In a viral video released by Narrative House YouTube channel on January 14, 2025, Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi Haim Sofer revealed Zionism’s alleged efforts to fracture Jewish-Muslim relations. The Iraqi-born rabbi, a vocal critic of Zionist ideology, dissected the movement’s historical tensions with Islam while addressing the Gaza crisis. “I am an outspoken critic of Zionism,” he declared, urging renewed dialogue between the two communities.
Iraqi Jews’ Peaceful Coexistence with Muslim Neighbors
Rabbi Sofer traced his family’s 1,300-year roots in Iraq to Caliph Omar’s liberation of the region. “Iraqi Jews enjoyed prosperous businesses and warm ties with Muslims,” he stated. “All rabbis admit Jews thrived more in Iraq than elsewhere in the Arab world.” He emphasized that Palestine held no greater appeal, dismissing Zionist narratives urging migration.
Moreover, Rabbi Sofer accused Zionist groups of deploying violence to uproot Iraqi Jews. A terror squad, disguised as Arabs, bombed synagogues, restaurants, and gatherings, he claimed. Concurrent propaganda falsely warned of Muslim retaliation, pressuring Jews to flee. “Zionists used fear to sever our bonds with Muslim homelands,” he asserted.
Conspiracy with Iraqi Government Uncovered
Declassified CIA documents exposed a covert agreement to displace Iraqi Jews, Rabbi Sofer revealed. Zionists allegedly partnered with Iraqi officials to strip Jewish assets—including properties and billion-dollar bank accounts—in exchange for mass migration to Palestine. Authorities ignored Zionist-led attacks, enabling the conspiracy.
However, despite persistent Zionist pressures, Jews steadfastly maintained strong deep emotional ties and enduring connections to their cherished historic Muslim lands.
Jews inhabited vibrant homes deep within the expansive, welcoming Muslim world and experienced no desire to abandon their ancestral homelands. They firmly rejected Israel’s violent foundations and boldly declared, “with murder and ethnic cleansing,” thereby deeply unsettling their trust completely. A heartbroken landlord confessed and stated, “cried and urged them not to leave, emphasizing their good relationship,” provoking public empathy.
Muslim Kindness and Brotherhood Highlighted
Additionally, Rabbi Sofer vividly narrated inspiring stories of kindness that underscored a strong brotherhood between Jews and Muslims in Iraq. Muslim neighbors consistently demonstrated remarkable generosity and frequently brought delightful, thoughtful gifts to celebrate Jewish holidays with sincere, heartfelt joy. For Passover, generous Muslims thoughtfully gifted a whole sheep and shared abundant fresh produce including potatoes, dates, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Rabbi Sofer’s respected father honorably served five years in the Iraqi army and consistently experienced complete equality without any discrimination. He profoundly felt brotherhood with Muslim colleagues, “sharing meals and visiting holy sites together,” which significantly strengthened lasting community bonds.
Muslims Protected Jews During Farhud Pogrom
During the 1941 Farhud pogrom, Muslim neighbors protected Baghdad’s Jews from Nazi-inspired soldiers, Rabbi Sofer recounted. “Muslims declared, ‘On my dead body,’ shielding Jewish families and confronting attackers,” he said. Such bravery underscored centuries of mutual respect, contrasting sharply with Zionist violence.
Under leaders like Caliph Omar and Saladin, Jews flourished in Muslim lands, Rabbi Sofer noted. Omar permitted Jews to return to Jerusalem, while Saladin reinvited them after 1187. Maimonides, a revered Jewish scholar, even served in Saladin’s court, symbolizing interfaith collaboration.
Rabbi Sofer Urges Revival of Islamic Unity for Regional Peace
The scholar called for a united Islamic authority to stabilize the region and protect Palestinians. “A caliphate from Morocco to Afghanistan could ensure peace,” he proposed. He also advocated Muslim-led peacekeeping forces in Gaza, urging leaders to prevent Palestinian “annihilation.”
Rabbi Sofer condemned colonial-era agreements like Sykes-Picot for dismantling the Ottoman Caliphate. “Many Jews now recognize Israel’s creation as a mistake,” he said, advocating a return to Islamic governance. “Harmony under one God remains possible if we reject division.”
The video concluded with a prayer for the caliphate’s revival, envisioning a future where “brotherhood prevails and all serve one God.” Rabbi Sofer’s message resonates amid escalating tensions, offering a path rooted in shared history and mutual respect.
