Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Spare Us the Selective Outrage

 Victor Davis Hanson's article discusses the disproportionate criticism directed at Israel in relation to its response to the October 7 massacre, where 1,200 Jews were killed. He contrasts this selective outrage with the lack of attention given to other nations that engage in ethnic cleansing and mass violence.

1. Condemnation of Israel:

• Since the October 7 attacks, Israel has faced widespread condemnation from various groups, labeling it as fascist and akin to Nazi perpetrators.

• The reaction to Israel's defensive measures following the massacre has fostered an environment of negative sentiment and rising antisemitism.

2. Misplaced Outrage:

• Leftist activists and media have often turned joyous at the attack on Israel, expressing a desire for its destruction.

• There is a stark contrast between the widespread condemnation of Israel and the silence toward ongoing human rights violations in other countries.

3. What Should Israel Do? :

• Israel's invasion of Gaza, following the attacks, sparked accusations of genocide, yet there are no credible alternatives proposed for how Israel might effectively deal with Hamas.

• The article questions the effectiveness of international bodies like the UN in addressing these conflicts.

4. A Hypothetical Scenario:

• Hanson presents a hypothetical situation comparing Israel's experiences to those of the United States facing a similar attack. He suggests that the U. S. would likely take more aggressive action than Israel has in response to the attacks.

5. Comparison with Other Nations:

• The article discusses the historical and ongoing atrocities committed by countries like Turkey, which was responsible for the Armenian genocide, yet does not face the same level of scrutiny.

• Other examples include Turkey’s actions in Cyprus and Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing of Armenians, which receive little to no backlash from those who criticize Israel.

6. Ethnic Cleansing and Refugees:

• The article highlights that during the formation of Israel, many Jews were ethnically cleansed from Arab countries, a fact often overlooked in discussions about historical grievances.

• The growth of the Arab population in Israel is emphasized, significantly outpacing the remaining Jewish populations in neighboring Muslim countries.

7. Antisemitism's Roots:

• Hanson argues that true antisemitism lies not just in opposition to Israel, but in a singular focus on its alleged crimes, while downplaying or ignoring much worse atrocities committed elsewhere.

8. Historical Context:

• The article reflects on the actions of different regimes throughout history, questioning the consistency and integrity of those who criticize Israel for its actions.

• It compares public responses to the plight of refugees from various conflicts and regimes, stressing a double standard.

9. Current International Dynamics:

• The ongoing conflict is presented as part of a larger international pattern where the actions of powerful nations or groups are often ignored when they align with certain ideological views or interests.

10. Privilege and Historical Claims:

• The argument extends to cultural and historical claims regarding who is considered a settler colonialist, using examples such as the Indian community in Uganda to illustrate inconsistencies in how these labels are applied.

Hanson's analysis portrays a narrative of selective outrage towards Israel amidst global atrocities. He challenges the reader to reflect on the inconsistencies in criticisms of Israel, while other nations committing significant human rights violations often escape scrutiny. The piece serves as a call for a more balanced perspective on international conflicts and the actions of states, especially in the context of antisemitism and historical injustices.

https://amgreatness.com/2026/05/26/spare-us-the-selective-outrage/

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