Myths vs. Facts About Israel

Separating truth from misinformation — clearly, calmly, and factually.

Israel is one of the most talked-about countries in the world — and one of the most misunderstood. Headlines move fast, social media simplifies complex realities, and false narratives spread easily.

This page exists to do one thing: present facts.

MYTH #1: “Israel targets civilians”

FACT: Israel does not target civilians. Terror organizations do.

Israel’s military doctrine is based on minimizing civilian harm, even when facing enemies who intentionally embed themselves among civilian populations. Hamas and other terror groups openly target civilians and use human shields — a documented war crime under international law.

Civilian casualties in war are tragic. Intentionally targeting civilians is criminal. These are not the same.

MYTH #2: “Israel is an apartheid state”

FACT: Israel is a democracy with equal civil and political rights under the law.

Arab citizens of Israel vote, serve in parliament, sit on the Supreme Court, work as doctors, journalists, and professors, and participate fully in public life. No apartheid system in history allowed this level of equality or representation.

Using the term “apartheid” to describe Israel is a political accusation — not a factual one.

MYTH #3: “Gaza is occupied by Israel”

FACT: Israel withdrew completely from Gaza in 2005.

There are no Israeli settlements or permanent military presence in Gaza. Hamas controls Gaza’s government, infrastructure, and security. Israel maintains border controls — as does Egypt — due to security threats posed by terror groups operating from within Gaza.

Occupation and border security are not the same.

MYTH #4: “Israel is a colonial project”

FACT: Jews are indigenous to the land of Israel.

Jewish history, culture, language, and religion originated in the land of Israel over 3,000 years ago. Archaeology, historical records, and continuous Jewish presence confirm this.

Colonialism involves a foreign power exploiting land for another empire. Israel is the restoration of Jewish self-determination in its ancestral homeland.

MYTH #5: “Criticizing Israel isn’t antisemitism”

FACT: Criticism can be legitimate — demonization is not.

Criticizing Israeli policy is not antisemitic. Applying double standards, denying Israel’s right to exist, or holding Jews collectively responsible for Israel’s actions is antisemitism.

Intent matters. Language matters. Context matters.

Why This Matters

Misinformation doesn’t just distort facts — it fuels hatred, justifies violence, and silences reasonable voices. When lies go unchallenged, they become accepted.

Standing for truth is not extreme. Refusing misinformation is not controversial. Clarity is not optional.

About Friends of Israel Project

Friends of Israel Project exists to educate, advocate, and stand publicly with Israel and the Jewish people. We believe facts matter, history matters, and moral clarity matters — especially when it’s inconvenient.