Global 'Intifada' Echoes in European Protests, Fueling Antisemitism
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Protests across Europe, initially about cost of living, have become intertwined with a "globalized intifada" and rising antisemitism, according to an Israeli news report. Incidents in France and Italy, including vandalism and displays of Hamas flags, are seen as a dangerous fusion of grievances with anti-Israel sentiment. European leaders' responses and a perceived denial of the October 7th atrocities are criticized for emboldening extremism, echoing historical patterns of antisemitism.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- European protests have become a "globalized intifada," merging grievances with anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism.
- Incidents in France and Italy involve vandalism, looting, and displays of Hamas flags.
- Greta Thunberg expressed solidarity with French demonstrators.
- European leaders are criticized for their stance on Israel's self-defense.
- The trend is linked to a historical rise in antisemitic violence in Europe.
- The situation is compared to Martin Niemöller's warning about silence during persecution.
The concept of a "globalized intifada," first articulated by Zuhraan Mamdani, has rapidly spread, manifesting in recent protests across Europe. This phenomenon, which began gaining traction approximately three years after October 7, 2023, is seen as a dangerous fusion of various grievances with anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism.
Protests in France, initially focused on cost of living and education, have seen participants displaying Hamas flags and engaging in vandalism, with figures like environmental activist Greta Thunberg expressing solidarity with demonstrators. Similarly, riots in Italy, involving looting and clashes with police, have been linked to a broader trend of "Palestinianization" of political consciousness, particularly among second and third-generation immigrants.
European leaders are criticized for their perceived weak stance on Israel's self-defense and for repeatedly mentioning the establishment of a Palestinian state, which the article suggests is a euphemism for Israel's elimination. This approach, coupled with a denial or downplaying of the October 7th atrocities, has emboldened extremist elements and fostered an environment where hatred of Israel is conflated with hatred of democracy and Western culture.
The article traces a historical trajectory of antisemitic violence in Europe, from the murder of Ilan Halimi in 2006 to attacks on Charlie Hebdo and kosher supermarkets, and recent incidents in Toulouse and Italy. These events are presented as precursors to the current wave of protests, which are characterized by slogans like "From the river to the sea" and a disregard for democratic values.
The author invokes the words of pastor Martin Niemöller, warning that silence in the face of persecution ultimately affects everyone. The current situation in Europe is depicted as a dangerous escalation, fueled by antisemitism and a disregard for the existential threat faced by Israel, potentially leading to the fragmentation of the European Union itself.
Mentioned
