In recent years, and with greater intensity since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron war, antisemitism and hostility toward Israel have increased significantly. As a result, there has been a dramatic decline in the sense of security of Jews around the world and in Israel’s international standing – both developments that also undermine the ties between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. These processes are unfolding against the backdrop of broader global trends characterized by growing politicization, factional polarization, the strengthening of the margins and the weakening of the center, and a pronounced anti-establishment atmosphere. Within progressive left-wing circles, solidarity with the Palestinians is perceived as a central unifying moral stance. At the same time, the delegitimization of Israel is becoming increasingly entrenched as a component of political ideology even within nationalist–isolationist right-wing circles. Anti-Israel protests are spilling over from the public sphere into private spaces, blurring the boundaries between political protest and violence, vandalism, and intimidation. Negative sentiment toward Israel is expected to remain an integral part of social and political discourse which is a troubling trend that necessitates a broad and sustained response.
The Institute’s research team is engaged in developing a comprehensive knowledge base on these issues, with an emphasis on understanding the various target audiences with which the State of Israel interacts; antisemitism in Arab countries and within progressive left-wing circles in the West; the intensification of antisemitism within the Western conservative right; and the distinction between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of the State of Israel. Based on this knowledge base, the research team formulates policy recommendations for decision-makers, aimed at assisting in addressing antisemitism and its manifestations around the world, as well as confronting the accelerating trends of delegitimization of Israel in Western countries. The Institute’s team works on this issue together with a community of researchers and practitioners in Israel and abroad, and in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ISGAP, who share the understanding that the challenges of antisemitism and delegitimization have a direct impact on the national security of the State of Israel
