JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Michael Mann, the European Union’s ambassador to Israel, has served in his post since September 2025 and has found himself navigating a complex security reality. Speaking on “The Ambassador’s Room” podcast, hosted by Miki Dvori of the Center for Jewish Impact, Mann shared personal experiences from his first months in Israel, condemned the surge in antisemitism across Europe, and reiterated the EU’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The British-born ambassador revealed that his daughter was born in Israel in mid-February, and just nine days later, fighting escalated during Operation Rising Lion. As a result, he and his family spent nearly a month sleeping in their home’s bomb shelter each night.

Despite the security challenges, Mann expressed deep admiration for the resilience and composure of Israelis under fire, highlighting how quickly daily life resumes after rocket alerts.

“People are sitting at a wine bar in Tel Aviv, the siren sounds, everyone goes into the shelter, comes back out, and continues drinking their wine,” he said. “It’s amazing.”

On a lighter note, Mann joked that the biggest “culture shock” he encountered was Israeli driving. He also praised Israeli cuisine, admitting that he has gained weight since arriving. Among his favorite foods, he listed local tomatoes, traditional Shabbat fish, and falafel, adding that his favorite Hebrew word is “Yofi” (“great” or “beautiful”).

Turning to the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across Europe since the October 7 Hamas attack, Mann described the trend as “shameful, embarrassing and unacceptable.”

He stressed that while people are entitled to criticize Israeli government policies, there is a clear distinction between legitimate political criticism and hatred or discrimination directed at Jews.

“These are ignorant and foolish people who are racist and discriminatory,” he said.

In a separate interview with Ynet, Mann noted that the European Union has adopted a ten-year strategy to combat antisemitism, strengthen security for Jewish institutions, and promote Jewish life across Europe.

Addressing the diplomatic arena, Mann reaffirmed the European Union’s longstanding support for a two-state solution, with a viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security.

He also reiterated the EU’s position that Hamas, which the European Union designates as a terrorist organization, should have no future role in either governing or providing security in the Gaza Strip. Mann said Hamas must be fully disarmed and that, following a process of conditional reforms, the Palestinian Authority should ultimately assume governance over all Palestinian territories.