Jews in Europe

Here are two stories bearing on the subject of the continued residence of Jews in Europe.



Which one do you think is the most worrying?

1. Copenhagen attacks reignite debate about safety of Jews in Europe
   
2. France PM Manuel Valls 'under Jewish influence' says former socialist foreign minister [Roland Dumas]

I would say number two (despite the problematic nature of M. Dumas).



The casual assumption that Jews are inherently separate from the main political and social life of European nations is a recurring theme in European/Jewish relations.



The idea that Jews needed to be in control of their own destiny, and therefore need a state -- Zionism -- came from the conclusion that no matter what was said, when stressed Jews would never be part of Europe. 



It is worthwhile remembering that this conclusion was  derived from observation of France during the Dreyfus Affair -- then the most 'liberal' and 'secular' and 'integrated' (for Jews) European state.



It is this issue, not just or even primarily physical safety, which I would argue remains the reason Jews should never consider Europe a home.