It is likely that Portugal goes around with a chip on its shoulder vis-a-vis its larger, more populous Iberian Peninsula neighbor.  For instance, when Spain expelled its Jews in 1492, it was regarded as a significant event in the course of European history.  Conversely, when Portugal expelled, then forcibly converted its Jews in 1496-1497, it was mostly a footnote.  Even in Jewish history, Portugal’s actions are a footnote.  Spain’s Francisco Franco was a well-known fascist dictator; Portugal’s Antonio de Oliveira Salazar was, ho hum, just another fascist dictator in the neighborhood.  Since October 7th, Spain has hurtled to the pinnacle of European Jew haters.  For its part, Portugal has remained in Spain’s shadow.  Sure, it has condemned Israel when necessary, and, yes, it recognized the State of Palestine, along with the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia in September 2025.  At the end of the day, though, in the field of anti-Israel advocacy Portugal has been bested by its neighbor once again.  Well, take heart, yon Portugal, the Zionist’s Guide to the World Cup (ZGWC) has duly noted your efforts and will grant you a negative rating for the World Cup.  Naturally, it is not as negative a rating as some certain other country might receive, but still….

Two cheers for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Few countries have been as shoddily treated as the poor DRC.  They suffered through the worst of all European colonial experiences at the hands of the Belgians and King Leopold II.  After independence, which came at the cost of much blood and misery, homegrown tyrant Mobutu Sese Soku took over and called his country “Zaire.” Though rich in resources, Congo has been beset by continual internal conflicts, massacres, and chaos.  Most recently, the country has been struck by the Ebola virus.  Aside from the famous 1974 boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, there has been little in the course of the DRC’s history to bring joy to its long-suffering people.  Now the Congolese have something else to cheer for as Léopards have qualified for the World Cup for the second time and the first time since 1974.  The DRC has been supportive of Israel in the African Union for many years and has opened a branch of its embassy in Jerusalem.  Current DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has been a consistent ally of Israel’s interests.  Accordingly, the ZGWC has something to cheer for, as well.  Make that three cheers for the DRC.

The Muslim majority countries of Central Asia–unlike their co-religionists in the Arab world–typically have cordial relations with Israel. All of the Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union enjoy diplomatic relations with Israel.  Uzbekistan is no exception.  There is a long history of Jews living in Uzbekistan, particularly Bukharan Jews in Samarkand........

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