Palestine and Changes in American Public Opinion
Al-Ittihad, UAE, January 12
Two weeks ago, the American media shed light on meticulously researched Israeli strategies aimed at tightening control over Gaza. These efforts include the widespread demolition of homes, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure, alongside the forced displacement of remaining Palestinians in northern Gaza. Reports have emerged of Israeli snipers treating the killing of fleeing Palestinians as a “sport” and the documentation of these “hit operations.” Furthermore, military occupation bases are being constructed in the northernmost parts of Gaza and the Netzarim corridor, featuring a “resort-like” facility where battle-fatigued soldiers can unwind. Concurrently, stories have surfaced about the dire lack of medical services, food, water, sanitation, and shelter plaguing the two million Palestinians confined to southern Gaza.
Meanwhile, within Israel, notable developments unfold. Demonstrations against the Netanyahu government have resurged after a protracted pause, protesting both the unresolved plight of Israeli hostages and Netanyahu’s persistent attempts to evade prosecution. Amid this unrest, a few courageous Israeli journalists and commentators are urging their fellow citizens to confront a stark reality ignored for over a year: that genocide is perpetrated in their name.
This begs the question: What does it truly mean to “stand with Israel” at this juncture? Those who display signs expressing this stance in front of their homes are exercising their right to voice opinions, even if deemed insensitive or offensive by others. It’s neither right nor justified to distort these expressions, vandalize them, or incite violence in response. A belief in democracy and civil discourse mandates rejecting insults, threats, and acts of vandalism.
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This prompts another question: How might the community react if a neighbor were to display an “I am with Palestine” sign? It’s undeniable that public opinion regarding Israel and Palestine has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, with increased sympathy for Palestinians and mounting criticism of Israeli policies, even among its traditional supporters. Acknowledging this profound change, pro-Israel organizations, their government allies, and segments of the media have mounted an effort to suppress pro-Palestinian sentiment, attempting to ban legitimate expressions of support for Palestinians and dissent against Israeli policies that contravene international and US law.
Thus far, these attempts to curtail pro-Palestinian discourse seem to be prevailing. A cursory glance at recent reactions on college campuses and the debates within Congress and state legislatures reveals that even a seemingly innocuous “I stand with Palestine” sign can be denounced as inflammatory, insensitive, or even anti-Semitic.
Acknowledgment must be given to the fact that discourse on both sides occasionally veers into unacceptable territory. Without a doubt, pro-Israel demonstrators chanting anti-Palestinian slogans, or the reverse, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators use anti-Israeli rhetoric, should face condemnation. However, it’s troubling to witness frequent reports of Palestinian rights advocacy being suppressed simply because it allegedly discomforts Israel’s supporters. This dangerous trend is precisely what is unfolding.
Ultimately, individuals should be at liberty to declare their support for Israel while understanding that the ongoing events in Palestine will prompt some to ask valid questions such as, “What exactly do you mean by that?” Likewise, their neighbors should be free to affirm their support for Palestine, respond to inquiries, and do so without fear of retribution. Regrettably, we have not yet reached that point. —James Zogby (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
