Old Antisemitic Blood Libel Revived in Lithuania, Author Warns

A wave of anti-Israel sentiment in Western Europe and North America, fueled by well-funded pro-Palestinian campaigns, is increasingly delegitimizing Israel's existence and its right to self-defense, according to an Israeli military affairs commentator. This trend, manifesting in slogans like "Death to the IDF" and political declarations, extends beyond rhetoric to potential legislative actions hindering Israel's arms procurement. The author notes that this sentiment is amplified by the destruction in Gaza and alleged abuses by Jewish settlers in the West Bank, with Israeli government statements and actions contributing to hostile propaganda. The situation is exacerbated by the rise of Islamist and far-left groups in Western countries, often funded by Middle Eastern nations.

During a recent conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, focused on preparing for potential Russian aggression, the author observed that while the war in Gaza was not a central topic, informal discussions revealed concerns about Israel. Despite a generally polite and understanding demeanor from most attendees, terms like "genocide" and "ethnic cleansing" were used in relation to the conflict. This experience led the author to realize the extent of anti-Israel sentiment.

More disturbingly, a Lithuanian media company tasked fact-checkers with verifying the medieval anti-Semitic blood libel that Jews use Christian children's blood in Passover matzah. A senior executive confirmed the investigation, which found the claim to be baseless, was initiated due to circulating rumors in rural areas. The author views this as evidence that classic anti-Semitism, alongside a "modern" form targeting Israel and its supporters, is experiencing a resurgence across Europe and North America, posing a significant threat that requires a response.