Yoseph Haddad’s full speech at the Austrian Parliament

Summary

Yoseph Hadad, an Arab-Israeli journalist and CEO of the association 'Together Vouch for Each Other,' delivered a speech emphasizing the contributions of Arab citizens to Israeli society. He shared his personal experiences in the Israeli Defense Forces, highlighting the cooperation between Arabs and Jews in the face of terrorism, particularly the threat from Hezbollah and Hamas. He condemned Hamas' terrorist activities and their exploitation of Palestinians as human shields, urging Europe to support Israel and hold Hamas accountable. Hadad stressed the need for unity in combating terrorism and defending shared democratic values.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Yoseph Hadad, an Arab-Israeli journalist and CEO of 'Together Vouch for Each Other,' speaks on bridging the Arab and Jewish communities in Israel.
• 🟢 He emphasizes that while Arab citizens have equal rights in Israel, they do not have equal obligations, such as mandatory military service, but he chose to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to protect his country.
• 💔 Hadad shares his personal story of serving as an IDF commander, being severely injured during the Second Lebanon War, and being saved by both Jewish and Arab Israeli soldiers and doctors.
• 📉 He refutes claims of Israel being an apartheid state, pointing out that Arabs hold significant roles in Israeli society, including doctors, pharmacists, Knesset members, and even Supreme Court judges.
• 🕊️ Hadad explains that Arab citizens also suffer from terrorism and mentions examples of Arab-Israelis being killed in attacks from Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups.
• 🕌 He highlights that the conflict is not between Arabs and Jews but rather between Israel and extremist groups like Hamas, which he describes as driven by genocidal, supremacist ideology.
• 🚀 Hadad criticizes Hamas for using civilians, including children, as human shields and emphasizes their responsibility for countless terrorist acts, including the attacks on October 7, 2023.
• 💡 He mentions how Hamas manipulates international media and spreads disinformation to sway global opinion against Israel.
• 🎯 Hadad calls on European nations to pressure Hamas to release hostages and to stop funding organizations like UNRWA, which he argues indirectly support terrorist activities.
• 🛑 In conclusion, he urges Europe and the international community to stand firmly against Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations, defending democratic values and protecting the future of Western civilization.

Q & A

Who is Yoseph Hadad?

Yoseph Hadad is an Arab Israeli journalist and the CEO of the association 'Together - Vouch for Each Other,' which aims to bridge the Arab community with wider Israeli society. He is also a former IDF commander who was injured during his military service.

What is the purpose of Yoseph Hadad's speech?

The purpose of Yoseph Hadad's speech is to challenge the false narrative of Israel being an apartheid state, highlight the contributions of Arab Israelis to society, and address the current conflict with Hamas and other terrorist groups.

What does Yoseph Hadad say about the involvement of Arab Israelis in various sectors of Israeli society?

Hadad points out that Arab Israelis make up 30% of doctors, 50% of pharmacists, and are represented in the Knesset, IDF, academia, journalism, athletics, and the judiciary. He emphasizes that Arab Israelis are an integral part of Israeli society.

What is Hadad's personal experience with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)?

Hadad served in the IDF's Golani combat unit, became a commander, and was seriously injured in the Second Lebanon War. He describes how Jewish soldiers and Israeli doctors—both Arabs and Jews—saved his life, symbolizing unity in the country.

What does Hadad say about the October 7th attack by Hamas?

Hadad condemns the October 7th attack by Hamas as a premeditated act of terror in which innocent civilians, both Jews and Arabs, were murdered, kidnapped, and raped. He emphasizes that Hamas targets all Israelis, regardless of ethnicity.

What does Hadad claim about the nature of the conflict with Hamas?

Hadad argues that the conflict is not about land or a struggle between Arabs and Jews but is rooted in Hamas' genocidal ideology, which seeks the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people. He also ties it to a broader threat to Western values.

How does Hadad describe Hamas' tactics in the war?

Hadad accuses Hamas of using civilians, especially children, as human shields and manipulating international media by spreading disinformation. He claims Hamas exploits its own people and manipulates casualty figures for propaganda purposes.

What does Yoseph Hadad say about the international community’s response to Hamas?

Hadad criticizes the international community, particularly European nations, for condemning Israel's self-defense and not holding Hamas accountable. He urges stronger diplomatic pressure on Hamas to release hostages and stop terrorist activities.

What is Hadad's message to European nations and leaders?

Hadad urges European nations to stand firm against terrorism, not just for Israel's sake but for the future of European civilization and its values. He warns that ignoring Hamas and other terrorist groups threatens the values of freedom and democracy.

What does Hadad highlight about the contributions of Arab Israelis who have been affected by terrorism?

Hadad highlights that Arab Israelis have been victims of terrorist attacks, such as in the Second Lebanon War and the October 7th Hamas attacks. He mentions that both Arabs and Jews in Israel share the pain and suffering caused by terrorism.