Many confuse my support for the State of Israel in ways that are contrary to Syrian, Arab, or even Muslim interests. Theirs is either a simple logic or a cunning misinformation campaign with the aim of discrediting my work.
My hope is to set the record straight on this issue without the obligation to explain myself to anyone.
- If an Arab feels strongly about democratic values, his/her contribution must come in a form to test those values. If democracy is your top priority, then the State of Israel, a democracy, is an extension of your hopes for your own country.
- If an Arab feels strongly about eradicating cronyism and favoritism to be replaced with accountability and transparency, then one should look to those countries it can emulate and Israeli democracy has proven over and over again that no Israeli politician stands above its laws.
- If an Arab feels strongly about economic self-sufficiency and independence rather than the dependency of Arabs on their state-controlled assets, then he/she must see that Israel is an example we Arabs need to imitate.
- If an Arab feels strongly that the priorities of his/her own country displace the priorities of other Arab countries, then the Palestinian Cause is less important than the Syrian Cause. This means one fights for his/her own country first rather than fight for others.
- If an Arab feels strongly about peace as a mean by which economic equality and prosperity can be attained, then peace with our neighbors necessitates that we also make peace with the State of Israel regardless of what my religion dictates to me or not. If my G*d can issue free Syrian Bonds, then I may change my mind; until then, my country needs peace with Israel to uphold economic stability.
- If an Arab feels strongly about terrorism, then it is compelling to fight terror with those who make it a living to do so. This includes working with the Israelis, the Jordanians, the Lebanese, and all peaceful countries.
My convictions are based on reality and pragmatism.
I admire Israel. I don’t want Israel to be stronger than Syria but I want Syrians to learn how Israel got to be so strong.
It’s because I love Syria that I feel about Israel the way I do.
Besides this pragmatic position, there is a humanitarian side as well.
I can never forget the ovens at Dachau the way I am sure many Israelis will not forget Assad‘s carnage in Syria.
