Syrian-born Arab Zionist Rawan Osman says October 7 unmasked rampant Arab antisemitism and urges Arab nations to confront hate, reject Hamas.
At the European Jewish Association (EJA) Conference in Poland, Rawan Osman — a Syrian-born German political activist and proud Arab Zionist — delivered a fearless, no-nonsense message about the deep-rooted antisemitism plaguing the Arab world and the moral imperative to confront it head-on.
Speaking to Arutz Sheva – Israel National News, Osman declared:
“Antisemitism has always been rampant in the Arab world. But even I, after living in four Arab countries, never imagined how deep the hatred runs — until October 7.”
Osman explained that the Hamas massacre of October 7 exposed a dark, unspoken truth: antisemitism in Arab societies is not just political — it is cultural, institutional, and systematically denied.
“Arab countries refuse to even acknowledge antisemitism exists,” she said. “But when they deny it, we ask them — where are your Jews today?”
She reminded listeners that over 800,000 Jews were forced to flee Arab lands following Israel’s establishment, a historic ethnic cleansing rarely acknowledged in Arab discourse. “If Arabs want peace, they must first admit their own responsibility — that antisemitism has poisoned their societies far more than Israel ever could.”
Osman said October 7 ignited an explosion of anti-Jewish hate across the Arab world, even among those once open to dialogue with Israel. “People were brainwashed by Hamas propaganda and gruesome videos from Gaza. Political leaders must now tell the truth: Israel didn’t start this war. Hamas did. They are liars and murderers who destroyed any chance for peace.”
In her boldest statement, Osman condemned the “infantilization of Palestinians”, saying it perpetuates endless conflict.
“We will never have peace if we keep excusing Palestinian incitement and glorification of violence. It’s time to hold them accountable for the hatred they teach their children.”
Turning to regional geopolitics, Osman said Iran’s “axis of resistance” has worked relentlessly to sabotage the Abraham Accords, the historic normalization framework that once united Arab nations and Israel in pursuit of peace.
“They succeeded in burning bridges we worked for decades to build. But I trust the wisdom of Arab leaders who joined the Accords—they will not allow Hamas or Tehran to destroy them.”
Despite the turbulence, Osman remains unflinchingly optimistic about the Middle East’s future.
“I still believe Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords. They delayed the process, but they did not abandon it. Peace will prevail—because truth always does.”
With her unwavering courage and unapologetic voice, Rawan Osman stands as a rare symbol of moral clarity in the Arab world—a reminder that standing with Israel is not betrayal of Arab identity, but a defense of truth and civilization itself.
