[Opinion] How global human rights groups dehumanized Israelis during the Iran-Israel conflict
[Excerpts]
It has been nearly three weeks since Iranian ballistic missiles and explosive suicide drones rained down on Israeli civilians, hitting hospitals, residential buildings and places of worship. The fragile quiet of the ceasefire provides an opportunity to take stock of the active role human rights organizations have played in this war.
Theirs was a twofold process of dehumanizing Israelis. The same nongovernmental organizations that reflexively and vigorously condemn every Israel Defense Forces strike in the Gaza Strip remained silent in the face of Iran’s unprecedented assault on Israeli human rights. After all, each and every Iranian missile was undeniably a war crime for its targeting of civilians.
Beyond the passive failure to respond, NGOs actively shaped the international response to the conflict. Through selective statements, coordinated social media campaigns and organized protests, NGOs that claim to promote human rights helped drive a global narrative that vilified Israel while excusing, minimizing or ignoring Iranian aggression.
