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. 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. In the immediate aftermath of the October 7 attacks, disturbing celebrations erupted in various parts of the world. In Berlin, cookies were distributed, and streets were filled with revelers. In Tehran, public fireworks lit up the sky in celebration of the attack. Meanwhile, in Gaza, there was no effort to distance the civilian population from the violence; instead, there were cheers and the desecration of Jewish corpses, all captured and shared on social media. The global response to these events has been alarming. A survey by Harvard University revealed that 60 percent of Americans aged 18 to 24 believed the killing of 1, 200 Israelis was justified by perceived Palestinian grievances. Additionally, 144 Columbia University professors signed an open letter describing the Hamas attack as an exercise of resistance against an illegal occupation. These attitudes reflect a dangerous shift in public opinion, with one in five young Americans even doubting the reality of the Holocaust. The political landscape has also shown troubling signs. French President Emmanuel Macron notably absented himself from a large demonstration against anti-Semitism in Paris, raising questions about his motivations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made controversial remarks about Israel doing "the dirty work" for Europe, only to later impose restrictions on arms deliveries to Israel, effectively conditioning support for Israel's right to exist. The European Union's actions have further complicated the situation. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the suspension of bilateral aid payments to Israel and recommended sanctions against Israeli ministers. This shift in policy has implications for the fight against terrorism and the prolongation of suffering on both sides. The EU's financial support for the Palestinian territories, amounting to billions of euros, has been criticized for indirectly funding terrorism rather than aiding the civilian population. 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. Additionally, several countries voted in favor of recognizing a Palestinian state, despite Hamas's tyrannical rule over a significant portion of the Palestinian population. This recognition sends a troubling message to terrorists and autocrats worldwide, suggesting that barbarism can be rewarded with statehood. The rise in anti-Semitism has been a direct consequence of these political and social shifts. In Germany, anti-Semitic incidents surged by 83 percent in 2023, with nearly 1, 000 cases recorded between October 7 and November 9. France and the United States have also seen significant increases in anti-Semitic incidents, reflecting a global trend of growing hostility towards Jewish communities. 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.