Consider our present approach to the Israeli-Palestinian problem. Europe appears to be closing its eyes to the possible long-term consequences of its current Middle Eastern policy.

By catering to the Palestinian and Muslim segments of the European population at the expense of the Jewish minority, isn't Europe tacitly encouraging the current explosion of anti-Semitism on its own soil? This seems especially true in France and Germany. For years these two nations have downplayed the growth of anti-Semitism among Islamic extremists and other fringe groups on both the right and the left of the political center.

After the attack on New York and Washington D. C. on September 11, 2001, Europe's governments have been paying more attention to this situation. Greater resources and effort go into cooperating with other nations in combating terrorism and anti-Semitism. But so far a more even-handed policy toward the crises in the Middle East has not been adopted.

So let's return to my original question. Is there a connection between the revival of European anti-Semitism and Europe's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Could Europe, through its one-sided foreign policy, be nurturing—in the midst of crafting a new constitution and making the Euro competitive in international trade—a return to the anti-Semitism that shamed us before and during World War II?

Consider our present approach. Except in Italy, all current governments in Europe sympathize with Yasser Arafat's Palestinian position at the expense of Israel's concerns. Since current public opinion also supports this approach, governments find it politically unpopular to consider a more balanced policy.

Other European governments are following the example of France and Germany. These two nations openly take a pro-Palestinian position and have done so for years. They hesitate to take any positive action against anti-Semitism that would irritate Muslim communities in their own countries. And they place an even higher priority on not risking their relationship with those Arab countries that supply their oil.

Is this trend of walking a political tightrope blinding all of Europe to an even greater danger? Jesus Christ warned that a future multinational military force will surround and invade Jerusalem shortly before He returns (Luke 21:20).

Could Europe's one-sided support for the Palestinians be positioning it to be a part of, or even maybe to lead, that military force at some point in the future? It's a frightening prospect.

Yet, less than a century ago, anti-Semitism played a major role in shaping one of the most shameful epochs of European history. Are we again blindly sliding in that direction?

Notice a prophecy revealing that Jerusalem again will be the focus of multinational hostility. "I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves" (Zechariah 12:2-3, New International Version, emphasis added throughout).

How will God respond to this multinational attempt to seize control of Jerusalem? He answers, "For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem…Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations…" (Zechariah 14:2-3).

Will an alliance of European nations lead that military force against Israel in the future? Surely it will depend on the type of leaders who emerge in the years ahead. In any case, the God of the Bible says that He won't allow that multinational invasion of Jerusalem to be victorious.

Europe needs to beware of the ultimate consequences of being soft on anti-Semitism and maintaining a one-sided prejudice against the nation of Israel. Anti-Semitism shamed us once. Let's not let it happen again.