If you’ve ever wondered who Israel’s best friends are, then the answers you read below might surprise you. I can’t offer any concrete proof, any nationals surveys or studies on economic or political support. Honestly, I can only offer you the opinion of one Israeli. Albeit, someone who has spent weeks at a time, traveling to many countries.
As a disclaimer, I’ll admit that I haven’t been to Africa (yet?). Nor have I traveled to South America. Included then, are North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Sadly, the other disclaimer in terms of Israel’s friends, is that it is an ever-changing reality.
Let’s Start with North America
In today’s world, Israel’s best friend is, without a doubt, the United States of America. After the reign of Obama, Trump is a refreshing change and a reminder of much better days. Obama taught Israelis an important lesson. Don’t count on the United States to defend you – even and especially in the halls of the United Nations. Don’t count out being betrayed – even brutally. The Congress will love us or hate us, sway with the polls and the media.
It took quite a while for us to accept that we needed to watch our backs – even…even from America. And at a very low point, Donald Trump was elected; Americans went into shock, and Israelis hoped. Our hope is being realized. Day in and day out.
What we have always known – Jerusalem is our capital – is now heard in growing numbers of countries. Not just the US. At least ten other nations have agreed to follow in Trump’s footsteps and are making plans to move their embassies to Jerusalem.
A leader ago, Canada was a great friend of Israel. But Stephen Harper has been replaced by Justin Trudeau and Canada now has its own Obama.
Travel through Asia
Having traveled in only two countries in Asia (Thailand and India), I can tell you that India is indeed a friend of Israel. The government is a bit problematic, in that it does not have the political strength to withstand pressure from the Islamic nations nearby and from within. But the people of India love Israel and Israelis. They think Bibi is a King, brave and strong.
I have been in several cities in India – north and south and west and in each place, I have heard only positive things about Israel. I think, perhaps, the India is Israel’s second best friend in the world.
As for Thailand, I think they like Israel because of the huge number of tourists that go there and spend money.
Travel through Europe
In the last few years, primarily for work, I have traveled quite extensively in Europe – but to be fair, only for short periods and in limited locations. I have been to the UK, Germany, Ireland, Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Poland, and Italy.
In Amsterdam, they cursed at us and at the border crossing, the passport control officer asked me for my US passport. Only when I insisted that he use my Israeli passport did he admit that there wasn’t a problem and he could process either passport. Amsterdam is certainly not friendly with Israel, nor can they be considered friends of the Jewish people.
Then there is Poland – well, we all know about Poland. Friends of Israel? Not even close. They are not friends of Israel; certainly not friends of the Jews.
In all the other countries, I met nice people. Some were uncomfortable about my religion; some didn’t like my country. Nowhere did I feel the sense of open acceptance as I know exists for Israelis in the US and India. In some cases, I felt they were prepared to like me “anyway,” almost despite my nationality. In other cases, I have been asked about the Palestinians. I answered honestly and openly and didn’t really care if they agreed or not.
Recently, I was told not to wear a Jewish star (I did anyway), not to speak Hebrew. They are attacking our synagogues; once again, Jews are being beaten in the streets of Europe. They desecrate our cemeteries and the new form of anti-Semitism is hidden behind anti-Israel rhetoric.
Around the World
And in today’s upside-down world, Israel is one of the safest places to be and being a best friend of Israel is turning out to be amazingly worthwhile. Our friends are prospering, their economies growing. Our enemies are falling into chaos. Syria is in pieces; there is instability in Lebanon and Jordan.
Ironically, Europe has never seemed so distant and so preoccupied with its own problems. Impossibly high rates of crime (rape and murder) are being reported in many countries and women are being told not to walk without the protection of a man.
Why is this whole discussion relevant? Because, ultimately, Israelis need to understand the world in which we live and remembering who our true friends are is an important part of staying alive. Our enemies stand on our borders but more and more, they fight each other, as rabid dogs are like to do.
But greater in number than our enemies are those prepared to stand in silence to avoid the wrath of our enemies unleashed on their citizens (as they have been on Israel for 70 years). And though these combined – our enemies and those who trade in silence – are greater in number, they are not greater in strength.
From our friends in the world, we learn that we are not alone. When we travel the world, they reach out to us to remind us of what we have known for so long. What our enemies would do to us, they WILL do to the silent ones in the near future. Israel is a strong and vibrant, democratic and caring country. All that we are stands as a reminder to the silent ones; and a symbol of hope and thanks to our friends.
I dont know how is Israel but how know how beautiful mind they have. Sorrounded by agitating and heavily armed extrimists countries engaged in never ending war amongst themselves, Israel had to take stern stance which any Indian would understand. Now Israel has shiwn compassion to the Palestanians and I wish this gets further extended. The new found relationship with the Arab countries will create a new chapter in the region. The hawks in some nearby countries may not be happy with this and conspire in the name of a moribund retrograded religion to unite against Israel and its friends will surely be defeated and new order peace will be established in the region.
I dont know how is Israel but how know how beautiful mind they have. Sorrounded by agitating and heavily armed extrimists countries engaged in never ending war amongst themselves, Israel had to take stern stance which any Indian would understand. Now Israel has shiwn compassion to the Palestanians and I wish this gets further extended. The new found relationship with the Arab countries will create a new chapter in the region. The hawks in some nearby countries may not be happy with this and conspire in the name of a moribund retrograded religion to unite against Israel and its friends will surely be defeated and new order peace will be established in the region.
The full list of friends of Israel are
1. USA
2. India
3. Cyprus
4. Serbia
5. Bulgaria
I am a hindu and I adore Jews wholeheartedly. I read a lot about israel & and what I deduce is that no force in the world can dare to defeat you 6 day war has proven it already and if it comes to prove this again then you are even more powerful and an advance nation than you were during 6 day war. And as far as allies and foes concerns , trust me over one thing that your allies might be less in numbers but the countries that are your friends all sufficient to SUPPORTING you at both geopolitical events and at battlefield. In india our only reason for not supporting israel at most of the un events was our extreme dependency on oil and our 80 oil supply is from these islamic countries so it’s just has become our economical issue to not go totally against palestine but this will not last long as we are searching for alternative for oils and we are in our final stage of executing these alternate plans in real action then trust me things will not be the same as they are for last 50 years. We all know Jews people deserve their homeland where they can prosper and live freely without having to answer to anyone.
Long live israel
Long live our india israel friendship.
Our enemy will burn in hell.
הודו היא לא חברה טובה של ישראל רשימת חברים, הודי רק חמדן על התמיכה במלחמה מישראל במהלך המלחמה בין פקיסטן והודו.
לאחר מלחמת העולם השנייה קראצ’י (פקיסטן) מוסלמים מוזמנים בחום רב 1000 יהודים חיים בשלום עד כה.
I am an Indian national living outside my country at the moment. Indians adore Israel, it’s courage and woe neighbors Israel has. I wish the politicians in India supported Israel more openly the way the ordinary person in the street does. I am sure the day will come. Till then, bless you all.
India love Israel and to be honest almost all indians leaving few muslim fellow love and Respect Israel.
We both Hindu and Jew are like brothers and love & Respect each other..
Long live Indo-Israel Brotherhood..
Love from India..
Very very true. God bless Indo-Israel friendship. It’s sad to see Europeans against Israel.
Jews found their safest sanctuary in India when they were persecuted globally though it’s sad that our diplomatic ties started from 1992 only- “better late than never”.
It’s my prayer that our two ancient and great civilizations continue to be lighthouses for the rest of the world.
Shalom and Jai Hind!!!
You forgot to mention Serbia. We have a great history and connections with you, for thousands of years, even your PM confirms that:
Bulgaria love Israel. We consider them a really smart nation surrounded by not so developed and progressed people who are exremely agressive. We considered ourselves in a similar situation (even tho not that harsh) and somehow we relate to them because of that. Indeed we were in ww2 on the nazis side, but we saved our jewish community, even if it costed us ruining our relations with the Germans. This is because we Bulgarians were one of the most prosecuted ethnicities in the past during the ottoman times and then yugoslavian ones, so we somehow relate to them and we were strongly against such politics no matter what. Bulgaria aswell had and still has ‘zionism’ policy due to the huge bulgarian diaspora that used to live in the neighbouring countries. More than 200 000 people took Bulgarian documents based on their parents ethnicity the last 10 years which is a huge number for 6.8 million nation. So yeah, we love Israel and most importantly we feel them. Would love to visit that country one day. My grandfather has been travelling the middle east and he shared only positive experience with the Israelis (and he couldnt say the same for every eastern county).
I agree with Bulgaria. During the Second World War KIng Boris of Bulgaria would not turn over the Jews to the murderous SS and Gestapo. They were protected, and Bulgaria to this day is a friend to Jews and Israel. they are more so, a lot more so than Poland.
Lots of Love from india….israel is only friend who helpvus in kargil war… so we must try to help them in future
Indian people love Israel and Jew like a own brother so don’t worry my friend we are with you. Your warmly welcome in India. Only some Muslim in India dislike you but they are not Indian,they are Arabic pig . So don’t worry, we are always with you. Love from India
Very very true. God bless Indo-Israel friendship. It’s sad to see Europeans against Israel.
Jews found their safest sanctuary in India when they were persecuted globally though it’s sad that our diplomatic ties started from 1992 only- “better late than never”.
It’s my prayer that our two ancient and great civilizations continue to be lighthouses for the rest of the world.
Shalom and Jai Hind!!!
For many years under Nehru and Indira Ghandi the Palestinians were friends of India and Israel was a pariah. I am glad to see the changeover to Israel. They have a lot to offer the people of India in Economics, Agriculture, Intelligence, and Medicine. I hope India never turns on her.
Although the Govt of SAfrica is openly hostile to Israel, the majority of people are not. Most antagonism is led by an abnormally loud Moslem minority who go hysterical at any defence to external attack Israel suffers. But the Christian majority and Opposition parties are not fooled and support you all the way. God Bless Israel!
Are you sure? Even under Mandela South Africa welcomed Arafat as a brother. Now under the ANC led by Jacob Zuna, the country is very anti-Israel, and I don’t just hold Muslims responsible.
I love Israel. I love that you offer help to others even thoug others are so misinformed and filled with hatred for you. You are Gods chosen people and I always stand up for you and love to do that. Want to say many Swedes love you. God bless you and protect you.
I’ll just thank you and send you my love for Israel. Blessed be You among Nations.
/Christians in Sweden – we are MANY that loves you
Intelligent people who have guts & courage is with Israel. And idiots cannot.
Simple and straight forward, an easy read to understand. You break it down nicely.