A Shift in Perspectives: German sentiment towards Israel takes a turn for the critical
Growing Criticism Towards Israel Among Germans Gains Momentum
Germans' image of Israel has taken a hit over the past four years, with many viewing the government negatively and witnessing a rise in anti-Semitic attitudes - especially among the younger population. But Israelis, on the other hand, maintain a largely positive outlook on Germany and its government.
This unexpected divergence in opinions comes to light in a new survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation, conducted between February 24 and March 25, 2025. The survey reveals that only 36% of Germans hold a favorable view of Israel, while 38% express a negative opinion – a stark contrast from the 46% who felt positive in the 2021 survey. Simultaneously, Israelis continue to admire Germany, with 60% expressing a good or very good opinion of the country.
The survey also underscores a significant disconnect on the Israeli government front, with 59% of Germans holding a negative view, compared to only 17% of Israelis who feel the same about the German government. Interestingly, nearly two-thirds (68%) of Israelis yearn for closer cooperation between the nations, while only one in four Germans (24%) share this sentiment.
The Unsettling Rise of Anti-Semitism
The survey also flags a worrying trend: anti-Semitic attitudes, such as accusations of undue Jewish influence, have reached their highest level in years, according to the Bertelsmann Foundation, with 27%. This percentage marks a notable increase from the 24% observed four years ago.
The sentiment improves somewhat when considering Israel-related anti-Semitism, with 29% of respondents stating that Israel's policy makes Jews less sympathetic. This figure is particularly high among younger generations, with support increasing from 14 to 28% among Germans under 40.
Stephan Vopel, Israel expert at the Bertelsmann Foundation, expressed his concerns, stating that "Anti-Semitism is not a marginal phenomenon in Germany, but is evident in different social milieus and political camps."
The German past, particularly the Holocaust, still carries weighty influence over the views of Germans and Israelis, eight decades after the conflict. However, more Israelis stress the historical significance of this memory than Germans, with 62% in Israel compared to only 32% in Germany who advocate for pausing before drawing a line under the past.
Divides by Education Level and Political Allegiances
The survey reveals an interesting split by education level, with only 25% of those with a low education background rejecting the importance of drawing a line under the Holocaust's legacy, compared to 41% of those with higher education.
Politics further influences opinions, as shown by the perspectives of AfD supporters who comprise 63%, compared to just 14% of Green Party supporters, supporting the idea of moving on from the past.
During the survey, 64% of Israelis confessed that they believe Germany holds a unique responsibility towards both the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Conversely, only around one-third of Germans believed they held this responsibility towards the Jewish people, and even fewer (about one-quarter) towards the State of Israel.
[1] - ntv.de, toh/dpa[2] - A student of the German University of Halle, Paul de Lagarde, known for his anti-Semitic views, published "The Jew as a Biblical Conception" in 1879, advocating for a nationalistic approach that blamed Jews for the fragmentation of Germany. (Source: Bautz, H. G., ed. Biographisch-Bibliographisches Kirchenlexikon, 6th ed vol. 33, 2010)
- The employment policy of the Israeli government receives a positive evaluation from 17% of Germans, while 59% hold a negative view, according to the Bertelsmann Foundation's survey.
- A notable increase in preferences for a community policy that sides with Israel has been observed among Germans under 40, with 28% expressing such sentiments, as opposed to 14% four years ago.
- The survey also highlights a stark difference in political perspectives, with 63% of AfD supporters in Germany supporting the idea of moving on from the Holocaust's past, compared to just 14% of Green Party supporters.
- Israelis place a significant emphasis on the historical significance of the Holocaust, with 62% believing Germany holds a unique responsibility towards both the Jewish people and the State of Israel, while only about one-quarter of Germans share this sentiment towards the State of Israel.
