Constructive Diplomacy vs. Self-Deceptive Diplomacy
Rafael Castro | February 10, 2020
When does diplomacy serve to build bridges and when does it just promote self-deception?
The Hazards of Holocaust Remembrance in Europe
Rafael Castro | February 5, 2020
The received wisdom that greater Holocaust awareness automatically translates into policies and attitudes favorable to European Jews and the Jewish state is dubious at best. As assimilation and antisemitism hollow out Jewish communities on the Continent, Holocaust remembrance in Europe may well cease to help Jews altogether.
Four Lessons a Post-Brexit Britain Can Learn from Israel
Rafael Castro | December 19, 2019
A post-Brexit scenario requires long-term strategic thinking by the British establishment. The parallels between the situation of Israel in the Middle East and the eventual position of Britain vis-à-vis a federal European state offer lessons and suggest opportunities. If Britain acts on these lessons, it is more likely to flourish despite the economic and political pressure European leaders may try to exert on it in Brexit’s wake.
Universalism, Particularism, and Anti-Semitism
Rafael Castro | October 21, 2018
For the world to emancipate itself from anti-Semitism, religions and political movements will have to accept individual freedom of conscience and cultural pluralism, which are essential if universalism and particularism are to coexist. That universalism and particularism can, in fact, coexist and thrive together is demonstrated by 3,000 years of Jewish history. When the world finally understands the merits of embracing universal values without shedding ethnic identity, Jews and Judaism will be genuinely understood and accepted.
Jewish West Bank Communities: The Kernel of a Tolerant Palestinian State
Rafael Castro and Prof. Efraim Karsh | July 3, 2018
Just as Israel is a Jewish state of nearly 9 million citizens, where some 2 million non-Jews live in peace and security, there is no reason why a Palestinian Arab state should not host a sizable Jewish minority living in peace and security with the Arab majority.
The Bible, Secularism, and Anti-Semitism
Rafael Castro | June 28, 2018
Anti-Semitism is the most insidious hatred in history. Aversion to Jews has flourished under so many circumstances that it is hard to find a common denominator accounting for its manifold manifestations. However, there have been periods when non-Jews showed strong sympathy and solidarity towards Jews. Perhaps the best illustration of this friendship is modern America.
The Failure of Democracy in the Arab World
Rafael Castro | May 9, 2018
Ever since 9/11, Western leaders have pushed for democratization of the Arab world. Almost twenty years down the road, the push for democratization has had catastrophic results: With the partial exception of Tunisia, the Arab states whose dictators were toppled are mired in strife or have relapsed into despotism. The time has come to learn from the experiences of South Korea, Spain, and Chile in the mid-to-late 20th century and realize that without a growing economy and a sizable middle class, democracy cannot take root in society.
Jewish Organizations and Populist Right-Wing Parties in Europe: Engage or Ostracize?
Rafael Castro | February 16, 2018
The Jewish world is divided on whether to engage or ostracize populist right-wing parties in Europe. The experience of Jews in the US and Poland suggests that a pragmatic approach would best serve the interests of both European Jews and Israel.
Securing a Jewish Future in the West Bank Following Trump’s Jerusalem Declaration
Rafael Castro | January 12, 2018
The domestic and international outcry at President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital suggests that Israel’s position in the West Bank is far from secure. If Israel wishes to secure a future for Jews in the West Bank, ordinary Palestinians there must also benefit from – and express their support for – coexistence with Jews.