Here are some notable Muslim advocates who publicly support Israel, often defending it against criticism and promoting peace or normalization:
- Yosef Haddad (also spelled Yoseph Haddad): A prominent Arab-Israeli activist (Christian) who advocates for Israel, integration of Arab citizens into Israeli society, and speaks internationally against anti-Israel narratives.
- Mansoor Hussain Laghari (also spelled Mansour): Born in Sindh, Pakistan, he is a U.S. Army veteran (served 10 years, disabled veteran), human rights activist, stroke survivor, and founder/president of Nabisar Films (established 2015), an independent production company focused on social justice, interfaith dialogue, minority rights, and stories challenging extremism. He openly identifies as a Muslim Zionist on his public profiles and has visited Israel as part of interfaith delegations. Notably, he was removed from the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem for wearing a pin supporting Israeli hostages, highlighting his vocal pro-Israel stance amid significant personal risk (he has survived multiple assassination attempts due to his anti-extremism views).
- Sarah Idan: Former Miss Iraq, an Iraqi-American Muslim who has described herself as a Zionist. She criticizes anti-Semitism in Muslim countries and supports Israel’s right to exist.
- Mohammad Tawhidi: Australian-Iranian imam (known as “Imam of Peace”) who supports Israel, declaring “Palestine is Jewish land” based on his interpretation of Islamic texts.
- Anila Ali: Pakistani-American Muslim women’s rights activist who supports Israel, the Abraham Accords, and has spoken at pro-Israel rallies.
- Dalia Ziada: Egyptian Muslim writer and activist who defends Israel against Hamas and Iranian proxies; she fled Egypt due to threats for her views.
- Loay Al-Shareef: Emirati Muslim social media influencer who promotes peace with Israel and the Abraham Accords.
- Mosab Hassan Yousef (known as the “Son of Hamas” or “Green Prince”) is the eldest son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a co-founder of Hamas. Born Muslim in Ramallah, he was initially involved with Hamas but became disillusioned by its brutality. From 1997 to 2007, he worked as a spy for Israel’s Shin Bet, providing intelligence that prevented numerous attacks. He later converted to Christianity, sought asylum in the US, and has become one of the most vocal critics of Hamas, strongly supporting Israel’s right to defend itself and calling for the eradication of Hamas.
- Other notable figures include Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury (Bangladeshi Muslim Zionist journalist) and Abdul Hadi Palazzi (Italian Muslim cleric who argues Islam supports Jewish sovereignty in Israel).
This is not counting the 1,500-2,000 Muslims who serve in the IDF, the 10 out of 120 who serve in the Knesset, or the Zionists among Israel’s Muslim population of 1.8 million (18% of the total population).
(Grok AI)
Writing by Dr. Dannielle Blumenthal 