Biden's Black Friday Book Choice - Another Revealing Anti-Israel Moment

President Joe Biden's recent Black Friday shopping trip in Nantucket included the purchase of The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonial Conquest and Resistance by Rashid Khalidi. This 2020 book is widely regarded as deeply critical of Israel, describing its founding and ongoing policies as part of a larger colonial project. For a sitting U.S. president who has repeatedly professed his commitment to Israel's security and sovereignty, this purchase sends a deeply troubling message.

While it's true that reading a book doesn't necessarily mean endorsing its views, the optics are undeniable. At a time when Israel faces mounting challenges from hostile international actors and rising antisemitism globally, Biden's selection of Khalidi's book raises questions about his stance on the Jewish state, which has long been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy and a beacon of democracy in the Middle East.

Khalidi, a professor at Columbia University, presents a narrative that frames the establishment of Israel as a colonial endeavor imposed on the native Palestinian population. His book is rife with accusations that depict Zionism not as a legitimate national liberation movement but as an extension of European imperialism. This characterization dismisses the deep historical and spiritual connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel, a bond stretching back thousands of years.

Critics of Khalidi's work, including scholars and policymakers, have pointed out its glaring omissions and historical distortions. Eugene Kontorovich, an expert in international law, has argued that Khalidi's narrative ignores the complex realities of Jewish self-determination and the existential threats faced by Israel throughout its history. "The idea that Israel is merely a colonial project disregards the indigenous presence of Jews in the region and the legitimate international recognition of the Jewish state," Kontorovich noted in a recent essay.

Furthermore, Khalidi's book minimizes or outright ignores the persistent refusal of Arab leaders to accept Israel's existence, a key factor in perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By painting Israel as the sole aggressor, Khalidi erases decades of peace overtures and the Jewish state's sacrifices for the sake of coexistence, including territorial withdrawals and countless negotiations.

For conservative Christians and other staunch supporters of Israel, Biden's choice of reading material raises alarms. The United States has long been Israel's strongest ally, providing critical military and economic support. This relationship isn't just strategic; it is also moral. For Christians who see Israel as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a vital partner in upholding Judeo-Christian values, any deviation from unwavering support for Israel is seen as a betrayal of deeply held principles.

By purchasing Khalidi's book, Biden risks alienating a key segment of his electorate and sending mixed signals to allies abroad. At a time when Israel is already navigating a fraught geopolitical landscape--facing threats from Iran, ongoing unrest in Gaza, and international pressure over its policies in the West Bank--such actions undermine the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Biden has repeatedly professed his friendship with Israel, touting his decades-long relationship with Israeli leaders and his role in securing aid packages for the country. Yet, actions speak louder than words. The choice to publicly buy a book that aligns with anti-Israel narratives casts doubt on the sincerity of Biden's professed support.

Imagine if a sitting president purchased a book denying the legitimacy of another key ally, such as NATO or South Korea. The outrage would be immediate and justified. Yet, when it comes to Israel, such gestures are often dismissed as inconsequential or explained away as intellectual curiosity.

This isn't the first time Biden's administration has been criticized for taking positions that appear lukewarm toward Israel. His administration's decision to reopen a consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem and its criticism of Israeli settlement policies have already strained relations. He also continues to slow arm shipments that have already been approved in support of Israel's war against Hamas. Khalidi's book purchase will likely add fuel to the fire, reinforcing concerns that Biden's commitment to Israel may be more rhetoric than reality.

Books like Khalidi's do more than distort history; they contribute to the delegitimization of Israel on the world stage. The framing of Israel as a colonial enterprise has been a cornerstone of efforts to demonize and isolate the Jewish state in international forums such as the United Nations. These narratives provide intellectual cover for movements like Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS), which seek to undermine Israel economically and politically.

When such narratives are normalized--especially by leaders of Israel's closest allies--it emboldens those who seek to harm the Jewish state. It lends credibility to the false equivalence between Israel's self-defense measures and the terrorism perpetrated by groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Moreover, these narratives contribute to rising antisemitism globally, where criticism of Israel often blurs into hostility toward Jews. According to a 2023 report by the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents in the U.S. reached an all-time high last year. A president who fuels or legitimizes anti-Israel rhetoric, even unintentionally, risks exacerbating this dangerous trend.

If Biden truly considers himself a friend of Israel, as he has repeatedly claimed, he must be mindful of the symbolic weight of his actions. Publicly purchasing a book like Khalidi's, which undermines the legitimacy of the Jewish state, sends a troubling message to both allies and adversaries. It suggests a lack of sensitivity to Israel's existential struggles and a willingness to entertain perspectives that fuel its delegitimization.

A true friend of Israel would use every platform to affirm its right to exist and thrive as a Jewish state. This is especially crucial for a president of the United States, whose words and actions carry immense global influence.

For Biden to reassure Israel and its supporters, he must go beyond statements of solidarity. He should take concrete actions to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, including increased security cooperation, robust opposition to international efforts to delegitimize Israel, and unwavering support for its right to self-defense.

He must also unequivocally distance himself from the narratives promoted by Khalidi's book, emphasizing his commitment to historical truth and the shared values that bind the U.S. and Israel. Anything less risks eroding the trust that has been the foundation of this vital alliance for decades.

In the words of Genesis 12:3, God promised, "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse." America's strength and moral standing are tied to its unwavering support for Israel. It is time for President Biden to remember that truth and act accordingly.