Léon Driessen

Say no to the “pro-Palestine” industrial complex, Islamism, and cultural relativism: These scenes cannot become normal in the Western world. Earlier today in Copenhagen, Palestinian and Arab immigrants and their descendants were filmed chanting for Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades, Yahya Sinwar, Abu Obaida, jihad, the destruction of Tel Aviv, and terrorism under the banner of being “pro-Palestine” (video source: Moumen Al-Natour @moumalnatour). For three years since October 7, this behavior has been excused, minimized, or dismissed as fringe. In reality, it has become a recurring and alarming trend across North America, Europe, and Australia. As Palestinians in Gaza increasingly reject Hamas, segments of diaspora Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim communities have embraced the group as the embodiment of “resistance” and the supposed voice of Gazans. Equally troubling is how academics, journalists, influencers, activists, politicians, and celebrities have obscured these pro-Hamas sentiments by presenting them as merely advocacy for Palestinian rights. Some have relied on “cultural relativism” that blurs basic moral distinctions. Yet there is nothing complicated about condemning Hamas’s torture of Palestinians, theft of aid and resources, disastrous two-decade rule, decision to launch October 7, devastation of Gaza, and perpetration of the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. The tolerance of Islamist extremism in Western societies, and the reluctance to confront openly hateful and pro-terror rhetoric, risks deepening polarization and instability. It is long past time to scrutinize pro-Hamas ideology, activism, and narratives that have gained traction among politicians, students, journalists, and protest movements. Nor is it “racist” or “Islamophobic” to oppose campaigns targeting Jewish-owned businesses or attempts to pressure businesses into adopting political litmus tests. Democratic societies should confront extremism consistently, regardless of who promotes it.