Why do citizens of Europe have such a different opinion of Israel than citizens in the US?

Question

most of my family lives in Italy and the Netherlands, their view is much different and I do not understand why.

Answer 1

Our countries are looking at this craziness from very different perspectives much the same as the oldest child and the youngest child when there is a divorce in the family. Same family, same divorce, different eyes.

Answer 2

Here are several reasons:

1. Many people say it is because the media is less biased. That's a lie. There is no such thing as unbiased media because media is written by people and people are naturally biased. However, the difference between European and American media is that European media has more of a tendency to show both sides of the situation where as the US is only concerned for itself and its allies.

2. There are a larger amount of Middle Eastern immigrants in Europe that influence how many feel towards Israel.

3. Europe has always been anti-semitic and continues to be to this day. Often times, people mask their racism by saying that they are against Israel when really, they just don't like Jews (or hate Arabs less, whichever one fits).

Answer 3

Christiions hold those of Jewish faith accountable for the Death of Christ. They were not allowed to to become citizens of many european nations, had a stong ntework of ties between each other, were advisers and doctors to the rich and powerful, but becaues of the Death of Christ, (and the fact that they had through their network access to personal wealth and lendable wealth) they were easy to identify as scapegoats in the times of need. It was not until WWII did this finally get exposed to the entire world on a grand scale. FYI, much of Isreal, where the mid east fighting is going on, was purchased from its owners by the Isreali people. It was never taken form anyone it was bought (except for a few sites from where the Arabs would attack their legally owned property, such as the Golan Heights)
Basically they are easy scapegoats for what individuals/countries cannot or will not do for themsleves. Here in America, people are more judged by what they do not who they are

Answer 4

Because Europeans cash in on Arab money more than Americans do. They have huge customers in the Arab world that stipulate "No Israel" trade.

Also, Arab immigration to Europe has made a lot of people sympathetic to their neighbors' side of the Middle East argument.
Remember that the media in those countries appeals to an Arab consumer base that likes the spin.

European countries have a grudge over their Jews which has always simmered in the background of their strong national cultures. Hitler used that grudge and inflamed it into overwhelming hatred and violence. The Jews rejected Europe and fled for their lives. Memories of that experience can't be very pleasant for Europeans - and they have none of that baggage with Arabs. Not yet, anyway.

Answer 5

Most Europeans have a much better objective understanding of the issues in the Middle East. European news reporting is much more objective and the citizens are much more aware of and interested in what is going on in the world.

Answer 6

Is Auhunter04 talking about the Israeli territorial expansion of 1967? Thanks for educating us all. For some reason the history books say that the entire West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza were taken by force. Have you heard of all the UN Resolutions (which the U.S. also voted for) calling for the Israeli withdrawl from the occupied territories; or is all this fiction?

Answer 7

what is their view? different places have VERY different news, that could be a big part of it.

Answer 8

because their news sources are less biased.
most american news sources are controlled by the government and israeli organizations like AIPAC.
u can research it.

Answer 9

Because the smell of their cheese and woman make them dizzy and they don't know what are doing or saying , please forgive are relatives