Today, I attended an event at UC Irvine by Christians United for Israel. The speakers were Holocaust survivor Irvine Roth, Greek Orthodox minister Gabriel Naddaf, and a British Muslim named Kasim Hafeez, who was described as a Zionist. The event was attended by some 30 people, some from the community and some students. I am guessing the crowd was mostly Jewish. As it was, I had to leave after 30 minutes to teach my class, but I was able to hear Mr Hafeez's talk, which I would like to discuss.
http://www.cufi.org/site/Calendar/172470746?view=Detail&id=121385
Hafeez is a young British man whose grandparents immigrated to the UK from Pakistan. He grew up in a Muslim family that he characterized as devout, but not radical. In his introduction he told us that he was at one time an anti-Semite and anti-Zionist. He described his parents, especially his father, as being against Israel and against Jews. This is how he grew up. He also described going to visit family in Pakistan as a youth, to a place near the Indian border. There he encountered more anti-Jewish, anti-Israel feeling.
Entering the university in the UK, Hafeez said that from day one you were faced with demonization of Israel on campus and in the classroom. At that time, he went along with it like everybody else in his circle of friends.
Gradually, however, he began to look more deeply into what Israel was all about and read more objective works on the topic. This culminated in his taking a trip to Israel to explore for himself. He jokingly told of his 8-hour screening upon arrival, but added that he was treated quite well (if quite long). As he traveled around and talked with people, he noted that Israel was very diverse. The Arabs and Muslims he queried told him, "Sure, we have problems, but I wouldn't live anywhere else". Hafeez saw the freedom. He saw the democracy. He also added that the one place where he encountered true bigotry and discrimination was in Saudi Arabia as he described how others like Somali pilgrims are treated.
Hafeez closed by saying that Israel is the farthest outpost of democracy and must not be allowed to fall. He was most impressive.
I am hoping to get a video of the event, at which time I will post it.
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