Jews across Europe have been harassed, beaten, and even shot at since Israel’s efforts to stop Hamas rocket attacks began on December 27, and so far no European Union official has made a public statement condemning such acts.

Socialist Member of European Parliament (MEP) Veronique de Keyser, who is known for her critical stance on Israel, is one of the few who mentioned the increasing dangers Jews are facing in Europe.

“Unfortunately, hers was a lone voice in mentioning how Jews have become targets across Europe,” said B’nai B’rith International President Moishe Smith.

The remarks of two MEPs can be singled out as being particularly objectionable. Socialist Spanish MEP Miguel Martinez Martinez compared Gaza to the Jewish Ghettos of Poland during World War II and the Israeli Air Force to German bombers, while the liberal U.K. MEP Chris Davies compared the Israeli leadership to terrorists.

These remarks cannot be considered legitimate political criticism.

“It is these kinds of comments that evoke anti-Semitism in the European population,” said BBI Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin. “When elected officials misuse their authority to incite hatred and even violence we need to speak out.”

Approximately half of the speakers during the debate criticized Israel for its operation in Gaza, all without mentioning the eight years of Hamas rocket attacks – some 10,000 rockets – on Israeli civilians that forced Israel to respond.

B’nai B’rith International is deeply troubled that members of parliament risk the security of their Jewish citizens – their constituents – by using slurs that evoke grim memories from Europe's past and do not belong in the context of the current Middle East debate.