Protest movements often leave a lasting impact even though they may not endure for long periods of time. The more extreme the movement, the more likely it is to evoke a backlash. The protest movements of the 1960s in North America and Western Europe were particularly notable, such as the anti-Vietnam War movement and the student revolt that spread to Europe in 1968.
In 2024, a protest movement against Israel has begun to garner attention on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. While the movement is conducted with a two-way spirit, signs of a growing headwind against Israel are becoming more apparent. The movement is reminiscent of the protest against Vietnam in the 1960s, which ended with a swing of public opinion to the right.
The BDS movement, which advocates for a boycott of Israel, draws parallels to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa in the 1980s. The recent protests against Israel show similarities to the anti-South Africa protests, with the belief that Israel is the South Africa of our time.
The spread of protests in recent days has been significant, with anti-Semitic aspects being highlighted in some instances. While there are counter-demonstrations, the Jewish organizations are finding it difficult to mobilize crowds in support of Israel. The movement has led to Israel facing historic isolation in American and Western public opinion.
It is essential to understand the motives, goals, and impact of the protest movement against Israel without merely labeling it as anti-Semitic. The current situation poses challenges for Israel and raises questions about how the protest movement will evolve in the future.