A Paradox: Queers for Palestine

By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel

Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel

CHULA VISTA, California — Most of us likely assumed that Ivy League schools attracted the “best” and “brightest” young minds in the nation. However, after witnessing the disturbing rhetoric at nationwide demonstrations, where some protestors have openly called for the death of Jews, Zionists, and others associated with the Jewish community, we must re-evaluate that perception. It is deeply concerning to see individuals attending prestigious institutions of higher learning promote such blatant anti-Semitism and hatred toward an entire religious and ethnic group. One would expect university students to engage in reasoned, intellectual discourse, not regressive bigotry and eliminationist rhetoric more befitting of history’s darkest chapters.

The phenomenon of anti-Jewish chants and slogans at these protests speaks volumes about the apparent moral and cognitive deficiencies afflicting certain segments of the student population at even our most elite schools. It suggests a profound lack of historical awareness, empathy, ethical grounding, and critical thinking skills that should cause us to question the true “caliber of intellects” being cultivated on these campuses. While universities must uphold free speech protections, there is no excuse for advocating violence or expressing raw prejudice against any minority group. Such behavior is antithetical to the principles of academic inquiry, human rights, and the enlightened values institutions of higher education purportedly uphold.

Hearing echoes of genocidal hatred from the supposed future leaders of society should serve as a wake-up call to reassess not just admission standards, but the moral and ethical frameworks being imparted during the college experience.

Rather than tackling all the problems that we are faced with, let us focus on one issue in particular that seldom gets raised in college campuses of our elite universities—the matter of Gay and trans rights.  

I wonder how Franz Kafka would have commented on the notion of “Queers for Palestine” had he lived in our modern era. “Queers for Palestine” presents a paradoxical alignment within the complex landscape of Middle Eastern politics, particularly in the context of LGBTQ+ rights. In Gaza and the West Bank, governed by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority respectively, LGBTQ+ individuals face severe persecution that contrasts sharply with the freedoms enjoyed in Israel. This juxtaposition underscores the ironic nature of LGBTQ+ advocacy for Palestine, where such individuals would face extreme danger due to prevailing homophobic laws and social norms.

A comedian once quipped, “When you think about it, the idea of Queer Solidarity With Palestine sounds a lot like ‘Chickens for KFC,’ or ‘Mice for Cats.’ Hamas and other Islamicist countries have historically demonstrated hostility towards LGBTQ+ rights, with reports of severe punishments including torture and execution for those suspected of homosexual acts. For example, in 2016, a high-ranking Hamas commander was executed allegedly for engaging in homosexual activities. This reflects a broader systemic issue where LGBTQ+ individuals in Gaza face threats not only from the government but also from their own communities.

But Gaza is hardly alone.

In the West Bank, the gruesome murder of Ahmad Abu Murkhiyeh, a 25-year-old Palestinian, has sparked widespread shock. Abu Murkhiyeh was reportedly killed because of his sexuality, having previously sought asylum in Israel to escape persecution in Hebron, a conservative city in the West Bank. His dismembered body was discovered near his family’s home, leading to an arrest but no clear motive yet from the authorities. The incident highlights the deep-rooted stigma and danger faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Palestinian territories, where homosexuality is taboo. Despite Israel’s reputation for being more accepting of LGBTQ+ rights, the reality for many like Abu Murkhiyeh remains fraught with danger, as they navigate societal rejection and threats to their safety.[1]

Iran executed 4-6 thousand LGBT+ people since 1979.[2]

And the list is consistent with other Sharia states:

·         Afghanistan (under Taliban rule): The Taliban enforces a strict interpretation of Sharia law, which they interpret as prescribing death for same-sex relations.

·         Brunei has a harsh penal code based on Sharia law that prescribes death by stoning for same-sex activity, although there haven’t been any reported executions in recent years.

·         Iran’s penal code allows for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts, particularly for repeated offenses or if force is involved. There have been documented executions of gay men in Iran.

·         Mauritania: While not strictly enforced in recent years, Sharia law in Mauritania technically allows for the death penalty for sodomy.

·         Saudi Arabia: Similar to Iran, Saudi Arabia’s interpretation of Sharia law allows for the death penalty for same-sex acts, though executions are not common.

·         Yemen (under Houthi rule): The Houthi rebels who control parts of Yemen have enforced a harsh interpretation of Sharia law, with reports of executions for same-sex acts.[3]

·         Turkey: Limited progress: While Turkey is geographically in a region where homosexuality can be harshly punished, it stands out for having legalized same-sex acts. However, the lack of legal protections and societal attitudes leave LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable to discrimination.[4]

In contrast, Israel offers a refuge for many LGBTQ+ Palestinians, granting asylum and a safer environment relative to their home territories. This reality is often overshadowed in Western activist circles that criticize Israel’s policies towards Palestine without fully acknowledging the complex interplay of human rights within the region. Israel, despite its political controversies, is one of the most progressive countries in the Middle East concerning LGBTQ+ rights, hosting vibrant communities in cities like Tel Aviv.

The campaign “Queer in Gaza” launched by the Equality Campaign Inc. aims to highlight the dire situation for LGBTQ+ individuals in Gaza under Hamas rule. It points out the stark absence of rights and the severe consequences faced by those who live openly, often contradicting the narratives popularized by Western LGBTQ+ movements supportive of Palestine.

This situation raises critical questions about the alignment of social justice movements, the selective advocacy of rights based on broader political narratives, and the ethical responsibilities of global activism. It challenges the notion of universal support for anti-colonial struggles without a nuanced understanding of the diverse issues affecting the populations involved, including significant human rights concerns like those of the LGBTQ+ community. This complex scenario demands a more informed and nuanced approach from those seeking to support oppressed populations globally, ensuring that all aspects of human rights are considered and upheld.

For college students who believe or champion gay rights, they might want to rethink their disparaging attitude about Israel, and realize that Israel may be the best friend they could ever expect to find in the Middle East. Identifying with Hamas, if nothing else, reveals a profound disregard for the rights of gays and trans who want to be left alone and live in peace.