Is Israel a Colonizer? Explained Through History and Anime

Is Israel a Colonizer? Explained Through History and Anime

IIs Israel a Colonizer? Explained Through History and Anime - Are you an anime fan? If so, you probably enjoy series rich in moral messages like Naruto, Attack on Titan, or Doraemon. These shows teach us how to view things from different perspectives—training us to be more objective when dealing with conflict. For example, in Naruto, he initially despises Pain and the Akatsuki, but eventually comes to understand them after learning about their harsh past.

Attack on Titan goes even further, showing us that hatred often stems from a lack of understanding—when people hate simply because they don’t truly know the other side.

Doraemon explores a wider emotional scope. The author takes us into the pain of a baby elephant hunted by poachers, the grudge of a stray cat abandoned by its owner, and even the sorrow of trees and nature destroyed by human greed. These messages stuck with me so deeply that I even hesitate to kill a mosquito—knowing it's a mother trying to return to her unborn babies in the nest.

Now, let’s shift to the topic of Jewish people. Honestly, I feel quite sorry for them. In religious sermons, they’re often portrayed as scapegoats—as if every evil in the world is their fault.

So here’s a basic question: If Palestine gains independence, will the Israel-Palestine conflict end? It seems like a simple question, but it’s incredibly important. Many Indonesians misunderstand this conflict, thinking it’s purely a religious war between Islam and Judaism. But that’s not the full picture. In fact, Islam is the second-largest religion in Israel, and according to Viva.co.id, imams and muezzins in Israel are paid by the government. Muslims in Israel live peacefully, without serious discrimination by either the government or the Jewish majority.

Related reading: Islam in Japan: A Quiet Story from the Land of the Rising Sun and Who is Halil Pasha? A Wise Figure in Shoukoku no Altair

History of the Israel-Palestine Conflict

First, let's talk about the historical formation of Israel and Palestine objectively so we can understand what constitutes colonization or rebellion. The roots of the conflict trace back to the Ottoman Empire's involvement in World War I. The Ottomans were declining, called “the sick man of Europe,” struggling politically and militarily. Despite initially remaining neutral, the Ottomans accepted two warships from Germany in 1914—Goeben and Breslau—which shifted their allegiance to the Central Powers (Germany, Austro-Hungary). This single event changed the future of the Muslim world forever.

The defeat of the Ottomans led to the total dismantling of their empire. With the caliphate abolished, no political or military protector remained for Muslims globally. What followed is the modern-day Israel-Palestine conflict.

The Birth of Israel

In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles ended WWI. The Treaty of Sèvres forced the Ottomans to surrender all their territories—many handed over to Britain and France. Among these was Jerusalem. The Zionist organization, which had supported Britain during the war, requested a portion of this land. Britain agreed, and the State of Israel was established in 1948. It’s worth noting that Jews had already lived in Ottoman lands long before WWII. Fleeing European antisemitism, they found refuge under Ottoman protection. The Zionist political movement was born there, even trying to buy Palestine from Sultan Abdul Hamid in 1897—a request he firmly rejected.

The Arab-Israeli War

After WWI, new nations emerged across the Middle East. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria—created by the British—ironically opposed the creation of Israel, despite their own independence being granted in a similar way. When Israel declared independence in May 1948, a coalition of Arab nations immediately launched a military attack.

Palestine Is Already Independent

Palestine declared independence in 1988 via the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Today, it’s divided into two major factions: Hamas and Fatah—both dedicated to eliminating the State of Israel.

So, back to the initial question: If Palestine is already independent, why is the conflict ongoing? Because the real issue isn't independence, it's the refusal to accept Israel's existence. As long as neither side backs down, peace will remain elusive.

Who Owns the Land?

Let’s now ask: Who rightfully owns the land of Jerusalem? The answer: no one. Land belongs to whoever governs it. Jerusalem has been under various rulers—Roman Empire, Muslim Caliphates, Crusaders, Ottomans, British, and now the State of Israel. Palestine’s claim isn’t legally valid because it emerged by rebelling against the recognized authority—Israel. Even in Islamic teachings, rebellion against a legitimate ruler is forbidden, even if that ruler is unjust. So, Israel is not a colonizer. They are defending their country from insurgents.

Can we still call what Hamas and Fatah are doing a jihad? No. True jihad requires defending Islam and creating space for scholars to enter—not defending a nationalist cause. In Israel, Islam thrives. Muslims are not persecuted. There’s no reason to wage jihad against Israel. Jihad is meant to defend the religion, not a nation-state.

To deepen your understanding, read History of the Israel–Palestine Conflict (Wikipedia).

Also check out How Propaganda Works in Modern Conflict from the Brookings Institution.

Conclusion

If we want peace in the Middle East—especially in Israel—then there's only one solution: Palestine must surrender to Israel. Let’s put aside unfounded egos, think logically, and stop clinging to narrow narratives. How many more innocent Palestinian children must suffer as human shields for Hamas’s ambitions? Honestly, I feel deeply saddened by what's happening. But I can't do much other than open our minds through this article. I hope it brings clarity and inspiration.