Israel has always been the ‘convenient scapegoat’

For years, we’ve heard the same accusations against Israel: that it is an “occupier,” committing “genocide,” and operating as an “apartheid state.” Human rights organizations publish one-sided reports, protests erupt worldwide, and the international community is quick to respond as if Israel is the scene of the world’s greatest crime.

But let’s take a moment to talk about what’s happening around us in the Middle East in recent weeks, particularly in Syria. For over a decade, a brutal war raged under the Assad regime — hundreds of thousands were killed, millions were displaced, thousands disappeared, and Assad’s forces even used chemical weapons against innocent civilians.

These are horrific crimes on an unimaginable scale. Yet how many international protests have we seen in response? How many emergency sessions at the United Nations? How many dramatic sanctions? Barely a sound. This hypocrisy is nothing new — it seems human rights only matter when they align with certain political agendas.

Three months after the fall of the Assad regime, Syria continues to bleed. In the past two weeks alone, thousands of Alawites have been slaughtered in cold blood simply because of their identity, in what is being described as “revenge attacks” by the Assad regime. The same forces that promised change and justice are now revealing their true colors — far from the moderate figures they once claimed to be. The real face of Syrian rebel leader and interim Syrian president Abu Mohammad al-Julani is becoming clear. Yet, there has been no condemnation from the international community. The United Nations Secretary-General even shook hands with al-Julani, welcoming him as an honored guest.

For years, Israel has topped the list of countries condemned by the UN Human Rights Council. The problem is that Israel has always been the “convenient scapegoat.” It’s far easier to issue reports against a democratic country with a free press than to confront truly murderous regimes. It’s easier to protest against Israeli soldiers than against militias slaughtering civilians in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and other parts of the world — because taking on those who are genuinely dangerous is far less comfortable.

This hypocrisy is dangerous. It not only harms Israel but also those who genuinely need help worldwide. When all fingers point at Israel, no one pays attention to the real crimes happening around us — crimes that remain hidden from the spotlight.

It’s time for the world to stop buying into lies and start seeing the full picture — to understand Israel’s reality, unfiltered and as it truly is. As minorities fighting for the image of our home, we know Israel isn’t perfect, and yes, we face challenges — but the distorted caricature painted by critics is far from the truth. The international community must redirect its attention to the places where real crimes are being committed.