This jewish rag has an interesting and very weird article. The authour wonders why world opinion holds israel with less regard than Germany. And, why German Youth, according to "talk back" comments, do not consider jews and israel as victims.

As German youths question concept of 'historical responsibility' thrust onto them, Israel will only encounter more difficulties if it continues to lean on identity as victim

Gil Yaron Published: 03.28.08, 14:00 / Israel Opinion

"A new chapter has been opened in the relationship between Germany and Israel," so Chancellor Angela Merkel summed up her historic visit to Israel this month.

While her declaration may seem trivial two generations after the Holocaust, when only a handful of victims and perpetrators remain among the living, but behind the cordial pleasantries and display of friendship from one of the most important countries in the world lies a historical turnabout of much significance that stands to impact not only the relations between Germany and Israel but also the very root of Israeli foreign policy.

While talkbacks on German news websites are by no means a representational statistical measuring tool, they do represent an evolving mindset worth paying heed to.

The two main arguments surfacing in these debates are "How much is this 'wonderful friendship' with Israel costing Germany?" and "Why are we such stalwart friends of an occupying nation?"

Beyond reflection the anti-Semitism that still pervades in Germany, they are indicative of the negative image Israel maintains throughout the world.

Sixty years after the Holocaust and the devastation wreaked by World War II, it is intriguing to step back and examine the current standing of two of that era's major players: Germany, a country perceived as criminal and leprous and Israel, a people of sympathized victims.

We may see it as a historical injustice that Germany of all nations now enjoys a lofty international position while on the other side, like a mirror image of Germany's ascent to reputable purity, the world's regard for Israel has plummeted into murky depths.

Cont. here: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3524676,00.html