What's happened
A cross‑border Barometer shows Israelis report a stronger sense of identity, while Europeans are viewed as less safe for Jews. Israelis see themselves as more Middle Eastern than European and remain skeptical of the EU’s success, with pessimism rising about Jewish life in Europe among older respondents.
What's behind the headline?
This will shape readers' understanding of post‑October 7 geopolitics
- Israelis report a strengthened sense of Israeli identity (48% stronger; 10% weaker).
- Europeans are seen as less safe for Jews; 69% expect Jewish life in Europe to worsen.
- Israelis describe Israel as more Middle Eastern (42%) than European (18%), with Arab Israelis leaning toward Middle Eastern identity (50%).
- Trust in the EU is waning among Israelis (35% disagree with EU being a success; 57% saw EU success in 2022).
- Diplomacy with far‑right European parties shows mixed views (44% approve ties if they support Israel; 31% approve conditional ties).
These shifts suggest long‑term realignments in identity, security perception, and international alliances that readers can feel in both domestic policy and bilateral relations.
How we got here
The 2026 Hebrew University‑European Forum Barometer assesses Israeli identity and European perceptions three years after October 7, with surveys in Israel and five European countries. Results indicate a strengthened Israeli identity, increased skepticism toward Europe, and growing concerns about antisemitism and security funding in Jewish life.
Our analysis
Times of Israel reports on Israelis’ stronger identity and European skepticism; Times of Israel notes European perceptions and safety concerns; Arab News covers UK Jewish views on antisemitism and Israel identity; HU‑EF Barometer methodology cited by The Times of Israel.
Go deeper
- How will this shift influence Israel’s domestic security policy and funding?
- Will European Jewish communities change their engagement with Israel in response to these views?
- What steps are policymakers taking to address antisemitism in Europe and security for Jewish communities?
More on these topics
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Israel - Country in the Middle East
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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United Kingdom - Country in Europe
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.