I’m sharing a recent interview with the Israeli Arab, Mohammed Kabiya on a BBC live Arabic broadcast, where he surprised the interviewers by slamming the Hamas and blaming them for loss of life in Gaza.
What I will add is that in my own experience, as someone who has had numerous extended hospital visits in Jerusalem, I’ve had the opportunity to talk with many Israeli Arabs who I would not have otherwise crossed paths with.
We had something in common, we’d go outside for a cigarette (fortunately a habit I’ve recently kicked). We’d sit outside for a long time, as an escape from a hospital bed, and would always get to talking.
Without exception, each Israeli Arab I conversed with would find a way to insert in the conversation that they wish all the Arabs were at peace with us and that they are against the Hamas (and whichever recent attack had happened against Israel).
They would express their gratitude for living in Israel, having the ability to work and to get treated at our hospitals. They would express their desire to continue living here, where their children have a future.
And, a recent anecdote, during the last week since the horrifying attacks by Hamas against Israel, I’ve been stocking up on groceries in local shops.
There are many Israeli Arabs working in them, and though we haven’t had the opportunity for the lengthy conversations that I’ve had in the hospital over the last few years, the workers have been incredibly sympathetic and helpful.
For example, while I was waiting at the meat counter, a random worker walked past, asking if I know where everything is and when I thanked him he looked me in the eyes and said “it’s such a sad day, may we have peace”.
In my experience, the average Israeli Arab does not support Hamas.
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