Hamas Exploits ‘Apartheid’ Lie to Vilify Israel

Open any newspaper today, and you’re likely to encounter the claim that “Israel is an apartheid state.” Speak to vocal critics of Israel, and you’ll hear the same refrain. Scroll through countless social media posts, often fueled by the Pallywood propaganda machine, and once again, the accusation resurfaces. But let’s take a step back and really examine this claim.

The Definition of Apartheid:

First, let’s look at the definition of “Apartheid”:

Any policy or condition of discriminatory segregation or separation.

When you haven’t been to Israel and rely on the opinions expressed in newspapers or social media, it’s easy to be swayed. After all, the common saying goes, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” But what about the facts?

Israel is home to over 130 different nationalities, with people of varying skin colors and cultural backgrounds. It’s a country that embraces and protects religious freedoms, where people of all faiths can worship freely. It is the only place in the Middle East where homosexuality is accepted, and where women enjoy the same rights as men. Does that sound like an apartheid state?

Who benefits from these accusations:

The accusations largely come from Arab citizens of Israel who identify as “Palestinians,” but let’s dig deeper into the facts. Before October 7, 2023, a trip through areas like Gaza or parts of Judea and Samaria (often referred to as the “West Bank” by anti-Israel activists) would reveal dozens of half-built, luxurious homes. You may wonder: Why are these homes sitting vacant? What’s behind this bizarre phenomenon?

1. The answer lies with Hamas: they actively prevent Palestinians from moving into these homes because, once they settle there, they would no longer be considered refugees. Without the status of refugees, the influx of Western financial aid would dry up. Therefore, these homes remain unfinished, even though they could provide a better quality of life for many. It’s a disturbing example of how Palestinians are manipulated for financial and political reasons, and an injustice that harms the very people it’s meant to protect. Ironically, this is a form of apartheid—but not against Palestinians.  It’s creating fake narratives of Apartheid that disproportionately affect the Jewish citizens of Israel.

The True Situation:

In contrast, within Israel, Arab citizens thrive. You’ll find Arab judges, army officers, and members of Parliament. There are doctors, nurses, engineers, and countless other professionals from Arab backgrounds, all contributing to the diverse fabric of Israeli society. This isn’t apartheid—this is a functioning, Western-style democracy that provides equal opportunities for all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

Sure, like any country, Israel has its share of social tensions. Discrimination does exist, whether it’s based on ethnicity, religion, or gender—issues common in societies worldwide. Yet, these are individual acts, not systemic policies endorsed or encouraged by the government.

It’s important to recognize the difference between social prejudice and institutionalized segregation. To blame an entire nation for the actions of individuals is unfair and deeply problematic. Such accusations can quickly slip into the territory of antisemitism, a prejudice that falsely holds all Jews collectively responsible for the actions of a few.

Jews Are Singled Out, Not Arabs:

Now, you might ask: Is there no real apartheid in Israel? The answer is complicated. Yes, there are areas where Jewish people are not allowed to enter, especially in disputed territories. Jews are also prohibited from praying on the Temple Mount, one of the holiest sites in Judaism. In this sense, there is a form of segregation, but it is not the kind of institutionalized apartheid that critics often allege. It is not Arabs who are singled out in these cases—it is Jews.

So, it’s time we start asking the right questions. It’s time we look beyond the rhetoric and focus on the truth. It’s time to stand up for Israel and recognize the vibrant, diverse democracy that it truly is.