In a remarkable testament to the intricate geopolitical dynamics of the Mideast, six villages in the Syrian Golan Heights have reportedly expressed a desire to be annexed by Israel.
Ironically this development comes following the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas, purportedly in defense of Palestinian and Arab interests.
Yet, the Arab communities' request challenges this narrative, revealing a complex picture of regional allegiances, governance, and the pursuit of human rights.
For these Arab villages, their appeal of Israeli governance lies not only in recognizing openly on a global platform the relative stability, Human Rights and security Israel offers but also Israel's humanitarian conditions and civil rights enjoyed by Israeli Arab citizens.
Hamas’ recent actions, which resulted in the cold-blooded murder of over 1,200 innocent Israeli Jews and the taking more than 200 hostages, starkly contrast with its claims of defending the Palestinian cause whom they claim are suffering because of Israel.
These terrorist group's activities are proven to be self-serving, prioritizing their political and territorial objectives over the well-being of the people they claim to represent.
For too long, entities like the UN and other international bodies have falsely criticized Israel, while turning a blind eye to the larger tapestry of terror-governance failures and human rights abuses occurring under the actual Mideast regimes.
The desire of the Arab villages begging for Israeli annexation brings this overlooked abuse into sharp focus, highlighting where discourse diverges from lived experiences while at the same time witnessing the Arab world complimenting Israel for its leadership in Human Rights and calling the anti-Israel UN resolutions a bluff.
The Question Remains:
In light of past condemnations and assertions from the UN regarding Israel's human rights record, where does the organization stand now, considering that Syrian and Lebanese communities are appealing to be annexed by Israel for their protection?
While the United Nations and various antisemitic governments globally unjustly criticize Israel, often leading to widespread international outrage over purported human rights abuses, Israel faces more condemnation at the UN than any other nation.
It's imperative for the UN and the global community to hold Hamas and Assad accountable and question the legitimacy of the purported Palestinian cause.
This is corroborated by the Arab world's acknowledgment of the hardships they endure from those purported to be their benefactors. It is evident that Hamas deliberately harms its own citizens and economy to scapegoat Israel for these issues.
OPen Proof
The villagers' preference to join Israel points to critical issues regarding governance, citizenship, and quality of life.
Watching many of their kin live prosperous lives within Israel, enjoying full citizenship rights, robust health insurance, and freedoms that include speech, religion, and legal protection they see opportunity.
On the contrary, the prospect of returning to Syrian control appears fraught with fear.
This Leads Back to the Question
Is the UN overlooking purposely the abuse of human rights within the Arab controlled territories?
Are they condemning Israel falsely while turning a blind eye to the wishes of Arab communities who prefer Israeli sovereignty to improve their current conditions?
The requests from Arab villages, along with the discreet dissatisfaction in regions such as Gaza, highlight the desire of some to be under Israeli annexation, although they fear voicing this due to the potential repercussions from Hamas.
They recognize the benefits of Israeli citizenship, including access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, which serve as significant motivators. It's important for the international discourse on Israel’s actions to consider these diverse perspectives.
The global discourse on Israel’s actions should reflect these multiplicities, acknowledging not just the criticisms but also the voices and choices of those directly impacted by these geopolitical realities, held as human shields by those claiming to protect them.
Only with such an approach can a balanced and just perspective be achieved, paving the way for recognizing and calling out the True human rights abuse in the region.
(A related article may be found here.)
Duvi Honig is founder and chief executive officer of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, a global umbrella of businesses of all sizes, bridging the highest echelons of the business and governmental worlds together, stimulating economic opportunity and positively affecting public policy of governments. His work has been recognized by both Presidents Obama and Trump. Read more of his reports — Here.