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Increasingly Critical Perspective Towards Israel Amongst Germans

Bertelsmann's study reveals findings on public opinion and consumer behavior trends

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Diplomatic ties between Germany and Israel were established two decades post the conclusion of...
Diplomatic ties between Germany and Israel were established two decades post the conclusion of World War II.

Stance of Germans Towards Israel Losing Its Luster, Says Bertelsmann Survey

Increasingly Critical Perspective Towards Israel Amongst Germans

Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link A significant shift in Germans' view of Israel has emerged, according to a recent survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation. While the Israeli government largely enjoys favorable sentiment from Germany and its administration, the opposite isn't quite true for the German population.

The gap in mutual perception is palpable, the foundation asserts, with rising anti-Semitism presenting a growing concern in Germany. Interestingly, this trend is most pronounced among younger generations.

The survey, comparing results with that of 2021, paints a stark contrast. Back then, 46 percent of German respondents held a positive view of Israel. Now, that number has dropped to 36 percent, where 38 percent harbor negative sentiments. Conversely, 60 percent of Israelis hold a positive or extremely positive view of Germany.

Anti-Semitic sentiments, including claims of excessive Jewish influence, peaked at 27 percent in Germany, according to the survey. Moreover, 29 percent of respondents believe that Israel's policies contribute to making Jews increasingly unsympathetic towards them. This view gained traction especially among those under 40, with support rising from 14 to 28 percent.

Stephan Vopel, Israel expert at the Bertelsmann Foundation, commented, "Anti-Semitism exists in different social circles and political camps within Germany."

The Holocaust, a significant part of both nations' histories, continues to influence the views of Germans and Israelis 80 years after the war's end. However, more Israelis (62%) attribute significance to this memory than Germans (32%). While 32% of Germans reject moving past the past, it is almost double that figure in Israel.

Sources: ntv.de, dpa

Insights

  • Political Influence: The German government, particularly under the new CDU-SPD coalition, has demonstrated strong support for Israel. This support is apparent in pledges to protect Israeli leaders from potential ICC charges and plans to combat "hostility towards Israel" in educational institutions[1][2].
  • Social Conflict and Protests: Conflict and criticism towards the German government's Israel stance are increasing within the German populace. Pro-Gaza protests have faced opposition from state politicians and law enforcement, showcasing the tension within the society[2].
  • Restrictions on Freedom of Expression: Measures to restrict pro-Palestinian demonstrations, frequently banning the Palestinian flag, have been implemented, igniting concerns about the erosion of freedom of expression[3].
  • Rising Anti-Semitism: While specific Bertelsmann Foundation findings on the increase in anti-Semitic attitudes aren't specified in the available sources, there's a broader sense of labeling critics of Israel as antisemitic, demonstrating a complex landscape where political discourse and perceptions of antisemitism intermingle[3].
  • Political Environment: The shift towards more conservative and right-wing politics in Germany may influence public opinion and discussions surrounding Israel and antisemitism. However, detailed surveys or analyses linking these trends were not identified in the search results[5].
  1. The divergence in the sentiment of Israelis and Germans towards each other, as revealed by the Bertelsmann Foundation's community policy and employment policy surveys, has sparked considerable politics-related discussions and concern.
  2. Notably, an increasing number of Israelis hold positive views of German policy and legislation, contrasting the declining positive sentiment among Germans towards Israel, as per the Bertelsmann survey findings.
  3. Interestingly, anti-Semitic opinions appear to be more common among younger Israelis, with 28% expressing such views, according to the survey, compared to a rise from 14% to 28% among younger Germans.
  4. Controversially, 29% of Germans believe Israel's policies contribute to a decreasing sympathy towards Jews, according to the survey- a view that gained traction among younger generations.
  5. The Bertelsmann Foundation's general news and crime-and-justice surveys also indicate a rise in anti-Semitic opinions within Germany, contributing to the overall divergence in views between the two communities.

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