By Shamsi Ali Al-Kajangi*

My recent visit to Indonesia was initially for personal and family matters. However, it was publicized on social media, and many friends in various cities expressed their hope that I would visit them. Consequently, I was scheduled to give lectures in several cities, including Cianjur, Makassar, Batam, Surabaya, Sidoarjo, Jember, and Jakarta.

Typically, the theme requested at these places is the development of Dawah and Islam in America and the Western world in general. However, due to the ongoing issue of Palestine, particularly the Gaza genocide, I was often asked to share my views on this matter.

War of Perception

One thing I repeatedly corrected in these meetings was the use of the word “conflict” to describe the Palestine-Israel issue. Almost everywhere, they used the term “conflict.” I emphasized that using this word is an oversight and carelessness, as it implies that Palestine and Israel are two balanced entities facing each other. In reality, one country (Israel) is occupying and colonizing another nation (Palestinians).

Carelessness in word choice may seem like a trivial mistake, but it actually has deeper and more fatal consequences. One of the heavy battles we face is the war of perception. It’s no surprise that with their powerful media, they can convince the world who is positioned as a fighter and who is positioned as a criminal in the Palestine-Israel issue.

Those fighting for their rights and dignity are labeled as terrorists, while the colonizers and criminals are described as defending themselves. They successfully framed the October 7 incident as the starting point of violence, making many people forget that violence and crimes have been ongoing for over 75 years.

I’m reminding all of this so that we can be more discerning and convince the world to see truth as truth and falsehood as falsehood.

Reducing Hope in America

It’s undeniable that America plays a significant role in the injustices occurring in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. The arrogance and atrocities committed by Israel are enabled by America’s full support. Various resolutions favoring Palestine are vetoed by America as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The current on going genocide in Gaza also because US support and military assistance to the occupying Israel.

The role and involvement of America in the crimes against humanity and genocide in Gaza actually reveal the true reality about America in the Palestine and Israel issue. In principle, America is in a position that always supports and defends Israel’s crimes and colonization.

It’s strange that many people still expect America to solve and stop Israel’s crimes and genocide. I see this as a paradoxical and ridiculous attitude. On one hand, they accuse America of being a collaborator in this genocide, and on the other hand, they are full of hope that America will help solve the suffering of the Palestinian people.

To me, this is laughable and shameful.

The Islamic World Must Take Control

On the contrary, I believe that the the Muslims must take control of changing America’s stance towards Palestine. The Muslim community in America in one hand can play a crucial role in this effort. Through Dawah, education, and political participation, as well as cooperation with various segments of society, the Muslim community can work towards changing America’s policy.

On the other hand, the role of the Islamic World is paramount important and needed. The Islamic world has a significant responsibility in alleviating the suffering and freeing our brothers and sisters in Palestine. I firmly believe that America’s stance towards Gaza is not only due to the influence of the Zionist lobby, but also because America does not feel real resistance from Muslim-majority countries. The truth is the the opposite. May Allah guide!

Jakarta, May 27, 2025

*A New York-based Indonesian-American.