Swedish Göteborgsposten viewed the song as a "controversial tribute to Jewish culture", concluding that it is "yet another hit."[2] Pan-European magazine Music & Media remarked that it incorporates elements from five traditional Jewish folk hymns "in an updated arrangement." They added that "Israelism" is "intended as an anthem for young people around the world, proving there is much pride and joy to be found in Jewish lifestyle. The song should be seen as a powerful statement against racism and bigotry in Europe today."[3]
Stephen Dalton from NME declared it as "a towering celebration of Jewish culture [...] which stomps like Fiddler on the Roof at a packed gay disco." He also noted that this is the Army's "anti-fascist anthem" and comes with a sleeve guarantee that the album is "strictly kosher for passover."[4] Tony Cross from Smash Hits gave "Israelism" three out of five, calling it a "goose-stepping number". He added that "they've gone back to the formula of amateur dramatics, big chants, quirky keyboards and barmy blokes."[5]
Chart performance
"Israelism" was a hit in several European countries and remains one of the band's most successful hits. In their native Sweden, the song charted for 4 weeks, peaking at number ten, while reaching number 11 on the Swedish Dance chart and number three on the Swedish Airplay chart. It was also a top 10 hit in Belgium and Finland, peaking at number nine and five, and a top 20 hit in Denmark and Norway (12 and 13). In Germany and Switzerland, it was a top 40 hit (32 and 31). On the Eurochart Hot 100, the single peaked at number 48 in May 1993. It didn't make the UK top 75 Singles Chart or chart in the US. Outside Europe, "Israelism" was a top 10 hit in Israel.
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