Spencerās deep insights shed light on the complex dynamics,
religious ideologies, and the misreported threatening slogans that are
chanted in demonstrations in support of Palestinians and Hamas. From
exploring the concepts of āDar Al Harbā and āDar Al Islamā to the
U.S.-Israel alliance and the contentious issue of so-called
āIslamophobia,ā Spencerās extensive expertise and meticulous research
provide a critical lens through which to understand these pressing
global issues.
The Religious Nature of the Israel-Hamas Conflict
Spencer emphasized that the Israel-Hamas conflict is fundamentally a
religious one. It has been mistakenly framed as a territorial or
geopolitical dispute for decades, leading to misguided analysis and
unfruitful attempts at peace. Israel has made numerous territorial
concessions to various jihadist groups, yet the conflict persists.
Spencer succinctly summarized the basis of the entire conflict,
highlighting Quranic verse 2:191, which commands believers to ādrive
them out from where they drove you out.ā This verse forms the foundation
for the Palestinian propaganda that alleges Palestinians were driven
out by Israelis, even though historical evidence suggests otherwise.
This narrative fuels a sense of religious obligation to drive Israelis
out of the land, regardless of the size of Israel.
Spencer further explained that in classic Islamic theology, the House
of Islam (Dar Al Islam) must continually expand at the expense of the
House of War (Dar Al Harb). The green flags of many Islamic countries
symbolize this perpetual growth. Muslims believe that any land that was
once part of the Islamic domain must return to it, based on the Quranic
principle of ādrive them out from where they drove you out.ā Hence, even
if Israel were as small as a suburban front yard, it would not be
acceptable to Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or other Palestinian
groups. The conflict is rooted in the religious duty of Muslims to
regain any land they consider historically theirs.
Understanding Key Terms: Dar Al Harb and Dar Al Islam
Spencer explained the key terms āDar Al Harbā (House of War) and āDar
Al Islamā (House of Islam). These terms illustrate the Islamic concept
that the House of Islam must expand at the expense of the House of War,
with warfare being the means of achieving this expansion. The green
flags of Islamic countries represent the continuous growth of Islam, in
contrast to other ideologies that diminish over time. This ideology
fuels the belief that Israel must be reclaimed for Islam, irrespective
of its size or any concessions made.
Why the U.S. Supports Israel
Spencer clarified the reasons for the United Statesā strong support
for Israel. He pointed out that Israel faces the same jihadist threat
that led to the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.
Therefore, forming an alliance of nations threatened by jihad should
have been the logical response, as it would create a more coherent and
effective web of alliances than the remnants of Cold War-era alliances.
The United States was one of the first countries to recognize
Israelās independence in 1948, and Israel remains the only free society
in the region, guaranteeing equal rights to all its citizens. Given that
the U.S. and Israel uphold the values of freedom and individual rights,
it is only natural to support Israel, which is its most reliable and
like-minded ally in the region. Spencer emphasized that Israel serves as
the United Statesā most reliable and like-minded ally in the region, a
partnership that enhances the interests of both nations.
Widespread Support for Hamas and āFrom the River to the Seaā Chant
Spencer addressed the widespread support for Hamas among
Palestinians, dispelling the misconception that most Palestinians reject
the organization. He referenced a poll indicating that a significant
majority of people in Gaza still support Hamas. Even more extremist
groups, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Al-Aqsa Martyrsā Brigades,
enjoy even greater support among Palestinians.
Spencer delved into the provocative chant, āFrom the river to the
sea, Palestine will be free,ā explaining that it is a call for the
complete destruction of Israel. The chant represents a fundamental
rejection of Israelās right to exist.
āKhaybar Khaybar ya yahud,ā Chant
The interview also covered the chant, āKhaybar Khaybar ya yahud.ā
Spencer provided historical context, explaining that the chant is a
threat that recalls a massacre carried out by Muhammad and his followers
in the town of Khaybar against the Jews. This chant is intended to
instill fear and symbolizes a call for violence against Jews.
The Fallacy of the āOccupationā
Spencer dismissed the notion of Israelās āoccupationā as a fallacy.
He clarified that no occupation existed, historically or at present. To
be occupied, someone must own the land first. Spencer highlighted the
history, beginning with the Ottoman Empire and the British Mandate for
Palestine, which was created to establish a Jewish national home in the
region. He underlined that Israel is the only rightful claimant to the
land, and its concessions for a Palestinian state prove its commitment
to peace, even if reciprocated by violence.
The Myth of āLiberating Al Aqsa Mosqueā
Spencer debunked the myth that Al Aqsa Mosque needs liberation. He
explained that Al Aqsa Mosque is open to all Muslims for prayer, and
there are no restrictions on access. It is a falsehood propagated to
incite violence and advance the Palestinian propaganda machineās
narrative that Israel is attempting to destroy the mosque.
Understanding āIslamophobiaā
Spencer elaborated on the term āIslamophobia,ā highlighting its
relatively recent coinage in the 1990s. He emphasized that the term is
employed to stigmatize criticism of Islam, creating an unwarranted sense
of bigotry, racism, and hatred around it. While the concept of
āIslamophobiaā is often used to denote vigilante attacks on innocent
Muslims, Spencer underscored that there is no corresponding phenomenon
of irrational hatred or persecution of Muslims throughout history. It is
a deceptive strategy to silence criticism of Islam and its ideology.
The Ongoing Threat to Critics of Islam
The interview also delved into the safety of individuals who
criticize Islam in the West. Spencer admitted to receiving death threats
over the years and narrowly escaping assassination attempts. He pointed
out that freedom fighters throughout history have faced threats and
violence, yet they stood up for their principles and paved the way for
the free societies we enjoy today.
Spencerās insightful interview with RAIR Foundation USA shed light on
the deep-seated religious nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the
misrepresentations surrounding it.
His extensive knowledge and
commitment to truth underscored the importance of standing up against
intimidation and threats to ensure that free societies endure.