WASHINGTON (TND) — Comedian Bill Maher condemned anti-Israel protesters in a segment of his show “Real Time with Bill Maher” Friday, accusing them of ignoring a “gender apartheid" in the Middle East.
Apartheid, a word originating in South Africa that is used to characterize racial discrimination in a legal system, has become a major buzz word among Palestine supporters. These individuals, Maher said, overlook other forms of discrimination in their pursuit of racial equality.
You can’t side with the people who ruthlessly oppress women without at least getting a taste of what you’re supporting,” Maher said, suggesting those who wear keffiyeh try wearing burqas.Most pro-Palestine protesters, Maher said, overlook the discrimination of women in the Middle East because of a lack of education.
“Not that I think its your fault being this poorly educated and morally confused, that takes a village,” Maher continued. “S----- schools, overindulgent parents, social media, that priest who rubbed lotion on you.”
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By railing against Israel, Maher argued, these protesters are encouraging the continued oppression of women in many major Middle Eastern countries.
Fifteen Middle Eastern countries have laws that require women to obey their husbands,” he said. “Laws, not just Harrison Butker’s opinion.”Instead of protesting on busy highways in favor of Palestine, Maher encouraged activists to confront the gender-based discrimination plaguing women across the Middle East.
“This is the apartheid that desperately needs your attention; gender apartheid,” he said. “This is what should be the social justice issue of your time. How about from the river to the sea every woman will be free?”
Iran’s supreme leader in May shared his support for campus protesters, encouraging them to continue their efforts in the next academic year and “become familiar with the Quran.” Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., cautioned students against heeding the advice, noting “If the Ayatollah of Iran is praising you, you are definitely on the wrong side of history.”
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