Academician says Malaysia’s refusal to establish ties with Israel is a principled opposition to genocide, not anti-Semitism.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s criticism of Israel and its decision not to establish diplomatic relations with the country represent a principled stance against genocide, and should not be regarded as anti-Semitism, according to academician Professor Dr Joseph A. Massad.
The Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies scholar at Columbia University argued that Israel did not represent all Jews globally, and described allegations that opposition to Israel was inherently anti-Semitic as misplaced.
While noting that there had been sustained pressure by the United States on Muslim-majority and Arab countries to normalise ties with Israel, Massad commended Malaysia for maintaining its longstanding position of not establishing diplomatic relations with the country.
“Not having diplomatic relations with a genocidal state is a statement against genocide.
“It is not against Jews, except for those who believe that Jews are responsible for this. They are the anti-Semites, not those who refuse to acknowledge that Israel represents Jews,” he told reporters after delivering a public lecture titled “Muslim Identity in a Globalised World” here today.
Also present was Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Massad was responding to a question on Malaysia’s longstanding firm stance against Israel, including the deportation of Israeli citizens allegedly linked to the Network School operations in Forest City, Johor.
The controversy arose after an anonymous social media account alleged that the Network School was harbouring undocumented migrants, including those from Israel.
Malaysian authorities inspected the campus on July 14 and checked hundreds of passports belonging to individuals from 40 countries, including dual-passport holders.
On July 15, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia would deport any Israeli nationals found to have entered the country, as the nation would not compromise on its policy of refusing entry to Israeli citizens.
The move prompted eight United States Congressmen to send a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last Tuesday, expressing their dissatisfaction and objection to the matter.
Anwar responded by reaffirming that Malaysia will continue to bar Israeli nationals from entering the country, saying that the government’s stance is guided by its commitment to defending the rights of the Palestinian people and opposing oppression, aggression and the continued killing of Palestinians in Gaza.