Israelis No Longer Passive Victims, Unlike Old Jewish Stereotypes
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
An Israeli writer in Berlin argues that Germany misunderstands Israelis, viewing them through an outdated stereotype of passive Jewish victims rather than resilient, self-defending individuals. He criticizes German media and society for failing to grasp this "new Jew" concept, despite their obsession with Israel. This misunderstanding, he claims, contributes to rising antisemitism in Germany and a biased portrayal of Israeli society.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- An Israeli writer criticizes Germany for failing to understand the difference between old Jewish stereotypes and modern, resilient Israelis.
- He contrasts the passive Jewish victim with the active, self-defending Israeli who retaliates against attacks.
- The author cites German student protests against military service as an example of this disconnect.
- He accuses German media of biased reporting on Israel, contributing to antisemitism.
- The writer believes Germany prefers an outdated image of Jews due to historical guilt and obsession with Israel.
An Israeli writer living in Berlin argues that Germany fails to grasp the fundamental difference between diaspora Jews and modern Israelis, whom he characterizes as resilient and self-defending. He contrasts the stereotype of the "old Jew" as a passive victim with the "new Jew" or Israeli who actively retaliates against attacks. This distinction, he contends, is crucial for understanding Israel and is something Germans, despite their intense focus on Israel, consistently misunderstand.
The author cites the German military conscription law and subsequent student protests, where students declared they would rather live under occupation than serve, as an example of this disconnect. He finds this attitude deeply disturbing given the threats Germany faces. In contrast, he highlights young Israelis who sacrifice their lives and well-being to protect their democracy and way of life.
He suggests that Germany's historical guilt and obsession with Israel lead them to prefer and project an image of the "old," helpless Jew. This, he believes, blinds them to the complex reality of Israeli society, which includes diverse groups beyond the secular, liberal Ashkenazi Jews often portrayed in German media. The author criticizes German media coverage of Israel as biased and politically motivated, contributing to rising antisemitism in Germany.
Furthermore, the writer criticizes German journalists and "Middle East experts" for their perceived intellectual laziness and antisemitic bias. He likens their approach to visiting an Israeli home, behaving disrespectfully, and expecting no consequences. He asserts that an Israeli would directly and honestly confront such behavior, unlike the passive victim stereotype Germans seem to expect. The author, who is the Germany correspondent for the Israeli daily "Yedioth Ahronoth," concludes that this failure to understand the "new Jew" stems from a German desire to maintain an outdated perception, even as they impose their own historical lessons on Israelis.