The new Pro-israelis

While it may seem like a big part of the world has turned against Israel, you has also gained supporters. I am one of them. One of the many #6 voters in Eurovision. And I think my story isn't uncommon.

I'm a Danish guy. I am not a jew, not religious and have no ties to Israel. Before Gaza's attack, I couldn't tell the political difference between West Bank and Gaza. I honestly didn't really care about the conflict. Not because I deemed it unimportant, but in the same way you probably don't care about historic wars in Sub Saharan Africa. I was a lazy both-sider without strong conviction.

When 7th October happened, I was shocked by the footage of the young woman being pulled by her hair (is there any news on her? I think she might still be a hostage?). In the days after, I thought to my self, that people would surely declare overwhelming support to Israel after the true horrors of Gaza's attack was made clear.

Of course I was naive and ignorant. At the time I was using BBC for world news. I quickly noticed something was off, before Israel had even retaliated. The language they used was disturbing and like they were commenting on a completely different event.

After Israel had started retaliating, I still felt Israel was the more moral party and that they tried to protect the civilians. But I was unsure, because I simply didn't have enough knowledge, and the narratives from news and social media was so conflicting.

It all culminated with the hospital explosion. Where 500 people were allegedly downed by Israel. New York Times, BBC and others of what I thought as the most trust-worthy medias reported it as such. I thought to myself, that this doesn't seem like something Israel would do with my limited knowledge. But if it was true, I would stop being pro-israel. Of course we all know the story. This incident alone shows how Hamas Agencies are lying with their death numbers. Still most of the big medias continue to mouth piece Hamas. They are not doing the same with Russian statements or at least to a much lesser extent. Their integrity is lost.

Anyway I of course changed how I consume media afterwards. I started consuming Times of Israel. I especially like The Daily Briefing podcast, and they are not afraid to criticise Israels actions when warranted. As am I. I started reading The Free Press and Weekendavisen (Danish equivalent, roughly speaking). I believe quality journalism struggle to exist outside subscription-based medias like these, even though they are not without bias. It actually brings me joy that MSM is dying. It is well deserved, and we can do so much better.

Since then I had no more doubts about supporting Israel in-large. Israel is like that tough but good at heart street kid. Put into horrible situations but still trying to do the right thing. It is not fair to compare its actions to an upper class kid like Switzerland or Netherlands, surrounded by friends. You have no choice but to protect your family from fanatic attackers. I really hope you go all the way and take out Iran's nuclear capabilities. World peace might be in your hands.

Know that people like me will punish our respective governments, if they act out against Israel. That is why so many European politicians did double-speak about Netanyahu's arrest order. You have something we don't. A strong sense of unity. Honestly I think that is a big reason, why you are the only western country with a high fertility rate. Even among non-religious Israelis.

Stay safe and stay strong.