On his final show of 2023, “Real Time” host Bill Maher delivered a powerful message, urging Palestinians to question the viability of the slogan “From the river to the sea.” Maher drew attention to the changing dynamics in the war-torn region, emphasizing the need for a realistic perspective.
Maher began by highlighting the connection between Christmas and the troubled region, specifically mentioning Bethlehem.
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He pointed out that while the town was predominantly Christian in 1950, it has now become overwhelmingly Muslim. This example served as a reminder that things change, including demographics and territories.
Throughout history, Maher noted, countries, boundaries, and empires have undergone significant transformations.
He emphasized that Palestine, once under the Ottoman Empire for 400 years, has evolved to a point where an “ottoman” is merely a piece of furniture. Maher argued that eventually, all nations find a way to accommodate these changes, except for the Palestinians.
Addressing the displacement of Arab families during the founding of the Jewish State, Maher acknowledged the injustice of such actions. However, he also pointed out that forced migrations have occurred throughout history in various parts of the world.
Bill Maher cited examples such as the expulsion of ethnic Germans from Russia, Poland, and Czechoslovakia after World War II, and the displacement of Greeks from Turkey in 1923.
Maher further highlighted the experiences of the Jewish people, who have faced significant challenges throughout history, including being expelled from Arab countries. He emphasized that ethnic cleansing has occurred in multiple directions, challenging the notion that it is a one-sided issue.
While acknowledging the hardships faced by different groups, Maher emphasized the importance of coping and adapting to changing circumstances. He referenced the Jewish family from “Fiddler on the Roof” repeatedly fleeing from pogroms as an example of resilience in the face of adversity.
Maher acknowledged the brutal nature of history and the flaws of humanity. He emphasized that while history is filled with wrongs, it is impossible to undo them.
He argued that people get moved and colonized throughout history, pointing out that even the Muslim army, which swept out of the Arabian desert and conquered large parts of the world, did not achieve this through peaceful means.
Maher drew attention to the example of Kosovo, once the cradle of Christian Serbia, which eventually became predominantly Muslim. Despite a war in the 90s, the conflict eventually ceased, demonstrating that prolonged disputes are not the norm.
