Moni Ovadia on Exile, Nationalism, Israel & Palestine: “Trump’s Peace is Fake”
Moni Ovadia frames exile as a profoundly leveling experience, stating it strips away societal markers and reveals the basic commonality of humanity: “in exile the man seeks the eyes of the other man, not his wallet. It doesn’t count where you come from, but who you are. The exile makes you understand that you are only a man on this land and nothing else, which for this reason every man is the same as the other. It could also be said that the concept of exile is the first step of democracy.”
He sharply contrasts this with nationalism, which he denounces as “a metastase, the worst form of cancer that kills men since the beginning of time.” When asked if Zionism falls into this category,Ovadia responds affirmatively,acknowledging its complexity. He notes a link to religious fanaticism,while together pointing out the existence of ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups fundamentally opposed to Zionism and the state of Israel.
Specifically, he cites Naturei Karta, a militant group that views Israel as both criminally inhumane and religiously blasphemous. They advocate for the peaceful dismantling of Israel and consistently side with the Palestinians. Ovadia highlights a recent “World Congress of the anti-zionist Jews” held in vienna, noting its lack of media coverage due to the influence of “Zionist lobbies” who, he claims, suppress dissenting Jewish voices.He states he himself has experienced professional repercussions – being excluded from television appearances – due to his critical stance on Zionism.
Regarding his familiarity with Israel, Ovadia recounts having served as a correspondent for Corriere della Sera between 1999 and 2000, but admits he doesn’t claim to know the state “thoroughly,” and that it never convinced him, “well before the events of the last 2 years.” He argues Israel cannot be considered a democracy due to its “segregationist” nature. He criticizes the lack of defined borders, suggesting it allowed for unchecked action and that a return to the 1949 armistice lines would have prevented the current situation.
Ovadia dismisses the argument that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, deeming it “unbearable” and drawing a parallel to justifications for collective punishment based on the practices of other religions.
Within the italian political landscape, Ovadia expresses affinity for Paolo Ferrero, some female members of the 5 Star movement like Chiara Appendino, and possibly Giuseppe conte, believing dialog is possible with them despite holding more radical views.
Despite a growing sense of weariness at nearly 80 years old,Ovadia remains committed to advocating for Palestine,which he describes as “one of the greatest injustices in history.” He expresses diminished hope following the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, but now places his hopes in the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, plus recently Indonesia). He concludes with a firm declaration: “I will not stop my militancy for Palestine… It is indeed a mandatory commitment.”
