vopel, the Israel expert at the Bertelsmann Foundation.
Even after 80 years since the end of WWII, Germany's dark past still casts a long shadow on the relationship between the two nations. Interestingly, a higher percentage of Israelis (62%) attribute significance to this memory compared to Germany (32%), some of whom believe it's time to move forward.
The Bertelsmann Foundation, known for its work on European integration and global topics, might not provide precise trends on German attitudes towards Israel. However, exploring broader surveys and studies focusing on public opinion within Germany could shed light on these trends. These could originate from organizations like the German Federal Foreign Office, academic institutions, or international relations reports.
Other factors to consider could be the political climate, variable public opinion influenced by factors such as age, political affiliation, and personal experiences, and diplomatic ties between the two nations. In the absence of specific survey data, pinpointing precise trends regarding German attitudes towards Israel remains a challenge.
- The Bertelsmann Foundation, in a recent survey, reported a significant divergence in sentiment towards Israel among Germans, with a drop from 46% to 36% holding a positive view, while unfavorable views rose to 38%.
- Among the cause for concern, the Bertelsmann Foundation identified a rise in antisemitic attitudes within Germany, with 27% of respondents agreeing with excessive Jewish influence claims and 29% asserting that Israel's policies make Jews appear less sympathetic.
- Stephan Vopel, the Israel expert at the Bertelsmann Foundation, commented that antisemitism is not a marginal phenomenon in Germany, as it is visible across various social circles and political camps.
- In contrast, a higher percentage of Israelis (62%) attribute significance to the memory of World War II compared to Germany (32%), indicating varying perceptions about the past and its influence on the current relationship between the two nations.
