A Historical Deception Endures
As an individual deeply invested in Israel’s story, a student of history, and someone who has personally experienced life in the Middle East, I find myself perpetually astonished, though no longer surprised, by the sheer confidence with which historical falsehoods are disseminated. My extensive engagement with texts such as the Torah, the Bible, and even the Quran, coupled with my teenage years exploring museums across Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and Israel, and my dedicated study of archaeological discoveries, ancient manuscripts, historical cartography, and the remnants of forgotten civilizations, has yielded a consistent and profound absence. In all these sources, not one single sovereign nation of “Palestine” belonging to Arabs has ever been identified. The history of Judaism predates Islam by millennia, with the Jewish people establishing kingdoms, cities, and a vibrant religious presence in the land long before any Arab arrival from Arabia.
Yet, despite this overwhelming corpus of verifiable history, a pervasive narrative has taken root globally: the assertion that Israel is “occupying Palestine.” This fabricated claim has, for many, supplanted historical fact.
Misinformation’s Tangible Impact
A recent communication serves as a stark illustration of how misinformation solidifies into unshakeable conviction. Readers of my blogs at www.timetostandupforisrael.com frequently share their perspectives, and a message from Australia vividly demonstrates this phenomenon. The individual stated: “In Australia all our WW1 memorials list Palestine as a country Australians fought and died in.”
This is a clear instance of a widespread misconception. My straightforward response was: “It was not a country. It was the Ottoman Empire. The Romans renamed Judea to ‘Palestina’ after crushing the Jewish revolt, a deliberate political move to delegitimize the Jewish homeland. It was never a sovereign Arab state. Ever. Jews come from Judea. Arabs come from Arabia. Muslims pray toward Mecca, Jews pray toward Jerusalem.”
The retort received was telling: “You are just in denial that a native population was supplanted by European nationals who adhered to the Jewish religion.”
This distortion of history is not merely inaccurate; it carries dangerous implications. My subsequent reply was blunt yet honest: “You are brainwashed. Start reading the Torah, the Bible, and the Quran. Read real history. Then come back and apologize.”
Such misinterpretations extend to everyday communication, evident even in navigation systems or travel documents that refer to areas like Gaza or Judea and Samaria as “Palestine.”
During my childhood in the Middle East in 1978, we possessed a white card that bore the designation “UNTSO, United Nations Truth Supervision Organization for Palestine.” Curiously, it did not mention Israel, despite Israel having re-established its sovereignty decades earlier.
Were the gravity of the situation not so alarming, this widespread adherence to a fabricated history might be almost comical. However, its implications are deeply concerning. At times, the prevailing atmosphere evokes a chilling echo of the Nazi era, not because of precise historical replication, but due to the alarming similarity in the psychological mechanisms at play.
The Allure of Falsehoods
The widespread acceptance of this fabricated narrative is not a new human failing, nor does it stem from an inherent flaw in humanity. Instead, it arises from fundamental human vulnerabilities:
1. The Quest for Belonging Over Truth: For many, the drive for acceptance and belonging outweighs the pursuit of factual accuracy. When a falsehood is reiterated extensively within a social group, individuals may adopt it not after due verification, but because it provides a sense of safety and group cohesion.
2. The Power of Authority: Information presented by figures of authority, whether professors, journalists, or politicians, often carries significant weight. Even intelligent individuals may suspend critical thinking when an opinion appears to align with the perceived “majority” or authoritative stance.
3. Familiarity Breeds Acceptance: The human brain can mistakenly equate familiarity with truth. The repeated exposure to a lie, even a thousand times over, can lead to its acceptance. This phenomenon, known as the illusory truth effect, is a foundational principle of propaganda, from ancient empires to contemporary digital platforms.
4. Fear’s Cognitive Impact: Fear has a profound capacity to shut down rational thought and foster compliance, a dynamic observed in the 1930s and continues to manifest today.
5. Simplicity Over Nuance: Propaganda thrives by offering easily digestible narratives that overshadow complex realities. A simplified worldview, such as “Israel equals bad,” “Palestinians equal victims,” or “Jews equal colonizers,” resonates because it requires minimal cognitive effort, facilitating its rapid spread.
6. The Dunning-Kruger Effect: Individuals with limited knowledge in a subject can often overestimate their expertise. A superficial engagement with information, such as glancing at headlines, viewing a few maps, or watching a viral video, can lead to a misplaced sense of mastery over intricate historical narratives spanning millennia.
7. The Echo Chamber: Digital communication platforms often create insulated environments where individuals are primarily exposed to information reinforcing their existing beliefs. Dissenting viewpoints may be systematically hidden, ridiculed, or suppressed.
8. Moral Self-Righteousness: The desire to feel morally superior can lead individuals to adopt narratives that align with their perceived sense of justice. In such cases, factual accuracy becomes secondary to the emotional satisfaction derived from supporting a cause perceived as righteous.
Israel: A Target of Simplistic Narratives
Israel, embodying historical depth, complexity, and a commitment to truth, stands in stark contrast to the modern anti-Israel narrative, which prioritizes emotional appeals and simplistic moral judgments. Engaging with Israel’s history necessitates careful study, whereas the prevailing anti-Israel discourse often relies on ephemeral hashtags and superficial pronouncements. This disparity explains why millions find the simplistic falsehood more appealing than the demanding reality of historical truth.
The Present Danger
We are living in an era where:
Emotionally charged content disseminates with unparalleled speed, outpacing factual reporting.
Falsehoods gain traction before accurate information can even be prepared for dissemination.
The desire for social conformity frequently supersedes the pursuit of accuracy.
Propaganda can now reach a global audience instantaneously.
In essence, mass delusion no longer necessitates physical proximity or overt force; a stable internet connection is sufficient to fuel its spread.
The Unwavering Defense: Truth
The only effective countermeasure is an unwavering commitment to truth, disseminated without fear. Through every article, every discussion, and every evidence-based argument, we must strive to preserve and illuminate the historical narrative of the Jewish people. This is not a pursuit for political advantage, but a critical defense against the erasure of the past, which invariably serves as a precursor to justifying hatred. Ultimately, truth is the sole antidote to the lies that propagate antisemitism, the most potent defense for Israel, and the only safeguard against the recurrence of historical atrocities.
CEO of Time to Stand Up for Israel, a nonprofit organization with a powerful mission: to support Israel and amplify its voice around the world. With over 200,000 followers across various social media platforms, our community is united by a shared love for Israel and a deep commitment to her future.
My journey as an advocate for Israel began early. When I was 11 years old, my father was deployed to the Middle East through his work with UNTSO. I had the unique experience of living in both Syria and Israel, and from a young age, I witnessed firsthand the contrast in cultures and realities. That experience shaped me profoundly.
Returning to the Netherlands, I quickly became aware of the growing wave of anti-Israel sentiment — and I knew I had to speak out. Ever since, I’ve been a fierce and unapologetic supporter of Israel. I’m not religious, but my belief is clear and unwavering: Israel has the right to exist, and Israel has the duty to defend herself.
My passion is rooted in truth, love, and justice. I’m a true Zionist at heart.
From my first breath to my last, I will stand up for Israel.