One would think from everything we hear that Israel has no friends in Europe and that Europe, as a whole, is inherently anti-Israeli and pro-Arab - a lost cause for Israeli hasbara. Last week I visited several European capitals and held meetings with various European leaders and high ranking EU and NATO officials, and discovered that we have many passionate, ideological friends in Europe. There are many political groups, mainly from the ideological center-right, who consider Israel an integral part of the free world.

It is surprising that on the one hand, the Middle East conflict is the number one priority on Europe's foreign-policy agenda, yet on the other hand there is a shocking information gap on Middle East issues. There is a general lack of factual knowledge - both on current events and, more importantly, history.

Even our friends told me they find it hard to defend Israel for the lack of objective facts and information. These are political groups who are prepared to stand up for Israel and use their political influence and power to balance out the anti-Israel agenda that is the underlying narrative for most EU foreign policy decisions.

In today's mass-media world, public opinion is decided by the perception of reality, not reality itself. Israel has to turn this around, and drive home the truths: That Israel acts as a shield between Europe and radical Islam; that Israel represents the free world in the Middle East - the forefront of the world-wide clash with radical Islam; and that the Jewish State's existence is moral, just and never to be questioned again. It's just a matter of proper dissemination of Israel's case to public opinion and decision makers.       

Israel needs increased involvement in the European arena. Unfortunately, over the years the EU has put all its eggs in the Israeli left wing "peace camp" basket, believing that only they can advance a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Reciprocally, the Israeli right wing has always regarded the EU as a hostile body whose positions on the Middle East are a foregone anti-Israel conclusion.    

My party, Israel Beytenu, has taken upon itself to shift the balance of power in Israel-EU relations. We are committed to strengthening ties with like-minded center-right European parties, and advancing the accession of the State of Israel into the EU and NATO. In a world that is quickly dividing over values - the free, democratic world versus the radical Islamic world - we must not allow ourselves to be positioned in the grey zone. We have been at the forefront of this war for a hundred years; we should lead the free world, not lag behind it.      

 Originally published in Jpost blogcenteral.