EU negative statements on Israel rose nearly 60% post-Oct. 7: study

The rate of negative official statements concerning Israel from European Union institutions has surged by almost 60% since the October 7 Hamas attacks, according to a new study by The Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI).

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On the streets, the frequency and intensity of spontaneous manifestations of anti-Semitism are increasing. In some state parliaments, laws are being enacted that push Jews out due to the prohibition of circumcision and kosher slaughter.

Researchers analyzed over 24,000 statements from the European External Action Service between 2017 and 2026. They found that 38% of Israel-related statements were negative, compared to 29% before October 7. During the same period, neutral statements dropped from 51% to 46%, and positive statements fell from 20% to 8%.

Only Iran received more negative statements than Israel among the countries evaluated, though these were attributed to security issues rather than humanitarian or legal concerns. Qatar, by contrast, received positive statements in over two-thirds of cases, while Turkey was largely treated neutrally.

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The current study shows that not only the street and specific countries, but also the European Union itself operates a negative double standard in its relationship to the State of Israel.

JPPI President Professor Yedidiya Stern described the findings as evidence that Europe is "turning its back on Jews." He noted increasing anti-Semitism on European streets and legislative actions in some countries that he claims push Jews out. "The current study shows that not only the street and specific countries, but also the European Union itself operates a negative double standard in its relationship to the State of Israel," Stern said. He urged Israel to concentrate efforts on changing this trend, stating it is a threat to national security.

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Israel must concentrate its efforts on changing the trend through diverse means. It is not enough to just provide information, but to address the threat at its true value: a threat to the national security of the State of Israel.