From France to America, hatred of Israel is eroding the West - opinion

David M. Weinberg argues that Western hostility toward Israel, particularly in France and the United States, is backfiring and fueling the extremism and antisemitism that threatens Western societies themselves. He traces French antisemitism from Voltaire through Vichy to contemporary policy, and warns that American figures from both the far-left and far-right are uniting in anti-Israel rhetoric that could undermine the country's foundations.

David M. Weinberg argues in this opinion piece that Western hostility toward Israel is backfiring, fueling the very extremism and antisemitism that threatens Western societies. He focuses on France, describing a 'toxic brew' of Marxism, Islamism, Palestinianism, and antisemitism that he claims is consuming the country. The author references his late father's book on French antisemitism and traces a historical line from Voltaire through Vichy France to contemporary French policy. He warns that similar dynamics are emerging in the United States, citing figures like Senator Abdul El-Sayed and Vice President JD Vance as examples of anti-Israel sentiment crossing the political spectrum. The piece concludes that hatred of Israel never ends with Jews but morphs into broader anti-civilizational contempt that threatens Western foundations.