A new survey conducted in Poland points to a sharp rise in negative attitudes toward Jews and a shift in public opinion regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
According to data from the state research agency CBOS, four out of 10 Poles say they do not like Jews — the highest level recorded in decades. At the same time, the share of respondents expressing positive views toward Jews has fallen to just 22%, the lowest figure since 2006.
The survey marks an 8% increase compared to the previous year in the proportion of Poles expressing negative views toward Jews — more than toward any other ethnic or national group examined. Analysts suggest that some of the changes in public attitudes may be linked to regional geopolitical tensions, including broad public criticism in Poland of Israel’s actions in recent years.
A separate CBOS study found that Polish views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are complex and not clear-cut. The share of respondents expressing clear sympathy for the Palestinian side is slightly higher than those expressing sympathy for Israel (14% compared to 10%), while most respondents either do not express a clear preference or say they find it difficult to take a definite position. The survey highlighted that younger respondents were more likely to lean toward the Palestinian side compared to older age groups.
The rise in hostility toward Jews in Poland comes amid broader public debates in the country over historical identity, Holocaust memory and Polish-Israeli relations.
Certain political and social voices emphasize Poland’s own suffering during World War II and the narrative of Poles as victims, adding another layer to a discourse that critics say can at times foster confusion and, in some cases, anti-Jewish sentiment. Additionally, there is evidence that some young people across Europe view the Middle East conflict through a pro-Palestinian lens, which may contribute to more negative perceptions of Israel among segments of the public.