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Far-Right Parties: A Contradictory Stance on Anti-Semitism
Historically associated with anti-Semitic sentiments, far-right political groups have increasingly sought to redefine their image as defenders of Jewish communities. However, such efforts are often viewed with skepticism, as critics argue that these shifts are primarily motivated by political expediency.
Recently, a number of far-right leaders made headlines by attending a government-sponsored conference in Israel aimed at addressing anti-Semitism. Notable figures included Jordan Bardella, the president of France’s National Rally; Kinga Gal, a Member of the European Parliament for Hungary’s Fidesz party; and Milorad Dodik, who leads the Serb-dominated Republika Srpska in Bosnia and is a known ally of Vladimir Putin.
“The hatred directed at Jews and the state of Israel is a pervasive issue we must confront,” Bardella asserted, echoing the National Rally’s new narrative that positions the party as a protective force for Jewish individuals in France. This statement is particularly striking given the historical context of anti-Semitism within the party.
Such rhetoric starkly contrasts with the views of the party’s founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who infamously dismissed the Holocaust as “a detail of the history of World War II.” His daughter, Marine Le Pen, has distanced herself from her father’s legacy, working to reform the party’s image and addressing anti-Semitism, according to political scientist Nonna Mayer.
Since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, Marine Le Pen has embraced a strategy aimed at transforming her party’s image, termed “de-demonisation.” This provided the National Rally with what some analysts describe as an opportunity to reposition themselves as allies of the Jewish community amidst rising concerns about anti-Semitism in light of recent events.
Trans regional Trends in Anti-Semitism Discourse
Similar narratives are emerging across Europe among right-wing and identity-based parties, where issues of immigration are central to their platform. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban advocates for a “zero-tolerance” approach to anti-Semitism, claiming to provide a “safe haven” for Jews. Meanwhile, in Germany, Beatrix von Storch of the far-right AfD party pledged to offer Jews a “safe space” if her party comes to power.
In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confronted her predecessors by alleging fascist complicity in the Holocaust and emphasizing the importance of opposing anti-Semitism in all its forms. Political experts like Mayer suggest that the strategic pivot among European far-right parties is largely driven by a shared perception of Islamism as a significant threat.
Bardella pointed to a connection between the rise of Islamism, increasing anti-Semitism, and migration patterns that he believes are fracturing Western societies. Yet, among supporters of far-right parties, acceptance of this new pro-Jewish stance is not universally embraced. Mayer indicates that change within the ranks of the National Rally remains incomplete.
Similar sentiments are echoed in Italy, where members of Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia party have faced accusations of making anti-Semitic comments.
The Complexity of Jewish Reactions
The evolving rhetoric from far-right leaders has elicited mixed reactions from Jewish communities. Notably, Serge Klarsfeld, a renowned French Holocaust survivor known for his pursuit of justice against former Nazis, expressed a willingness to vote for the National Rally in upcoming elections, citing concerns about the hard-left party accused of Islamist sympathies.
Conversely, Yonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France, criticized Bardella for allegedly exploiting the anti-Semitism narrative to further the National Rally’s political ambitions. Additionally, the Central Council of Jews in Germany has urged voters to be wary of the AfD, asserting that its platform uses Jewish support to propagate anti-Muslim sentiments.
Comparative Perspectives: The U.S. Context
This discourse resonates within the United States, where the policies of former President Donald Trump serve as a template for many European far-right leaders. Amid efforts to combat anti-Semitism, the Trump administration faced scrutiny for its approach, which included contentious actions against pro-Palestinian activists and significant funding cuts to educational institutions.
Amy Spitalnick from the Jewish Council for Public Affairs expressed skepticism regarding the true motivations behind these initiatives, suggesting they may be more about compromising democratic values than genuinely addressing anti-Semitism.
The unfolding dynamics around far-right parties and their stance on anti-Semitism illustrate a complex interplay of ideology and strategy that continues to develop across Europe and beyond.
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