A joint research project between INSS and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Abraham Accords reflect a deep shift in the balance of interests in some countries in the region and present a unique opportunity to deepen Israel’s integration in the area. This positive trend is enhanced by the strengthening of the status of Jewish communities in the Middle East, and the renovation or establishment of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries. At the same time, antisemitism and hatred of Israel are evident throughout the Arab-Muslim world. The attitudes toward Jews and Israel in the Middle East affect the perceptions of Muslim communities around the world, and through them influence establishments, sectors, and non-Muslim publics. It seems that the geopolitical shift in the Middle East has not brought yet to the expected changes in perception of Jews and Israel in Western communities and countries, as antisemitism and hatred towards Israel are still on the rise.
The INSS and Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs joint research project was launched in January 2023. It strives to achieve a better understanding of the changing stances in Arab and Muslim states in the Middle East toward Jews, Judaism, and Israel. These issues are critical to the development of the policy tools necessary to advance and broaden the process of normalization between Israel and its neighbors in the future. Hence, the project seeks to synthesize, develop, and make accessible information regarding relevant and recent developments in the research focusing on perceptions of Jews and Israel in the Arab-Muslim space and their spillover to the West.
Project Objectives
- Develop new and relevant knowledge in the field and make it accessible to decision makers, practitioners, and the general public
- Develop a professional knowledge community in the fields of research and policy, which will include experts and practitioners from Israel and around the world
- Draft policy recommendations for governmental and civil bodies in Israel, the region, and the West
