Europe's Missteps: A Critical Look at the Aftermath of October 7

The events following October 7 have left many questioning how individuals like Ofir Amir manage to cope with the disturbing shifts in global perception.

A Troubling Trend

The world has seen a troubling trend where victims are often depicted as aggressors, and the true instigators of conflict are portrayed as victims. This confusion is further exacerbated by the blending of legitimate criticism of Israeli government actions with deep-seated anti-Semitism, leading to a chilling rise in global anti-Semitic sentiment rather than the expected wave of empathy and solidarity.

Immediate Aftermath

In the immediate aftermath of the October 7 attacks, disturbing celebrations erupted in various parts of the world:

• Berlin: Cookies were distributed, and streets were filled with revelers.
• Tehran: Public fireworks lit up the sky in celebration of the attack.
• Gaza: Cheers and the desecration of Jewish corpses, all captured and shared on social media.

Global Response

The global response to these events has been alarming:

• Harvard University Survey: 60% of Americans aged 18 to 24 believed the killing of 1,200 Israelis was justified by perceived Palestinian grievances.
• Columbia University Professors: 144 professors signed an open letter describing the Hamas attack as an exercise of resistance against an illegal occupation.
• Holocaust Doubt: One in five young Americans even doubt the reality of the Holocaust.

Political Landscape

The political landscape has also shown troubling signs:

• French President Emmanuel Macron: Absented himself from a large demonstration against anti-Semitism in Paris.
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: Made controversial remarks about Israel doing "the dirty work" for Europe, later imposing restrictions on arms deliveries to Israel.
• European Union: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the suspension of bilateral aid payments to Israel and recommended sanctions against Israeli ministers.

United Nations

The United Nations has also played a role in this complex dynamic:

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres: Made a controversial statement suggesting that the Hamas attacks did not occur in a vacuum.
• Recognition of Palestinian State: Several countries voted in favor of recognizing a Palestinian state, despite Hamas's tyrannical rule.

Rise in Anti-Semitism

The rise in anti-Semitism has been a direct consequence of these political and social shifts:

• Germany: Anti-Semitic incidents surged by 83% in 2023, with nearly 1,000 cases recorded between October 7 and November 9.
• France and the United States: Significant increases in anti-Semitic incidents.

The Future

The future remains uncertain, with questions about what will happen in Gaza and whether political leaders will succeed in bringing an end to the conflict. What is clear, however, is that Europe and large parts of the democratic world have failed in their response to the crisis. The old anti-Semitic propaganda has resurfaced, blaming Jews for their own suffering. The resilience of individuals like Ofir Amir, who continue to hold onto hope and the belief in a better future, is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.