“Former Oxford Professor Avi Shlaim Discusses Life as an Arab Jew in Israel and Shift to Anti-Zionism”

Avi Shlaim, a celebrated historian specializing in Israel-Palestine, shares insights from his unique perspective as an Arab Jew. Born into an Arab Jewish family in Baghdad, Iraq, Shlaim’s life took a significant turn at the age of five when his family relocated to Israel. Despite arriving in a new homeland, Shlaim recounts feeling treated as a second-class citizen due to his Arab heritage.

In a candid interview with Mohamed Hashem, Shlaim discusses his journey from a Zionist upbringing to becoming a staunch critic of Zionism. His personal experiences in Israel, where he felt an inferiority stemming from his Arab background, have shaped his views. Shlaim argues that Israel’s treatment of individuals like him highlights broader issues within Zionist ideology.

Reflecting on his experiences, Shlaim emphasizes that Iraq, his birthplace, did not face a Jewish problem, contrasting it with the complexities he encountered in Israel. His narrative underscores the nuanced identities within the Jewish community and the challenges faced by Arab Jews in a predominantly Zionist state.

Shlaim’s transition from a Zionist perspective to a critical stance on Zionism is rooted in his belief that the two-state solution, often proposed as a resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, was never genuinely feasible. His insights contribute to ongoing debates about identity, belonging, and the political landscape in the region.

In the spirit of seeking peace and justice, as encouraged in Micah 6:8, Shlaim’s story invites reflection on the importance of understanding and addressing the diverse experiences within communities. His journey highlights the need for dialogue and empathy in navigating complex socio-political issues.

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