Europe's Shifting Perceptions and Israel's Enduring Lessons
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
France recently experienced two large public events: violent riots involving immigrants and far-left activists, and a peaceful prayer gathering led by the Pope attended by 80,000 youth. The following day, 800,000 people attended a Papal mass in Paris. These events suggest a growing European awareness of vulnerability, potentially leading to a reevaluation of national identity and a better understanding of Israel's security concerns. The article questions if Europe is truly awakening to the need to defend its civilization.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- France saw both violent immigrant riots and a massive peaceful prayer event led by the Pope.
- Approximately 80,000 youth attended a Papal prayer gathering in Saint-Denis, France.
- An estimated 800,000 people gathered for a Papal mass in central Paris.
- The events suggest a growing European awareness of vulnerability and identity.
- This shift may lead to a better understanding of Israel's security perspective.
- President Macron acknowledged a "Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian foundation" for France.
Recent events suggest a potential historical shift in European consciousness regarding issues previously overlooked, such as the rise of political Islam, uncontrolled immigration, and demographic changes. This awakening appears to stem from a growing realization of what is at stake.
France recently witnessed two contrasting public gatherings. One involved violent riots by youth and immigrants, fueled by extremist elements and displaying Palestinian flags, which resulted in widespread destruction and arson. The other, a peaceful procession and prayer event led by the Pope on September 25, saw approximately 80,000 young people gather at the national stadium, marching from the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the burial site of French kings, to the venue. Saint-Denis, a working-class and immigrant district with a significant Muslim population, symbolizes contemporary France, with its mayor, a Muslim of Malian origin, celebrating the "new France." Yet, it was also the site where traditional Christian France marched in prayer from the tombs of its monarchs.
The following day, an estimated 800,000 people attended a Papal mass in central Paris, stretching from the Place de la Concorde to the Champs-Élysées. While this does not signify a resurgence of Catholicism or a political realignment, such a large public demonstration in one of the world's most secular nations is noteworthy. The Pope, while not advocating for closed borders, emphasized the importance of Christian European identity, a sentiment echoed by President Macron, who spoke of a "Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian foundation."
This French awakening is seen not primarily as religious or political, but as a manifestation of vulnerability, prompting many to reconsider their origins. This introspection occurs against a backdrop of renewed conflict in Eastern Europe, with the Baltic states facing Russian military threats and countries like the Czech Republic and Slovenia strengthening ties with Israel. Nations feeling vulnerable, the article suggests, are better positioned to understand Israel's perspective.
In the post-war era, Western Europe de-emphasized borders, military strength, and national identity in favor of law, trade, and shared European institutions. In contrast, for Jewish people, the lessons of war underscored the critical importance of land, military, sovereignty, and national identity as prerequisites for survival. The current European realization of vulnerability mirrors the Israeli understanding that borders can be breached, populations attacked, cultures assimilated, and identities erased if not actively defended. Whether this represents a genuine European awakening remains to be seen, but if it does, Europe's view of Israel may transform from an "embarrassing relic" to a nation that understood the imperative of defending its identity long before others.