Jewish student group: Rising support for Israel’s far-right will ’embolden’ antisemitism in Europe

The European Union of Jewish Students has come out against the potential inclusion of far-right leaders Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir in the next Israeli government.

“On a daily basis, Jewish students around the world, including in Europe, are facing increasing antisemitism and anti-Zionist sentiments on university grounds, from professors, from strangers on the street, in the workplace and beyond,” the group’s president, Avital Grinberg, is quoted as saying in a statement.

“The rise of the far-right, and their potential participation in the next Israeli government, will further embolden and empower such statements, and will have a direct effect on Jewish students in the diaspora.”

The statement specifically names Smotrich and Ben Gvir, calling them a “danger to Israelis and Palestinians.”

“EUJS cannot afford to sit idly by and watch these men, who stand in stark contrast to the values of our organization, ascend to power without us raising serious worries and concerns. Respect for human rights, dignity, and inclusion are non-negotiable and must be respected,” Grinberg adds.