Defense think tank: Gaza war, West Bank violence making life harder for Jews abroad

A new INSS report argues that the Gaza war and Israeli-Palestinian conflict are fueling antisemitism, dividing Jewish communities, and weakening pro-Israel advocacy abroad. Based on discussions with 20 senior Jewish leaders, it identifies four effects and cites a poll finding 56% of Jewish voters concerned that Israel's actions under Netanyahu increased antisemitism in the US.

A new report by the Tel Aviv University-affiliated Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) argues that the Gaza war and broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict are increasingly fueling antisemitism, dividing Jewish communities, and weakening their ability to advocate for Israel. The report, titled "No Longer on the Sidelines: How the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Impacts Diaspora Jews," is based on discussions among 20 senior leaders from 15 Jewish communal and advocacy organizations in the US, Canada, Britain, France, and South America, held under Chatham House rules. It identifies four effects: normalizing hostility toward Israel, dividing Jewish communities, diminishing the political influence of pro-Israel organizations, and fueling antisemitism. Participants cited Israeli policies including damaging government statements, limits on humanitarian aid to Gaza, damage to civilian infrastructure, and unchecked settler violence in the West Bank. The report also notes Israel's rejection of Palestinian statehood without offering an alternative vision. A Mellman Group poll cited in the report found that 56% of Jewish voters expressed a "great deal" of concern that Israel's actions under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have increased antisemitism in the US. The report's authors, Theodore Sasson and Avishay Ben Sasson-Gordis, argue that Israel can do a better job balancing Diaspora needs with its own security. Critics, including David Bernstein of the North American Values Institute, argue that Israel cannot be held responsible for antisemitism and that drawing such a link hands enemies a weapon.