The Truth They Refuse to See

A Stranger in This World: Why I Still Stand With Israel

I Don’t Belong Here Anymore

There are moments—more often lately—when I feel like I don’t belong in this world. Not because I’ve changed, but because the world around me has. It speaks in a voice I don’t recognize anymore. It praises things I cannot support. It silences people like me. I’ve always been someone who thinks differently. A lone wolf, maybe. But I carry a truth that refuses to stay silent—because silence, I’ve learned, can be deadly.

My First Love Was a Country

It’s no secret: I am a proud and passionate supporter of Israel. It was my first love, and it will be my last.

As a teenager, I lived between two worlds—among Muslims in Syria and Jews in Israel. I had friends on both sides. I saw kindness in both, but I also witnessed deep, painful truths. And one of those truths is this: the Arabic tribal culture I experienced firsthand does not align with the values of the Western world. That doesn’t make it “bad”—but it is incompatible. In that culture, survival of the fittest is everything. Showing emotion is weakness. Life is not sacred. But death—especially dying as a martyr—is celebrated.

And that is something I cannot accept.

I Choose Life

When I lived in Israel, something inside me awakened. I felt joy. Safety. Freedom. In Syria, I survived. As a 12-year-old blonde girl, I was already seen as wife material. My dreams didn’t matter—only my body, my obedience, my silence.

But in Israel, I lived. I was seen, heard, respected. Women were equals. People celebrated life, innovation, peace, and progress. I knew then: this is where I belong.

Even after returning to the Netherlands, Israel kept my heart.

The World Has Turned Upside Down

Fast forward to today—and I feel like the world has lost its way. The same Arabic culture that once caged me is now being embraced by Western societies. It spreads through the streets of Europe, wreaks havoc in Africa, and seeks to destroy the only Jewish state in the world.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been fighting for its survival—and for the values the West once promised to protect. But instead of support, the world turns its back. People cheer for terrorists, justify rape and murder, and glorify death over life.

And the West applauds.

Even universities, supposed beacons of intelligence, now echo these dark voices—demonizing Israel, and supporting cultures that celebrate martyrdom and violence.

I Was Happy Once

The year I lived in Israel, I was truly happy. I danced in the streets. I laughed with people from all walks of life. I celebrated freedom, diversity, and hope. Now, the world cheers for those who would tear it all down.

And I feel like a stranger again—even in my own country. In the Netherlands, I now see people kneeling in prayer on Dam Square, the monument meant to remind us: Never again. But it’s happening again—this time in plain sight. And the silence is deafening.

A Lone Voice, But Not a Broken One

There are still a few of us who see it. Who feel it. Who refuse to forget what’s right and what’s wrong.

Yes, we’re few. Yes, we’re ridiculed. Like Don Quichottes  fighting windmills. But we are here. And we are not wrong.

I may feel like I’m from another planet—but I will never stop standing with Israel. I will fight for the side that chooses life over death, freedom over fear, truth over propaganda. Because being in the majority doesn’t make you right.

Am Yisrael Chai
The people of Israel live.

And as long as I breathe, so will I—standing beside them, with love and fire in my heart.