Gerald Steinberg, JPOST
[..] WHILE THESE examples illustrate the desire of the majority population to maintain its identity, Europeans pretend that they are multicultural, and that there are no barriers to the integration of minorities. The failure of this formula in the case of the millions of alienated Muslim and Arab immigrants is conveniently attributed to economic and other forms of discrimination, which can be corrected. Terrorism and other forms of violence are blamed on anger triggered by the manipulated images of Israeli “war crimes” and “the occupation,” reinforcing the still-potent dimensions of European anti-Semitism. The real causes – the myth of multiculturalism and the refusal of many Muslims to accept de-facto minority status – are buried deep within Europe’s political correctness. When a few intellectuals such as the French philosopher Alain Finkielkraut dare to examine these slogans, they are silenced and ridiculed.
Europe’s avoidance of reality is exacerbated by another myth: belief in the moral and political power of “civil society.” Over 2 billion Euros of taxpayer funds are allocated annually to hundreds of self-selected and unelected ideologues who control government-funded “non-governmental organizations.”
Under a facade of promoting “human rights” and “justice,” many NGOs promote radical ideologies that attack Israel and the United States and justify violence, including increasing attacks against Jews.
In order for European democracy to successfully respond to these difficult challenges, it will have to curb the manipulative power of individuals and organizations who are not held accountable for their actions in a democratic framework.
WHILE ISRAEL is outside the formal European political framework, the influence of events and policies made in Paris, Brussels, London, Stockholm and elsewhere is strongly felt. Avoiding their own problems, Europeans preach the merits of multiculturalism and soft power, and warn of the perils from “nationalist Zionism,” while denigrating Israeli democracy and shared cultural foundations. As a result, the level of mutual distrust and lack of confidence between Israel and Europe is greater than ever.
Similarly, in their enthusiasm for “civil society,” European governments also provide the funding for Israeli NGOs that claim to promote peace, democracy and human rights, but often justify the demonization of Israel. In this way, Europe sponsors the rhetoric of multiculturalism that is used by Adallah and Mossawa to campaign for the dissolution of Israel.
Although Israel is not free of blame for the tension in the relationship, European responses have gone far beyond constructive criticism, and the intense political correctness has blocked an honest dialogue.
When Europe begins to heal itself by rejecting the dominant myths and dealing realistically with its own problems, relations with Israel will also improve, to the benefit of both countries.
The writer directs the Program on Conflict Management at Bar Ilan University, and heads NGO Monitor.
