Czechia emerges as Israel’s best friend – even in times of war
Everyone thinks the U.S. is Israel’s best friend, but unfortunately, they’re mistaken. The real ally that has stood by Israel for years is a completely different country: Czechia. According to Ynet, Czechia has become a close ally of Israel – as if it was ever otherwise. In reality, Czechia has always supported us. Always.
History repeats itself
Here are some historical examples that prove beyond a doubt – since the founding of the State of Israel and even before, Czechia was by Israel’s side. To begin with, Czechia (called Czechoslovakia until 1993) was one of the 33 countries that voted in favor of the UN partition plan in 1947. It was also one of the first to recognize the new State of Israel.
Tomáš Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia, was considered pro-Israel. He visited the land as early as 1927, condemned all expressions of antisemitism in Czechoslovakia, and granted full civil rights to the Jewish population. That’s why several streets, squares, and communities in Israel are named after him.
Czech-Israeli relations – more than history
The relationship between Czechia and Israel is more than just history, even though Czechia was part of the communist bloc until the Velvet Revolution. For example, Czechia is one of the few countries that officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel – and of course, in true Czech fashion, they chose a symbolic date for the announcement: the 50th anniversary of the city’s liberation in the Six-Day War.
Czechia also supported Israel during Operation “Guardian of the Walls.” Then-President Miloš Zeman tweeted pro-Israel messages – but didn’t stop there. During a solidarity rally he led at Prague Castle, the Israeli flag was raised above the castle, replacing the European Union flag.
Czechia stands with us
And of course, even after the events of October 7, Czechia remains by our side. Both the Czech Parliament and the wider public are giving Israel unequivocal support in its fight against terror. In fact, Czechia is the only country so far to offer absolute backing – a true beacon of light.
Daniel Meron, Deputy Director General for Europe at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former ambassador to Czechia, said one thing: Czechs admire the State of Israel. According to him, it’s no coincidence they made an international effort to show they were the first to stand with us. For example, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský visited Israel on October 10, making him the first foreign minister (and first foreign diplomat) in the world to do so.
The “Iron Swords” War
When the “Iron Swords” war broke out, Czechia declared it would assist Israel in any way necessary – and it delivered. For example, it sent its entire stockpile of bulletproof vests, voiced support for Israel in European forums, was one of the few countries to oppose a ceasefire proposal at the UN, and more.
Czech MPs posed with photos of Israeli hostages and called for their immediate return – but they weren’t the only ones. Here are a few examples that show Czechia is backing Israel not just with words:
Petr Fiala, the current Prime Minister of Czechia, is considered a true friend of Israel. At a massive pro-Israel rally in Prague following the October 7 attacks, he spoke in Israel’s defense – but didn’t stop there. He personally visited Israel to show support.
He said: “These acts of violence have no place in our world. I want to make it clear – Czechia stands with Israel, now and always. Just as we did 75 years ago, you can count on our support. Supporting Israel in this situation is the only possible and right position.”
According to him, Czechia’s foreign policy regarding Israel is consistent and unequivocal: the State of Israel is the key to regional stability, and ensuring Israel’s security contributes to the security of the entire European continent.
Jana Černochová, Czech Minister of Defense, even called for Czechia to leave the UN following a pro-Palestinian vote (a ceasefire without condemning Hamas or demanding the release of hostages). She said: “I am ashamed of the UN. Czechia has no place in an organization that cheers for terrorists and doesn’t respect the basic right to self-defense. The Holocaust has returned – and we must not remain silent again.”
She also wrapped herself in an Israeli flag in front of a Palestinian protest in Prague, sang Hatikvah, and pointed out the UN’s hypocrisy: an organization whose Human Rights Council’s social forum is chaired by none other than Iran.
Czech Ambassador to Israel Veronika Kuchyňová (formerly ambassador to Egypt, and wears a Star of David necklace despite not being Jewish) was one of the first foreign envoys to visit the Gaza envelope after the October 7 attacks.
She said: “We admire the fact that Israel has remained a democracy despite the difficult region it’s in,” affirming Czechia’s solidarity with Israel and its stand against Hamas’s barbaric force. She also stated that since joining the EU, Czechia has not adopted the EU’s anti-Israel stance in the context of the Israeli-Arab conflict.
It’s important to note that since the war began, Czech support for Israel has remained steady. Based on past experience, there’s little reason to think that will change. Meanwhile, Israelis are voting with their feet – and rightly so.
Israelis are voting with their feet
Compared to November last year, demand for vacations in Czechia has jumped from 10th to 3rd place, according to data from the Holiday Finder booking site. Some attribute this to the fact that no major pro-Palestinian protests were held in Czechia, the country has a low Muslim population, and more – but Czechia and its capital Prague never needed excuses to be visited.
The Czech capital Prague is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, thanks to its striking architecture, rich Jewish history, and a rare blend of old and new. But it’s much more than that. Prague is a relatively affordable (and safe) destination for Israelis, offering excellent value even for a short weekend break. The combination of a familiar destination, fair prices, and friendly attitudes appeals to many Israelis, making it much more than just an alternative to faraway, expensive locations.
Not just tourism
But Prague isn’t just about tourism. Its low cost of living is attracting more investors than ever – particularly in real estate. Throughout Czechia, and especially in Prague, apartment and rental prices continue to rise compared to the rest of Europe, making it a promising long-term investment.
Additionally, the fact that Czechia is a member of the EU but hasn’t adopted the euro ensures more reasonable prices. The result: a high-quality property at an affordable price in a country that loves Israelis – and Israelis love back. Honestly, what more could you ask for? Talk to us – we’d be happy to help you too.
