Perceptions about Jews and Israel in the Arab-Muslim World and Their Impact on the West Archives

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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

Researchers

Shahar Eilam

Director of Cross-Arena Research

Publications

All Publications

INSS Insight

Muslim Leaders in the United States Since October 7: From Criticism of Zionism to Intensified Anti-Israel Messaging

How has anti-Israel discourse among Muslim leaders in the United States changed since the start of the war in Gaza?

02.11.25

Special Publication

Arabic and English Antisemitism on Social Media Platforms Post-October 7: Analysis on Discourse and Prevention

As the events of Hamas’s attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, unfolded on the ground and across social media, CyberWell’s monitoring technology quickly began to detect a surge of antisemitic content. In the 25 days following October 7, there was an 86% increase compared to the previous 25 days. Alarmingly, CyberWell’s technology also identified a significant shift in the Arabic discourse, moving from promoting traditional stereotypes of Jews, such as secret cabals controlling the world, to advocating for and justifying direct violence against the Jewish people. In this article, we present our findings and critical recommendations for both social media platforms and governments on how to address the clear danger posed by unchecked Jew-hatred, violent speech, and hateful rhetoric to national security and the safety of minority groups around the globe.

04.11.24

Special Publication

How Israel Should Respond to Pro-Palestinian Protests on US Campuses

How should Israel handle the protests sweeping U.S. universities following the "Swords of Iron" war?

27.10.24

Strategic update

Towards Peace Education in the Middle East and North Africa: A Pan-Abrahamic View

This paper is dedicated to the future of education in the Middle East and North Africa, with a focus on the place of Israel and the Israeli and Palestinian curricula. We assume that a major cause of hostility toward Israel is legitimacy deficit and radicalism across the region. Addressing ethnocultural diversity and acknowledging aspirations for regional unity widespread among radicals and moderates alike, will chart new horizons and alleviate animosity. Culminating with the Abraham Accords, the most serious plan to date for regional reconciliation, the Abrahamic discourse opens the gates to welcoming Israel into a family of Islamic-Arab nations. A ‘Pan-Abrahamic’ view in education, where Israel must seek to position itself as an inseparable element in the region, addresses the longing for legitimacy and regional unity. We suggest that the Abrahamic discourse is critical for deradicalizing the Palestinian and other curricula and for helping Israel to synchronize the voices of its four conflicting education systems. While Islam and the Arabic language will remain the cultural axis of this region, educational systems should support the revival of the cosmopolitanism and efflorescence which had been its hallmark in former times.

09.12.24

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