Next week, Harvard University will be hosting the Israeli organization, Breaking the Silence, an organization funded by anti-Israel groups that incites against the State of Israel and defames the IDF. BTS members speak out against the IDF; they “testify” as former soldiers, but they do not tell the entire truth of situations – they distort the truth and they tell partial stories that provide a slanted and partial picture of reality.
They do this to serve their only purpose: to slander and defame the State of Israel and the IDF. We have so many enemies all around us who want to destroy us and it is the most painful when this defamation comes from within us. BTS will be speaking before the students of Harvard University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world – a stronghold of future leaders in every field. Many of its students will go in to hold key positions of power and influence. In speaking before the students there, BTS will be shaping the outlook of these future leaders against the State of Israel, against our country.
Yoseph Haddad
I cannot be silent, I must break my silence. I served in the IDF during the Second Intifada. It was a difficult time. I also stood at checkpoints, stood guard, arrested people and fought in the Second Lebanon War. As an Israeli Arab and IDF solider in the Golani Brigade, I served together with other Israelis: Jews of all backgrounds, Druze and Bedouin. We were all equal, we were all brothers fighting side by side and I can testify that I served in the most humane and moral army in the world, with the highest code of ethics and human values. The IDF is an army that faces complex challenges and dilemmas in an explosive region, but it is an army that is level headed and always keeps as its ultimate highest value human life. The IDF is an army that will bend over backwards to save lives and to ensure that innocent individuals are not harmed, even if it means complicating the military operation.
It is possible that there were incidents that did not live up to these standards, but these were the exceptions; they were not the norm and they were not the code by which the IDF is guided. They do not reflect the IDF nor the State of Israel. I am proud to have served under commanders who not only turned me into a better soldier but into a better person. One of the commanders who most impacted me was Israeli Major Roi Klein, who lost his life while trying to save the lives of his soldiers. During the Second Lebanese War, I was badly injured after I was hit by a cornet missile that was fired by Hezbollah. My fellow soldiers saved my life while under attack; they risked their own lives to save mine. After my injury, I received full medical care from the State of Israel until I was completely healed.
I will not let BTS spread untruths and lies against my country. Two days after BTS takes it stand at Harvard University, I will be there to speak to the students with Reservists on Duty. The truth will prevail.
This op-ed originally appeared in the Jerusalem Post.
The writer, age 33, is an Arab Israeli Christian. A resident of Nazareth, he was injured in the Second Lebanese War while serving as a soldier in the Israeli army. A social activist in the Arab community, he is the CEO of the nonprofit organization Together – Vouch For Each Other, which builds bridges that bring together Arabs and Jews in meaningful social connections in Israeli society. He is also involved in public relations through the organization Reservists on Duty.
(21) Charles wright, October 25, 2018 4:37 PM
A patriotic IDF realist
A moving and well written testimony. I hope it gets to the correct readers and influences the voices who condemn that which they do not understand.
(20) Vivian Ocampo, October 22, 2018 3:42 PM
I am a member of the Filipino Christian Friends of Israel.
I am overjoyed when I read about Arab Israelis who love Israel and try to bridge the gap between the two nations. What a wonderful world it would be if only the descendants of Yshmael accepted the descendants of Isaac as their beloved brothers! I pray daily for Israel and for the Arabs who love their brother Jews, usually they are Arab muslims who became Christians! God bless them all!
(19) Amr, October 22, 2018 7:40 AM
Israel needs some promotions,
Why don't Israel tries to promote itself on Arab media channels?
We knows nothing much about Israel and many blindly hate Israel.
You have to promote yourself to let other knows much about you.
I want to understand too !
Thanks,,
(18) Sylvia, October 21, 2018 2:29 PM
Amazing Article
This is an amazing article! Thank you for sharing it.
(17) Peter, October 21, 2018 2:06 AM
Carefully
ברצות יהוה דרכי־איש גם־אויביו ישלם אתו׃
When a man's ways please God, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Yoseph, is it good to judge anyone for a wrong they've yet to commit next week or may never commit? Is this the measure anyone would want to be measured by?
Perhaps this article could be addressed to BTS first, encouraging them to speak the whole truth? This is the first I've heard of them, yet they might do better than presumed if delivery is timed well.
True, G-d hates those who stir up discord among brethren. Withdrawing from quarrels before disputes break out is like choosing not to breach a dam - saves everyone a lot of water, fish, and more time for gardening.
It's great to hear you healed well and the honorable actions of your brothers in arms!
Hopefully, Israel will continue to learn better ways to prevent terrible mistakes that we in the US or others have made, not valuing the lives of our soldiers enough, not treating their wounds seriously enough and not listening wisely enough to truth. In Lincoln's second inaugural address, He called out the opposing sides, both of whom were praying to the same G-d for success and deliverance, as a premise to re-unification. The necessity of unity always remains.
May those in the IDF and any who carefully pave the pathway to peace without inducing suffering or taking lives be eternally blessed for it.
May Israel 'be like a tree planted by streams of water,' without fear of destabilized dams.
אשרי־האיש אשר ׀ לא הלך בעצת רשעים ובדרך חטאים לא עמד ובמושב לצים לא ישב׃
כי אם בתורת יהוה חפצו ובתורתו יהגה יומם ולילה׃
והיה כעץ שתול על־פלגי מים אשר פריו ׀ יתן בעתו ועלהו לא־יבול וכל אשר־יעשה יצליח׃
* Psalm 1:1-3
(16) Dr. Baruch Elitzur, October 20, 2018 6:16 PM
I am proud of you
אני גאה בך על נכונותך להרצות לפני הסטודנטים באוניברסיטת Jewish Voice for Peace הרוורד, לצערי מגביר את שינאת האמריקנים לארץ ישראל וגם את האנטישמיות, כל טוב לך ותמשיך לתמוך בארצך הדמוקרטית שכל אזרחיה שווי זכויות - ארץ ישראל
(15) VALERIE, October 20, 2018 6:24 AM
The article on the soldier who saved th Palestinian baby girl was so inspiring to hear. Great good news for a change! Blessings on th IDF! Shalom!
(14) Cheyenne Klascius, October 19, 2018 8:09 PM
Blessing
Men and women like Haddad whether they are Christians , Muslims etc are such a blessing and powerful voice ... they destroy the narrative of those who hate Israel .. they completely destroy it. I believe the Creator sees their love of the truth and will bless them for it ...
anonymous, October 20, 2018 12:16 AM
Problem is
A lack of discernment.
Not every criticism of the government /state of Israel, is because of hatred.
In fact, when it is other Jews, it is from love and a desire to have a sustainable Israel.
Total respect to the highest court who just let in the American citizen first deported.
(13) Anonymous, October 19, 2018 7:06 PM
Brilliant!!!
I thank this author with all my heart! Sir you are a hero..May you and your work be blessed. To my dear fellow Jews, could we just once or just for a little while dispence with the name calling?What purpose does it serve?
(12) rachel shillingford, October 19, 2018 1:33 PM
thank you
In the state of our world today, it is not always easy to stand up for what we believe in and for truth. Thank you for this, thank you so much.
(11) Howard Shergold, October 19, 2018 10:17 AM
When the GT was once in Britain
Once our ancestors fort against our enemies, and Britain was great. But now these enemies are seated in the council of the wicked. With hidden agendas clearly seen, as their Islamic laws reject those. Which our armed forces once died for, to keep the Gt in this Britain I love and God save our Queen, whos faith believes in the God of Israel, I also love her very much.
If the EU were democratic they would agree that Israel have the same rights as their own countries, to defend themselves. And if the BBC were a democratic wittiness? They would show the truth about and who? Is constantly sending missiles to kill people living in Israel in 2018. And who is the enemy with this hidden agenda we all can see except the BBC?
(10) Ilana, October 19, 2018 5:15 AM
Thank you
First, Harvard should respect itsrlf enough to have a panel of talks from both sides. If they don't, it is bad as it looks like they have an agenda. Second, thank you to this man for standing up. Hope many more do.
(9) Eric Mwenda, October 18, 2018 7:35 PM
This type of stories need to be shared more widely
I love this story. But publishing it here is a good thing but it will be read by us people who support the state of Israel. We need this type of stories to reach a wider audience in mainstream media across the world. As a Kenyan I am grateful for Israel, you are the only country that offers us support whenever we face terrorist attacks from Islamist elements and have also helped us avoid attacks by giving us intelligence. We love Israel and pray daily to He who doesn’t sleep nor slumber to watch over Israel. Please give us more of this kind of stories and may there be peace within the borders of Israel
(8) Leigh Halprin, October 18, 2018 7:11 PM
Thanks to Mr. Haddad
Thank you for your service, Mr. Haddad and for putting yourself in another line of fire. The progressive and leftist movement only protects the free speech with which they agree and is invested in denying that right to those whose view is not theirs. I hoper your voice is not silenced by the mob.
As for BTS, they have accepted money to tell their stories http://www.thetower.org/1999-watchdog-breaking-the-silence-was-paid-to-incriminate-idf/
(7) Joanne Karram, October 18, 2018 4:15 PM
awesome
Thank you, Yoseph for this positive message about the unity that can happen when we put G-d's love into action. Blessings!
(6) James J. DeFrancisco, PhD, October 18, 2018 2:57 PM
Disappointed in IDF publicity op ed
I have been a supporter of the IDF for a long time. They have a tough job and they usually seem to do it very effectively and humanely. However, statements such as "I served in the most humane and moral army in the world" trouble me because the writer did not mention serving in other armies so how does he know the IDF is the "most humane and moral army in the world"? By what standard and what reporting mechanism? He also stated, "It is possible that there were incidents that did not live up to these standards, but these were the exceptions" and this also is interesting because it is not only possible, there were in fact incidents. For example, I watched an IDF soldier execute a helpless prisoner on video. He was later tried, convicted, and given a short sentence. I served in the US Marine Corps. Anyone can make statements such as those in the op ed. I would like to see a factual report without the positive hyperbole. Semper Fi.
Dvirah, October 19, 2018 10:17 AM
Plenty of Evidence
One does not need to serve in an army to see how it operates, and there are enough ongoing conflicts for comparison, to say nothing of historical data. That the IDF is the most moral army ever to exist on earth is the opinion of experts whose expertize is grounded in many years of military experience.
(5) Anonymous, October 18, 2018 2:57 PM
The problem is that articles by people such as Yoseph Haddad are appearing in publications that are pro-Israel. I don't see articles like this in the general media, so the average person only sees the negative articles about Israel.
Anonymous, October 23, 2018 12:01 PM
Biased media
The general media will not publish these articles
(4) Betti Krymalowski, October 18, 2018 2:51 PM
Shame on Harvard - Chapeau to this young man!
How can this great institution called Harvard get so low as to provide their stage to an organization using Nazi Propaganda methods in order to libel and slander Israel? ? But even more sadly, by doing so they are supporting a worldwide movement which is misleading and insinuating people all over, and now their youth! ? Let’s hope their youth will be smart enough to realize this! ?
anonymous, October 18, 2018 6:38 PM
No, sorry.
The members of Breaking the Silence are NOT using Nazi propaganda. They share their own experiences.
And BOTH will be heard.
Two days apart.
I applaud Harvard.
Free speech and civil liberties are paramount in the U.S.
Anonymous, October 19, 2018 12:18 AM
Millions from Muslim Countries
The reason Harvard will host anti-Semitic and anti-Israel speakers that slander Israel is because they receive millions of dollars from Saudi Arabia and Iran and therefore would jeopardize the millions they receive. Harvard is no longer moral or ethical. It is run by leftists who have an agenda.
Israel is surrounded by 56 Islamic countries. Israel is the only country from the Middle East to come to the aid of victims in Haiti.
(3) DAVID FROST, October 18, 2018 2:36 PM
Thank you.
Every once in a while, someone like Mr. Haddad comes along and gives me renewed hope for humanity.
(2) joshua, October 18, 2018 2:09 PM
great
G-d bless you and all who put their lives at risk to preserve goodness
(1) anonymous, October 17, 2018 10:36 AM
Appreciate the article
I am glad to read your article today. I think it is great that *both* you and Breaking the Silence will have the opportunity to present the concerns and issues so deeply important to you.
I have heard Breaking the Silence and I have valued what they say. I don't think their reasons for speaking out are as you say.
They struck me as caring and filled with anguish over some policies in Israel as many of us have been .
Finding and understanding what is true has not been easy.
Hearing other Jews lash out abusively for voicing concern has added to the pain.
You will see all kinds of hateful words, self hating Jews, on and on, that are intended to demean, harass and bully, that shut down dialogue and push people away.
In the U.S. civil liberties and free speech is cherished and prized.
And you can trust, the participants will listen carefully and discern, making up their own minds.
Regina F Schild, October 18, 2018 12:33 PM
What are you talking about??
This fine man isn't going to tell his story at Harvard - his name isn't on the coming program and you can be sure he won't be invited by the lefty, loony, liberal Hillels that exist at Ivy Leagues like Harvard, Brown, etc.
No one ever holds the Hamas murderers accountable for DELIBERATELY SLAUGHTERING INNOCENT JEWISH CIVILIANS. As far as I'm concerned, Israel takes TOO MUCH CARE and, at times, even endangers the lives of OUR soldiers. How come the liberals never voice such concern for JEWS?
I am in Israel right now - whenever I meet someone from a foreign country, I ask them how they like it here - the overwhelming response is POSITIVE. I take the opportunity to implore them to tell the people back home that THERE IS NO APARTHEID IN ISRAEL. It's all lies, and it's ALL EVIL. Jews contributing to the perpetuation of Israel bashing is all too common among the lefty, loony liberal Jews who sit in judgment from thousands of miles away. Most of them never lived in a world where there was no Israel - they have no idea what it was like to be a Jew in Europe during WW2 with no place to run.
Thank GD, Israel and the Jewish people continue to exist - no, THRIVE, despite all we have been through AND CONTINUE TO FACE. Nothing short of a miracle, and I thank GD every day. AM YISROEL CHAI!
Yisroel, October 18, 2018 4:34 PM
The Ramban said that!
Nachmanides, who lived in the 1200s, said at that time that the continued existence of the Jews after centuries of persecution, is a greater miracle than the miracles of Egypt!
And that was before the expulsion from England in 1290, from Spain in 1492, the chemelnitzki massacre in 1648-49, the Czarist rules forbidding Jews from 150 occupations, to force their conversion, emigration or death in the late 19th century, or of course, the Holocaust!
Truly,
נצח ישראל לא ישקר!
Regina, October 18, 2018 6:58 PM
I made a mistake
I re-read and saw that the author is scheduled to appear at Harvard 2 days after the BTS'ers. However, you can bet that, while the BTS'ers will tell their story in all it's glory with no opposition/interruption, the BDS'ers and evil SJP'ers will be spewing their hatred and disrupting Mr. Haddad's event because they won't allow anyone to speak who doesn't rhyme with their phony narrative.
But you'll never hear the liberal Jews complain about this, either.
anonymous, October 18, 2018 7:48 PM
A group was prosecuted
A few years back, a group of 17, SJP members, students, or a group like that were actually prosecuted for disrupting assembly. Their group has also been suspended for inappropriate conduct. This was at UCIrvine, public university in California.
Please try to be fair to other Jews who are more "liberal" or on the "left" because words can be hurtful.
anonymous, October 18, 2018 8:12 PM
It was Michael Oren's speech
The students were placed on probation with no jail time. But this was a big deal.
He was Israeli ambassador to the United States, at the time. In 2011.
Regina F Schild, October 20, 2018 6:10 PM
Choosing to be "politically correct" is hurtful to our people
I suspect you are a kind person who genuinely means well.
Any Jew who is not first and foremost concerned with the safety and well-being of Israel and the entire Jewish people has got an identity problem, and it's a problem that impacts us all. The world has a very long tradition of blaming our people for all the ills in the world - the lies told about Israel and the IDF are just a continuation, no different than the blood libels that were perpetuated throughout the preceding millenia. The stark reality is that BEING NICE and FADING INTO THE CROWD isn't going to protect us - a strong hand against our enemies, combined with a mighty dose of ongoing tefila will. When I hear the liberal Jews screaming against the ongoing murder of Jews perpetrated by Hamas and its minions, they will begin to earn my respect. Until then, they don't deserve it, AM YISROEL CHAI.