Israeli Arab activist Joseph Haddad criticized members of the “Squad” for jeopardizing the coexistence between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East. He claimed that they misrepresent the dynamics in the region, pointing out that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez admitted to lacking knowledge about local geopolitics, which he considered an honest acknowledgment. However, he accused Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib of distorting the truth.
Haddad, who leads an organization called Together for Each Other, noted that it was established in 2018 by young Israeli Arabs to address cultural and religious gaps. Following the massacre on October 7, 2023, the organization gained prominence in addressing issues of public diplomacy in Israel.
In the aftermath of the attack, there has been a concerning increase in anti-Semitic incidents across the Jewish communities in the U.S. and Europe, highlighted by a pro-Hamas protest on university campuses shortly after.
Haddad labeled certain protestors as “useful idiots,” suggesting that they were merely misinformed individuals drawn into activism for various causes. He described a type of protestor characterized by their predictability, showing up for multiple causes with similar messaging. He expressed a particular concern about the influence of Middle Eastern extremists in the West.
He attributed the emergence of extremist voices to immigration from conflict zones, indicating that while many Muslim immigrants seek safety, a minority carry radical ideologies that affect their communities. He warned that even a small percentage of extremists among a large immigrant population could lead to significant issues.
When it comes to accusations against Israel regarding apartheid, he refused to draw parallels, asserting that conditions in Israel are vastly different from those in true apartheid systems, where societal separation was severe.
Haddad emphasized that those discussing Israel should rely on facts rather than emotions. He dismissed claims of apartheid in Israel, asserting that what he sees is a very different reality from what critics illustrate.
While reflecting on Palestinian aspirations, Haddad recalled slogans from protests that sounded decidedly anti-Israel. He maintained that many Palestinians may not truly desire to coexist peacefully with Israel, urging that asking the Palestinians directly would reveal a complex reality around the two-state solution. He pointed out that historical narratives vary greatly, influenced by religious texts and historical accounts.
Highlighting the Jewish connection to Israel, he mentioned that the name “Palestine” originated as a Roman punitive measure. He reminded critics that significant historical context exists that favors Jewish claims to the land.
Haddad asserted that in 1947, Arab leaders had the opportunity to create a Palestinian state but preferred to initiate conflict instead. He described his own familial ties to the Arab Israeli identity, urging acceptance of Israel’s existence as a way forward from the ongoing cycle of violence just as Palestinians, irrespective of location, share a common identity.
Requests for comments were sent to representatives of Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib, and Omar, but there was no response.
