The rubicon of antisemitism crossed in the West - Israel will face new dangers, too - opinion

The current wave of antisemitism is profoundly reshaping Jewish life in major diaspora communities, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany. This trend, persisting nearly three years after October 7, is becoming more pervasive and normalized.

In the U.S., a recent survey revealed that one in three individuals reported being targets of antisemitism, and over half of Jewish individuals have altered their behavior due to fear. The author contends that this antisemitism cannot be easily reversed, citing political and social polarization, the convergence of left- and right-wing hatred, hostility in academia, increased antisemitism among younger adults, state-sponsored Israel-defamation campaigns, and immigration from countries with high rates of religious extremism as key drivers.

These developments pose significant risks not only to Jews in the West but also to Israel itself. The author warns that Israel's strategic alliance with the United States is jeopardized as anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiment grows. Consequently, Israel must reassess its strategic position and prioritize military self-sufficiency, enabling it to wage extended conflicts without relying on foreign arms.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's comparison of Israel's situation to ancient Sparta highlights the need for self-reliance. However, the author suggests Israel should avoid complete isolation and instead strengthen ties with non-Western nations like India, former Soviet republics, South American countries, and moderate Muslim nations. Additionally, fostering co-dependence with Western allies could create economic repercussions for any nation that abandons its partnership with Israel.

The author concludes that both Israel and the global Jewish community must confront the danger posed by state and non-state actors promoting the delegitimization of Israel, which invariably fuels antisemitism. Entities like Qatar, Iran, Turkey, Muslim Brotherhood offshoots, and the BDS movement are identified as key promoters of this trend.