Politics

The Geography of Identity: Why Israel is Not a European Country

Israel’s Geographical Location

The State of Israel was established in 1948, following the end of British rule in the region. Since then, Israel has been recognized as a sovereign state and a member of the United Nations. However, its geographical location has been a point of contention, with some people mistakenly assuming that it is located in Europe.

To answer the question of whether Israel is in Europe or not, we need to look at its geographical location. Israel is located in the Middle East, at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. Israel’s capital city, Jerusalem, is located approximately 2,300 kilometers southeast of the capital city of Europe’s easternmost country, Turkey.

Israel’s Cultural Influences

While Israel’s history and culture have been influenced by many different regions, including Europe, the fact remains that it is not a part of Europe geographically or politically. Israel’s location in the Middle East has shaped its identity and relations with other countries in the region, as well as with the rest of the world.

Misconceptions About Israel’s European Identity

Israel’s inclusion in the Eurovision Song Contest is often cited as evidence of its supposed European identity. However, the Eurovision Song Contest is open to countries that are members of the European Broadcasting Union, regardless of their geographical location. This means that Israel’s participation in the contest does not make it a European country.

Israel’s Inclusion in the Union for the Mediterranean

Furthermore, Israel’s membership in the Union for the Mediterranean, which promotes cooperation between countries in the Mediterranean region, is sometimes used as evidence of its inclusion in Europe. However, this organization includes countries from both Europe and the Middle East, and Israel’s membership in it does not make it a part of Europe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Israel is not in Europe. While its history and culture may have been influenced by Europe, its geographical location places it firmly in the Middle East. It is important to understand and recognize Israel’s unique identity and history, which have been shaped by its geographical location and its relations with neighboring countries in the Middle East.