europe and israel

Council of Europe to denounce Trump’s Jerusalem recognition Thursday

Israel, which has a delegation in Strasbourg, where the council’s Parliamentary Assembly has gathered, believes the resolution’s passage is assured, but is hoping to add some amendments.

EU to Israel: Halt razing of Palestinian structures

The EU took particular issue with a new IDF tool to evacuate illegal Palestinian villages, which it adapted from a measure initiated to help destroy settler outposts.

New Israeli bill seeks to hold EU liable for illegal Palestinian building

Bill would strip diplomats of immunity in activities relating to terror, human trafficking and illegal construction.

Mamma Mia! PLO 'outraged' over Eurovision ban on Palestinian flag

Saeb Erekat wrote a letter to the EBU stating that the Palestinian flag is on display 'in all European countries through diplomatic representations.'

Pro-Israel organizations enter the lion’s den

In many ways, Europe is hostile territory for Israel advocates. But that is not deterring several Jewish groups who are fighting for justice on behalf of the Jewish state.

Estonia blasts BDS, calls Israel 'a friend and partner'

Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Misker told the 'Post' that his country was firmly supportive of Israel, but still did not accept settlement construction.

Former ADL director: Trump has opened the 'sewers' of antisemitism

"As a holocaust survivor, it is hard for me to see that we even have to speak about it."

In today’s Europe, Jews are a target like everyone else

Amid rise in terror, communities get more help from state.

European Jews, Muslims team up to face ritual slaughter, circumcision bans

The event included work sessions that featured case studies and exchange of information on the status of religious freedoms in European countries and initiatives to limit them.

Top European rabbi: Centrist parties joining extremists in war on religious freedom

The Conference of European Rabbis is the primary rabbinical alliance in Europe, bringing together for more than 700 religious leaders of the mainstream synagogue communities in Europe.

Iconic Prague Synagogue gets first new Torahs since World War II

Before World War Two, there were about 125,000 Jews living in what is now the Czech Republic. About 80,000 were killed during the war.

Norwegian left-wing party split on proposal to ban circumcision

The debate within the party, which has seven of 169 seats in parliament, is part of a larger dilemma facing left-wing parties in Europe.

Finnish NGO in violation of terrorism law for funding Hamas parlay?

It is unclear if the EU or the Finnish government will pursue legal action against the CMI for a possible violation of anti-terror laws.

Seeing Scotland through its Jewish community

With increasing antisemitism and a shrinking community, Scottish Jews are still proud of their history and country but wary of the future.

Sexual antisemitic poster attacks Netanyahu in Swiss train stations

Writing on the Swiss website Audiatur Online, the German journalist and expert in modern antisemitism Alex Feuerherdt said the poster’s “symbolism is deeply antisemitic.”

Exclusive: Israeli fans blocked from Italian stadium by Palestinian protesters

An estimated 1,200 fans of Hapoel Beersheba were restricted to an enclosure far from the stadium, guarded by security and police.

Belgian government official who called Israel ‘identical twin’ of ISIS resigns

Last month, Kobo apologized for his vitriol against Israel, which he said was a modern Nazi Germany and “an identical twin” of the Islamic State terrorist group.

Brussels Airlines rescinds ban on Israeli snack made in settlement

Israeli embassies worked ‘vigorously’ on issue after scandal over sesame snack erupted last week.

Spanish party under fire for ‘anti-Semitic’ Obama depiction

The Madrid branch of Izquerda Unida, or United Left, on Thursday tweeted the controversial image.

European Parliament lawmaker from Britain calls Israelis ‘a rash’

EJC President Moshe Kantor on Monday called on European Parliament President Martin Schulz to take disciplinary action against her.

Number of anti-Semitic incidents in Austria increases over 80%

The Austrian Forum Against Anti-Semitism, which began monitoring anti-Semitic incidents in 2003, said 465 incidents were recorded during 2015.

‘Europe must sacrifice some personal rights to save lives’ says expert

Dina Lisnyansky: France is profiling without talking about it.

Europe’s choice

The good news is that more and more Europeans are repelled by such European obsession with Israel.

Austrian bank in Iran freezes business fearing U.S. sanctions

Trump will soon decide whether to extend or expand the Iran nuclear deal.

European countries want Israel to pay for razed Palestinian structures

It has also asked Israel to repay €31,252 for the lost equipment.

In the Trenches: Europeans America problem

I wrote about the difficulties many Europeans have in understanding Israel. Similarly, I’ve found, they often can’t comprehend America’s support for Israel.

Europe skips UN Human Rights Council anti-Israel debate

Thirty-four countries stood up to speak during the debate on Monday at the 35th session in Geneva, but none of them represented Western countries, save for South Africa.

EU court allows religious symbol ban in headscarf ruling

The Court of Justice (ECJ) gave a joined judgment in the cases of two women, in France and Belgium, who were dismissed for refusing to remove headscarves.

Diplomacy: Some advice from the Irish

Visiting Foreign Minister Charles Flanagan sits down with ‘The Jerusalem Post’ to discuss Irish-Israel ties, boycotts, NGOs and the French diplomatic initiative.

Belgium prosecutor: Paris suspect admits to being Brussels airport 'man in hat'

Abrini, wanted for November's Islamic State attacks in Paris, was among five people arrested in Brussels on Friday.

Report: Israel 'suicide' drone being used in Azerbaijan battlefield

The aircraft's distinct wing shape and nose have lead observers to speculate that it is indeed the Israeli made IAI weapon.

France stops imminent terror attack while Belgian police arrest 6 in raid

The arrests come on the heels of a deadly terror attack in Brussels earlier this week.

Brussels attack: At least 34 dead in suicide blast at airport, metro explosion

Shots were fired and words in Arabic shouted before the two explosions were heard, according to Belgian media.

European Affairs: BDS spreading like wildfire in Europe?

A lack of US-style resistance to the growing BDS movement in Europe has ignited a worrisome trend across the continent. It is now up to pro-Israel groups to extinguish the flames.

PopUpOasis campaign aims to drum up European tourism in Negev

The competition will run through March 22 in Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Finland.

Israeli diplomats concerned about rising influence of ultra-Right European parties

In addition to having to cope with a resurgence of antisemitism and terrorist threats, the diplomats are also faced with additional difficulties on the home front.

Netanyahu in Brussels: Recognizing Jerusalem as capital can promote peace

“It doesn't obviate peace, it makes peace possible, because recognizing reality is the substance of peace, the foundation of peace.”

European MPs: Jewish nation-state bill legalizes ‘systemic discrimination’

Members of European Parliament from across political spectrum come out against EU funding for BDS.

Yair Lapid aims to persuade Europe against Hezbollah

“It is time for you to stop closing your eyes and blinding yourself to these facts. It is a joint war of all of us,” Lapid said.

Netanyahu to tell EU next month: Tell your people what Israel provides

According to a senior diplomatic official, Netanyahu is expected to tell the European leaders that their obsessive focus on the settlements is “ridiculous.”

Netanyahu to bridge troubled EU waters with first visit in 22 years

No Israeli prime minister has ever addressed a formal European Union body.

Def. minister: 'Europeans putting heads in the sand' on Iran deal

“The Europeans continue to put their heads in the sand, exactly like they did before World War II.”

When will a formal EU-Israel dialogue take place?

Israel has a status akin to a member-state within the EU, enjoying strong economic, educational, scientific and cultural ties.

Open mic picks up what PM really thinks about EU

Netanyahu also talks about relations with US, IDF actions against Hezbollah.

What Germany’s newly assertive Merkel means for Israel, US, EU

The long-term trend for Israel is a turning to the east and a search for relationships in India, China and elsewhere.

B’Tselem calls on Europe to work toward ending ‘occupation'

El-Ad is calling on European diplomats and NGOs to pressure Europe to implement United Nations Security Resolution 2334, condemning settlement-building.

Basketball: Jerusalem optimistic ahead of Eurocup semifinal decider

Jerusalem is aiming to reach a continental final for the first time since winning the ULEB Cup in 2004.

Estonian FM: Settlement issue delays EU meeting on Israel

Disagreements between Israel and the EU on settlements has prevented a long-anticipated upgrade to their already strong bilateral ties.

UNESCO proved it doesn’t recognize Israel, says Dutch MEP

Bas Belder spoke while on a tour of Hebron and Gush Etzion.

Knesset speaker to Europe: Integrate immigrants to fight extremism

Though Israel’s view on immigrants differs from that of many other countries the tools and policies Israel has used in its multicultural society can be helpful to others, Edelstein stated.

Documentary project highlights anti-Semitism in Europe

“Strangers at Home,” a project of the Global Reporting Center, features nine clips, each from a different country, in which locals share their experiences.

Netanyahu meets European Parliament faction head

Netanyahu and Weber spoke about diplomatic and security issues pertaining to Israel and Europe.

Israel trying to quash discussion of EU document blaming 'occupation' for terrorism

While Netanyahu says Israel, world facing same terror, EU paper takes different approach.

Europe eyes Israeli technology for spotting lone-wolf terrorists online

Last week's truck rampage in France and Monday's axe attack aboard a train in Germany have raised European concern about self-radicalized assailants.

Rivlin heads to Bulgaria for WWII memorial dedication

Rivlin will have subsequent working meetings with Prime Minister Boiko Borisov and Parliament Speaker Tsetska Tsacheva.

Slovakia, Lithuania open pro- Israel parliamentary caucuses

Israeli selection for Eurovision contest in Sweden advances to finals

Hovi Star qualified for the finals with his namesake song "Made of Stars," to which he received a standing ovation from the audience.

Israel’s Eurovision entry touted by critics to win

"I really hope politics doesn’t affect this because it would be a great Eurovision winner," journalist says.

Peres refuses to meet with leader of far-right Austrian Freedom Party

Heinz Christian Strache, arrived in Israel on Monday, visited Yad Vashem.

A Swiss-Israel merger?

Not quite, but Israel certainly has a lot to learn from Switzerland, which has nearly double its per capita GDP.

Germany presses US to lift Iran sanctions as it courts closer ties

Gabriel said Iran was a reliable credit partner that kept agreements as a rule.

World powers struggle to save Syria peace talks

In Switzerland, UN, US and Russia deny negotiations have collapsed ; Ja’afari: HNC breached truce.

Trivializing and paying lip service to antisemitism

Antisemitism must be treated as sui generis, on its own merit.

EU-Israel ties in 2018 – managing expectations

A US that is looking inward is not good news for any peace-and freedom-seeking democracy in the world.

Israeli opposition leader's op-ed: Now is time to upgrade ties with Europe

This is exactly the right moment for a responsible and clear-sighted Israeli leadership to enter into an intensive dialogue with EU leaders.

The Norwegian elections, Israel and the Jews

Norway was the most problematic country in Europe for Israel from 2005-2013.

Why Israel has nothing to learn from Europe in fighting terror

I do have a message for Ambassador Faaborg-Andersen: We appreciate your offer but no thanks. Israel will pass.

The European Union’s double standard

Unless the EU addresses its clear double standards, no video will be able to honestly speak to Israeli society, regardless of the narrator.

Why Europe whitewashes Palestinian terrorism

Both Europe and Israel have much to gain from increased cooperation in terms of trade, technology and security.

The last Renaissance man

A search for the Jewish soul of Chania.

How Israel can use the Western trend toward greater sovereignty

Time is on Israel’s side in moves to assert sovereignty.

Grapevine: One of the least corrupt nations in the world

Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Qatar and Qatar’s Al Jazeera news channel.

Europe and religious freedom

Israel should be held up as an example of how it is possible for a country to maintain a strong religious identity while at the same time upholding the religious rights of minorities.

Terra Incognita: European and Israeli politics are converging

At the very least the new convergence should spell an end to the Israelis who keep saying Israel is too “eastern” and needs to be more “European.”

When no one understands, that’s usually a good sign that you’re wrong

For the EU, the settlement issue has erroneously become “the” principal impediment to peace.

Fundamentally Freund: Europe’s occupation hypocrisy

It might sound silly, but instead of constantly being on the defensive, perhaps it is at last time for Israel to give Europe a taste of its own medicine.

The Holocaust’s unlearned lessons

Europeans have been schooled to view the Nazi period as a unique phenomenon unrelated to anything that happened either before 1933 or after 1945. But the opposite is true.

Good news from Europe?

The immediate impact on Israel and Jews in Europe is that the uncertainty will lead to empowerment, not only of antisemites on the continent and Islamist extremists.

Europe’s double challenge and Israel’s complex role

Over the past three years, migrants from the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa have flocked to Europe.

Israel’s notoriety is double-edged

Israel is better off being at the center of attention than being Luxembourg.

Candidly Speaking: No permanent allies or enemies, only permanent interests

The reality is that Israel today is independently strong and able to resist global pressures

Snap Judgement: One cheer for the European Union

Europe is facing new dangerous challenges to its best liberal and democratic traditions, and if the EU is to survive then it needs massive reforms and reordering.

My word: The long journey home

There was something biblical about the arrival of the Yemenite Jewish immigrants – the ingathering of the exiles. Would that all immigrants come purely from choice, without the need to seek sanctuary

Borderline Views: Britain and the EU referendum

Whether Cameron would have called a referendum had he not left Brussels with an agreement is another matter altogether.

Is a break-up of the EU good for Israel?

Despite this pessimistic outlook, the total disintegration of the EU seems largely theoretical. However, it is important for Israel to study the implications of such a development.

Home away from home in Romania

Romania pulls out all the stops to welcome Israelis.

On the way to Europe-Israel in the Eurovision song contest

Get into the Israeli mindstate with this playlist from the Jewish state.