The highlights of the new HU-EF Barometer 2024 on mutual perceptions show that in response to the Gaza war, about half of the respondents in all surveyed European countries maintained their opinions, with a minority becoming either more pro-Israeli or pro-Palestinian. The exposure to news about the Gaza war was particularly high among German respondents, especially those who closely followed updates on the conflict. In Israel, the Hamas attack on October 7th was perceived as a distinct conflict by the majority, with over a third drawing comparisons to the Holocaust. Regarding perceived friendship with Israel, a majority of Israeli respondents view Germany as a friend, followed by Great Britain, France, and Poland.
The 2024 HU-EF Barometer, spearheaded by Prof. Gisela Dachs from the European Forum at the Hebrew University, conducted a comprehensive survey on mutual perceptions between Israel and several European countries, including Germany, Great Britain, France, and Poland.
Key Findings: Germany, Great Britain, France and Poland perceptions of Israel
The effect of the Gaza war? About half of the respondents in all four European countries said that the Gaza war did NOT influence their opinion about Israel. Only a minority became either more pro-Israeli or pro-Palestinian with a small margin for the latter.
A large majority of the people were exposed to the Gaza war in the news.
The news have been followed very closely more by German respondents than by their British, French and Polish counterparts. The Gaza war has garnered substantial media coverage through various channels including television, newspapers, online news platforms, and social media. This exposure has provided the public with insights into the ongoing events, including battles, humanitarian crises, and geopolitical ramifications. Such extensive media coverage has been instrumental in shaping public understanding and eliciting international responses to the conflict.
Reactions - Most of the respondents did not react at all to the war, while 18% in France preferred not to answer the question. Despite the widespread media coverage of the war, there were low percentages of individuals who reported posting about the conflict on social media. Additionally, many remained absent from demonstrations and contributed limited financial support to either side of the conflict.
Reaction to The Gaza War (%)
Mediator - 38 % of the British respondents would like to see their country playing a role as a mediator, more than the French and the Germans. Respondents in Germany were much more reluctant than in 2021 about Germany’s role as a potential mediator. 43% is even opposed to it.
The most common associations – surprisingly similar in all surveyed countries -. about Israel are: Jerusalem, Holy Places/Religious Sites, Conflict/War Zone, Tel Aviv and Holocaust.
When people think of Israel, several associations commonly come to mind, encapsulating the diverse and complex nature of the country. Foremost among these is Jerusalem, a city of profound religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike. Alongside its religious heritage, Israel is often synonymous with conflict, given its longstanding geopolitical tensions and periodic flare-ups with neighbouring countries and territories. This association underscores the ongoing complexities and challenges facing the region. On a contrasting note, Tel Aviv emerges as a vibrant and cosmopolitan hub, known for its modernity, innovation, and dynamic cultural scene. Holocaust is also among the most important five associations.
Highlights: What do Israelis think?
In Israel, the Hamas attack on October 7th is seen by a majority as a completely different war, not similar to anything else in the past. More than a third are reminded of the Holocaust.
Highlights: Israelis perceptions of Germany, Great Britain, France and Poland
An absolute majority of the Israeli respondents sees Germany as a friend of Israel, followed with a significant gap by Great Britain, France and last Poland. France is considered to be the most antisemitic country by Israelis, followed by Great Britain, Poland and last Germany.
Criticism of Israel?
Criticism of Israel is valid when focused on policies or actions, but it becomes antisemitic when it employs stereotypes or double standards against Jewish people. It's crucial to differentiate between legitimate critique and antisemitic rhetoric to foster constructive dialogue. In Germany, 58% believe Israel can be criticized without it being antisemitism (down from 66% in 2021), while 40-42% agree in the UK, France, and Poland. Among Israelis, 43% of Jewish Israelis and 12% of Arab Israelis hold this view.
Where should Israelis live?
Most Israelis uphold the belief that Israelis should have the freedom to reside wherever they choose, reflecting a sentiment deeply rooted in notions of self-determination and autonomy. Yet, a shift has been observed since 2021, with a growing number of Israelis advocating for a more confined scope of residency, emphasizing the importance of Israelis inhabiting solely within the borders of Israel. While the exact reasons for this change in perspective may vary among individuals, it may underscore a broader re-evaluation within Israeli society regarding the relationship between Israeli citizenship, territorial boundaries, and national identity.
Methodology
The survey was prepared by Prof. Gisela Dachs from the Hebrew University. It was conducted in Israel, Germany, United Kingdom, France and Poland via the internet between February-March 2024 with a total of 1,000 men and women from each country constituting a nationally representative sample of the adult population aged 18 and over. The maximum sampling error was 3.1% at a confidence level of 95%. The online surveys were carried out by Kantar.
Researchers:
Prof. Gisela Dachs is from the DAAD Center for German Studies Center atthe European Forum at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Data from 2021 can be accessed under https://hu-ef-barometer.huji.ac.il/
The new data from 2024 will be available soon.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 25,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 86th according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en