By Yosef Jad
Anyone following recent developments in Europe, particularly in France and Italy, as well as the demonstrations, protests, and crises surrounding immigration, national identity, and economic conditions in several European countries, might assume that these events are merely internal struggles between governments and their citizens. However, if we look at these developments from another perspective and consider their possible connection to events in Israel, we may arrive at conclusions that many have not considered.
Could Europe's crises ultimately benefit Israel? Could certain groups that openly oppose Israel unintentionally contribute to strengthening it? And how might these developments relate to biblical passages concerning the return of the Jewish people to the land of Israel and the role of nations in its future?
Those Calling for the Liberation of Palestine: Could They Be Strengthening Israel?
Demonstrations featuring Palestinian flags, calls for the liberation of Palestine and an end to the occupation, and condemnation of Israeli policies have become familiar scenes in several European cities.
However, there is a fundamental difference between advocating for Palestinian rights and allowing certain demonstrations to become occasions for threatening or attacking Jewish people, as though a Jewish citizen living in France or Britain were personally responsible for the decisions of the Israeli government.
This is where the paradox begins.
Imagine a Jewish family that has lived in France for decades. They have a home, established careers, and children attending French schools. The family has never seriously considered leaving France. But what happens when openly expressing their Jewish identity or sending their children to a Jewish school becomes a source of fear and anxiety?
Could they begin considering a move to Israel?
And if thousands of families find themselves in similar circumstances, what might be the result?
One possible outcome would be an increase in Israel's Jewish population, even though some of the hostile movements contributing to this atmosphere seek to weaken the country.
The irony is that those who attempt to undermine Israel by intimidating Jews in Europe may unintentionally contribute to strengthening it.
This phenomenon is not merely hypothetical. According to a survey conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), with findings published in 2024, 80% of Jewish respondents believed antisemitism had increased over the previous five years. Notably, the survey was conducted before the events of October 7, 2023. [1]
The European Commission has also reported that 41% of Jewish respondents in earlier data had either emigrated or considered emigrating because they felt unsafe. [2]
Of course, considering emigration does not necessarily mean following through with it, and those who leave Europe may choose destinations other than Israel. Nevertheless, these figures reveal a genuine problem.
This raises an important question: Is it not ironic that hostility toward Jews in Europe could potentially lead to an increase in Israel's Jewish population?
It is important to emphasize that this discussion does not concern everyone who waves a Palestinian flag or criticizes Israel. Rather, it concerns those who turn political disagreements into hostility toward Jewish people simply because they are Jewish.
Europe and the Political Right: Could the Balance Be Shifting?
There is another equally important dimension to these developments.
European citizens who see their countries struggling with economic and security challenges, and who believe that traditional political parties have failed to address these problems, may begin searching for political alternatives.
In the 2024 European Parliament elections, three right-wing, nationalist, and conservative political groups held a combined 187 seats out of 720 at the beginning of the parliamentary term. [3]
These figures do not mean that Europe as a whole has shifted to the political right. However, they do demonstrate the growing presence of movements that place immigration, security, and national identity at the center of their political agendas.
Could dissatisfaction with immigration and integration policies push more European voters toward right-wing parties?
And could these parties benefit politically from the actions of extremist Islamist groups that attempt to exploit democratic freedoms and public demonstrations to spread their ideologies and expand their influence?
The issue here is not with immigrants or Muslims as a whole, but with extremist groups that reject the rule of law, justify violence, or exploit democratic freedoms to advance their objectives.
But what does any of this have to do with Israel?
Some European right-wing movements view Israel as a strategic partner in confronting terrorism and Islamist extremism. They may therefore advocate closer security cooperation with the Jewish state.
If these political movements gain greater influence, could this lead to stronger political and security relations between certain European countries and Israel?
We are therefore faced with two developments that could occur simultaneously: increased Jewish immigration to Israel and the rise of European political forces that may be more willing to cooperate with it.
Although the European right is far from united, and its parties do not all share the same position toward Israel, this possibility deserves careful consideration.
What If Europe Begins Deporting More Migrants?
The European Union's new Pact on Migration and Asylum began applying on June 12, 2026. It introduced measures concerning asylum procedures, the screening of new arrivals, border management, and the return of individuals who do not have a legal right to remain, in accordance with established legal procedures. [4]
But what if certain European governments adopt even stricter deportation policies in the future?
Could political figures in Israel use such European developments to justify proposals involving the departure of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank?
Some may attempt to draw such comparisons for political purposes. However, there is a clear legal distinction between returning a migrant who lacks legal residency rights following due process and forcibly displacing people from occupied territory.
In its advisory opinion issued on July 19, 2024, the International Court of Justice affirmed that Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits forcible transfers and deportations from occupied territory. [5]
Nevertheless, the legal weakness of such a comparison does not necessarily prevent political actors from attempting to exploit it.
Could changing European attitudes toward immigration influence the position of some governments regarding proposals to relocate Palestinians? Or will European governments continue to maintain a clear distinction between these situations?
The outcome cannot be predicted with certainty. Yet the question deserves attention, particularly if political changes across Europe continue.
Does the Bible Have Anything to Say About These Developments?
Some readers may wonder what these events have to do with the Bible.
In the Book of Ezekiel, we read:
"For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land." (Ezekiel 36:24)[6]
And in the Book of Jeremiah:
"Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the ends of the earth." (Jeremiah 31:8)
Some Christian biblical interpreters understand the modern return of Jewish people to the land of Israel as part of the fulfillment of God's promises to gather them from among the nations. Others interpret these passages within different historical or spiritual contexts.
But if we consider the first interpretation, an important question arises.
Must the Jewish people's return to Israel necessarily result from a religious calling, or could political and security circumstances also lead them to return?
Could Europe's current unrest become one of the factors contributing to this continuing movement?
Here, we are reminded of Joseph's words to his brothers:
"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good." (Genesis 50:20)
Human beings may intend one outcome, while events ultimately unfold in a completely different direction. This does not mean that evil itself becomes good or that harmful actions are justified.
And this brings us back to the paradox introduced at the beginning: those who seek to weaken Israel by threatening Jews in Europe may unintentionally contribute to increasing its population.
Europe and the Roman Empire: Is There a Prophetic Connection?
In the Book of Daniel, particularly chapters 2 and 7, we read about a succession of kingdoms. Many Christian biblical scholars have interpreted the fourth kingdom as representing the Roman Empire.
Some proponents of futurist biblical prophecy believe that a political system connected in some way to the ancient Roman Empire may emerge in the last days. This interpretation has led to attempts to connect Daniel's prophecies with modern Europe.
Daniel 9:27 states:
"Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week."
Some interpreters understand this verse as referring to a future covenant involving Israel, possibly connected to a political power emerging from the territory or historical legacy of the Roman Empire. Others understand the passage as referring to historical events or to the work of Christ.
If we consider the futurist interpretation, could Europe's political and economic crises eventually lead to the emergence of a new political power seeking security alliances with Israel?
Could European-Israeli cooperation develop into broader political arrangements in the future?
Chapter 12 of the Book of Zechariah also speaks about Jerusalem and its significance amid conflicts involving the nations.
Could today's developments represent an early stage of much greater changes in the region's future?
These questions deserve serious study. However, the Bible does not explicitly mention the modern European Union by name, nor does it identify a European alliance formed to protect Israel. Therefore, these possibilities should not be presented as certain fulfillments of biblical prophecy.
Ultimately, Who Stands to Benefit?
When we bring these developments together, a striking picture emerges.
Europe is confronting economic and social crises, alongside challenges involving immigration, security, and national identity. At the same time, certain right-wing political movements are gaining influence, while some European Jews increasingly fear antisemitism. These circumstances may encourage some Jewish families to consider emigrating to Israel.
Meanwhile, political and security developments could strengthen cooperation between certain European governments and Israel, potentially leading them to reconsider aspects of their policies toward the Middle East.
Could Israel ultimately emerge as one of the beneficiaries of Europe's crises?
That is possible in certain areas, but it is by no means inevitable.
From a theological perspective, examining the Books of Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Zechariah raises important questions about Israel and the future of nations. Yet these biblical passages do not give us sufficient grounds to declare that every event taking place today represents a direct fulfillment of prophecy.
And so, the most important question remains:
Could some of the forces seeking to weaken Israel today unintentionally contribute to making it stronger? Could Europe's crises create conditions that increase the Jewish population in Israel while strengthening its future international alliances?
Perhaps the coming years will reveal outcomes that even those organizing demonstrations, raising political slogans, and making major policy decisions never anticipated.
Sources and References
[1] European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), July 2024.
Survey on antisemitism and the experiences of Jewish people in 13 European countries.
https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2024/experiences-and-perceptions-antisemitism-third-survey
[2] European Commission, EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life (2021–2030).
Data concerning feelings of insecurity and considerations of emigration among European Jews.
https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/racism-and-xenophobia/combating-antisemitism/eu-strategy-combating-antisemitism-and-fostering-jewish-life-2021-2030/about-eu-strategy_en
[3] European Parliament, 2024 European Elections.
Official election results and the distribution of seats among political groups.
https://results.elections.europa.eu/en/european-results/2024-2029/
[4] European Commission, Pact on Migration and Asylum.
New European rules governing migration, asylum procedures, and return policies.
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/pact-migration-and-asylum/questions-and-answers-pact-migration-and-asylum_en
[5] International Court of Justice, July 19, 2024.
Advisory opinion concerning Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
https://www.icj-cij.org/node/204176
[6] The Holy Bible.
Ezekiel 36:24; Jeremiah 31:8; Genesis 50:20; Daniel 2, 7, and 9:27; Zechariah 12.
Biblical quotations in this English edition follow the wording of the New King James Version (NKJV).
