The Trojan Horse: The Danger in European Far-Right Support for Israel

Today, as we mark exactly 13 years since the terrible terrorist attack at the Jewish school in Toulouse, where Rabbi Jonathan Sandler, his two young sons, and an 8-year-old student were brutally murdered, a deep examination of the broader implications of Islamic terrorism on European politics is required.

The wave of Islamic terrorist attacks that hit Europe in the last decade – from the attack in Toulouse, through the massacre at Charlie Hebdo, to the attacks in Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Nice, and Manchester – ignited fear and anger among the European public. These emotions have become fertile ground for far-right parties offering simplistic solutions and harsh policies toward immigration and Islam.

In recent years, we have witnessed a disturbing phenomenon – the significant strengthening of these parties across the continent. Many Israel supporters welcome this development, seeing the public declarations of these party leaders in support of the Jewish state. But is this really positive news? Is this genuine love for Israel, or are there other motives hiding behind this support?

When examining the rhetoric of far-right parties in Europe more deeply, a complex and troubling picture emerges. The support for Israel does not stem from love for Israel itself, but from deep opposition to Islam and Muslim communities in Europe. In other words, this is not “loving Mordechai” but “hating Haman” – or more precisely, hatred of the other.

On the surface, Israel and the European right share a common enemy – extreme Islam. But this is a dangerous alliance. While Israel fights terrorism while distinguishing between a radical minority and Muslims as a whole, far-right parties tend to generalize all Muslims as a demographic and cultural threat. They use Israel as a “fig leaf” to disguise their anti-immigration and anti-minority agenda.

It’s important to remember that many of these parties come from a distinctly antisemitic background. Even if leaders of parties like the National Rally in France, Lega in Italy, or Alternative for Germany currently display public support for Israel, their support base tells a completely different story. Studies and opinion polls conducted among voters of these parties reveal a disturbing picture – exceptionally high rates of support for neo-Nazi ideology, Holocaust denial, and traditional antisemitism. While the leadership may make pro-Israel statements for strategic reasons, a significant portion of voters continue to hold deep antisemitic views and sometimes even express admiration for the Nazi regime. This is a clear example of the dangerous gap between official rhetoric and the reality on the ground.

Support for Israel serves far-right parties in several ways: it gives them an appearance of legitimacy, allows them to dismiss accusations of antisemitism, and provides them with a platform to attack Muslims in the name of “defending Western values.”

Israel has much to lose from this alliance. It endangers relationships with the political mainstream in Europe. It puts local Jewish communities at risk, who may be perceived as supporting the populist agenda. It ignores the fact that racism against one group can easily turn into racism against Jews – as history teaches us time and again.

While Israel needs allies on the international stage, it must choose its partners wisely. An alliance based on shared hatred is a shaky and dangerous foundation for international relations. Israel must adhere to its democratic values and seek allies committed to human rights, tolerance, and pluralism – values that were at the core of the vision of the state’s founders.

As we observe the rise of the far right in Europe, we must be wary of political “gifts” wrapped in the colorful paper of support for Israel. Too often, behind the shiny wrapping hides a dangerous ideology that in the long run could harm both Israel and Jews living in Europe.

On this day, as we remember the victims of terrorism in Toulouse, we must also remember the dangers of politics based on fear and hatred – from any side.