Israel should not have agreed that Qatar mediate regarding its conflict with Hamas, Amichai Chikli, Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister told The Jerusalem Post.
Chikli mentioned during the interview that there has been a 500% increase in antisemitic incidents around the globe and added that he wouldn’t see it as an exaggeration to say that the state of antisemitism “is the worst, since the 1930’s.”
The minister addressed what he calls the Red-Green Alliance, which represents a coalition between "red" parties, often social-democratic or neo-Marxist, and "green" parties that represent radical Islam. This partnership is built on shared left-leaning values and a joint critique of corporate and capitalist institutions.
“The radical left works hand-in-hand with radical Islam,” he said, adding that ”This is something that disturbed us the most because it's coming from the top universities, which have unfortunately been remaining silent After October 7. Many of them said 'we condemn the loss of life on both sides' – as if there are two sides in this hideous event.”
According to the Chikli, "They're working together with the demonstrations on the campuses. And I think that this is a very disturbing phenomenon that you can see. [Regarding] the old philosophy of intersectionality with Black Lives Matter and other issues, also the Palestinian issues, [that they apply] so automatically, they would see the Jews as colonialist oppressors," he said.
“One can observe these unusual organizations, such as Queers for Palestine, which may appear quite absurd," the minister said. "However, this phenomenon is part of our broader philosophy. It's tragic because Ivy League universities, bearing names like Veritas at Harvard or the motto In Lumine Tuo Videbimus Lumen [Latin for ‘In Thy light we see light’, Psalm 36:9] at Columbia from the Book of Psalms - were founded centuries ago with a strong commitment to pursuing truth and upholding their reputations.”
They say “We are seeking the truth, but actually, we see that in the Ivy League universities, there is no truth. And because there is no truth, there is also no good or bad.” Chikli explained that in his view, this is “the main problem of the world: the progressive and the relativist approach that is dominating us.
“One of the most intriguing observations is the contrast in perspectives among students at Ivy League universities in the United States, particularly those in the STEM field versus those studying political science or Middle Eastern Studies," he pointed out. "In the STEM disciplines, students often exhibit a pro-Israeli stance, while in the latter fields, there is a prevalent pro-Palestinian sentiment. This divergence can be attributed to significant investments made by countries like Qatar and others, totaling billions of dollars, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
“These investments have had a profound impact, shaping the viewpoints within these academic faculties," he said. "The research conducted on this East-West gap is particularly fascinating, shedding light on the extent to which external influences have permeated these academic circles. This development, in turn, poses a potential threat to the fundamental values of the United States and also raises concerns within the Jewish community."
Chikli, a member of the coalition-leading Likud Party said he thinks Qatar mediating between Israel and Hamas is a mistake. “Personally, I believe it's a significant mistake. I have reservations about Qatar serving as a mediator, primarily due to trust issues. It's as if the US would turn to Pakistan, which once harbored Bin Laden, for moderation on behalf of itself, and I find this notion quite implausible," he said.
“Currently, heads of Hamas are staying in luxury hotels in Qatar," the minister said. "It's worth noting that, recently, there has been significant attention on Qatar regarding antisemitism, particularly in the context of the recent World Cup. Displaying an Israeli flag or any symbol of Israeli identity could have led to significant trouble in Qatar. This raised concerns about the suitability of Qatar as a mediator in the delicate situation between Israel and Hamas."
Asking to address Diaspora Jews, Chikli said that, “At this moment, it's imperative that we stand up as proud Jews and refuse to tolerate hatred. We must demand moral clarity above all else. If we cannot condemn the atrocities committed on October 7, if we cannot condemn Hamas, then meaningful dialogue becomes impossible. We must assertively address this issue; it's a battle, a war that extends beyond just the campus or the state [condition] of Gaza.
“Every conflict is unique, requiring different strategies, but I take immense pride in opposing Hamas," he concluded. "Being their adversary means we're not only defending ourselves but also upholding the most fundamental human values. This is a war – and in it, we safeguard more than just territory: We protect the very essence of humanity."
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