Prolonged Israel-Hamas War Fuels Dangerous Global Surge in Antisemitism

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, known as Operation Iron Swords, has triggered a significant and sustained global wave of antisemitism that experts warn will persist long after the fighting ends. Retired Major General Eitan Ben-Eliyahu, former commander of the Israeli Air Force, highlights that antisemitism is a recurring historical phenomenon, often flaring in cycles lasting decades. He traces its origins back to ancient times, including the Egyptian exile narratives, Hellenistic era, and early Christian periods, through to medieval crusades, expulsions from England and Spain, and even the 18th-century emancipation era, each followed by prolonged periods of hatred.

Ben-Eliyahu emphasizes that the current conflict, which began with the war in Gaza and has expanded to involve Iran and Lebanon, has intensified antisemitic sentiments worldwide. He notes that even legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies is frequently conflated with antisemitism, exacerbating the problem. The consequences extend beyond physical threats to Jews, affecting economic and psychological well-being and Israel's international standing.

The general warns that the current antisemitic wave will not subside quickly, as historical patterns show these surges last from five to twelve years or more. The ongoing hostilities deepen and prolong this hatred, creating what he calls the most severe collateral damage of the Iron Swords war. He concludes with a hope that this period of intensified antisemitism will be as brief as possible, but acknowledges it will shadow the Jewish people for years to come.