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Sabine Sterk: From Blood Libel to Gaza Lies – The Oldest Hatred in New Clothes
One of the most painful images from the aftermath of World War II is not only the liberation of the camps, but the scenes of ordinary German civilians being forced by American soldiers to walk through the concentration camps and bury the piles of human remains. These men and women, who lived near the smoke and stench of death, claimed: “Wir haben es nicht gewusst” , we did not know.
This morning, listening to the Dutch national broadcaster NOS, known for its anti-Israel slant, similar to the BBC, I felt the same disbelief. Just as in those haunting photos of Germans walking past the dead, I could not fathom how people could close their eyes to the truth. NOS gave full stage to the rioters of the Gaza flotilla, allowing them to spread lies: that they were “kidnapped by the IDF,” while in reality they sailed knowingly into a warzone, acting as pawns of Hamas. Hamas financed this flotilla, using it as propaganda, all while the real hostages, Israeli civilians kidnapped on October 7, are deliberately starved in Gaza’s tunnels.
As a human with a strong moral compass, I cannot imagine that anyone with decency would consider the flotilla’s actions acceptable. This is not “humanitarian aid.” It is a theater, a mockery of justice, and a direct insult to the Israeli families whose loved ones are still held hostage.
I used to be a happy person, but today I live with a heavy concern.
My religious friends remind me: Hashem knows what He is doing. But history, and its repeating lies, weigh on my heart.
The Blood Libel: The Oldest Hatred
For nearly a thousand years, Jews have been the target of one of history’s most poisonous falsehoods: the blood libel.
It began in medieval Europe with grotesque accusations that Jews kidnapped and murdered Christian children to use their blood in religious rituals. The very first recorded case was in Norwich, England, in 1144, when Jews were accused of killing a boy named William. From there, the slander spread like wildfire:
- 1255, Little Hugh of Lincoln – Jews falsely accused of ritual murder.
- 1475, Simon of Trent – another invented story leading to massacres.
- 1840, Damascus Affair – Jews accused of killing a Christian monk, resulting in torture and executions.
- 1913, Mendel Beilis trial in Russia – the blood libel dressed in modern clothing.
- 1928, Massena, New York – Jews accused of kidnapping a child for Passover.
Every single case was baseless. Every single one fueled pogroms, expulsions, and mass killings. These lies prepared the ground for the Holocaust itself.
From the Jew to the Jewish State
When the Jewish people returned to their homeland in 1948, the lies did not stop. They simply shifted target. No longer “the Jew”, now it was “Israel.”
- In 2009, a Swedish newspaper accused Israel of harvesting organs from Palestinians. No proof. But headlines spread the libel worldwide.
- After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Israel’s rescue doctors were smeared with the same grotesque accusation.
- The Palestinian Authority still claims Israel poisons wells, murders children, and steals organs, straight out of medieval antisemitic folklore.
- Even at the United Nations, Israel has been accused of mutilating bodies, without a shred of evidence.
This is not coincidence. These are modernized blood libels. They are meant to dehumanize Jews: yesterday as individuals, today as a nation.
Lies Since October 7, 2023
On October 7, Hamas invaded Israel with a barbarity the world has not seen in generations: 1,200 massacred, families burned alive, women raped, babies kidnapped. For one brief moment, the world saw the truth. But almost immediately, the old lies returned in new packaging:
- “Israel bombed Al-Ahli Hospital, killing 500.” A misfired Islamic Jihad rocket caused the blast, and casualties were far lower. Yet the lie raced ahead of the truth.
- “No atrocities happened on Oct 7.” Survivor testimony, video, and forensic proof show the horror beyond doubt.
- “The rape claims are fabricated.” Another cruel distortion. UN investigators and medical experts confirm Hamas used systematic sexual violence.
- “Israel starves Gaza deliberately.” In reality, Israel has facilitated thousands of aid trucks. Hamas steals food and fuel, then blames Israel.
- Fake war crime videos. Clips from Syria, Iraq, and even video games are recycled as “evidence” against Israel.
- “Israel bombs churches and mosques for no reason.” The truth: Hamas hides weapons and command centers inside them. Civilian deaths are Hamas’s chosen tactic.
- “Hamas did not kidnap civilians.” Tell that to the families of babies, women, and grandparents still held underground.
These are not just mistakes. They are blood libels — modern echoes of the same poison that once accused Jews of murdering Christian children.
The Oldest Hatred in New Words
The blood libel is not a medieval relic. It is alive, disguised in the language of “human rights” and “journalism.” Yesterday it justified pogroms. Today it justifies flotillas, boycotts, antisemitic marches, and even terrorism.
The narrative is always the same: Jews are inhuman, Jews are guilty, Jews must be punished. Whether whispered in the streets of 13th-century Europe or broadcast on today’s national media, the hatred is unchanged.
But truth matters. Israel does not harvest organs, does not bomb hospitals for sport, and does not starve civilians. Israel defends itself, with more restraint than any other nation under such threat, against an enemy that openly declares its goal: to wipe Jews off the face of the earth.
To recognize these lies for what they are is to confront the oldest hatred. To expose them is to stand not only for Israel, but for truth, justice, and life itself.
“Wir haben es nicht gewusst”? No. Today no one can claim they did not know.
About the Author
CEO of Time to Stand Up for Israel, a nonprofit organization with a powerful mission: to support Israel and amplify its voice around the world. With over 200,000 followers across various social media platforms, our community is united by a shared love for Israel and a deep commitment to her future.
My journey as an advocate for Israel began early. When I was 11 years old, my father was deployed to the Middle East through his work with UNTSO. I had the unique experience of living in both Syria and Israel, and from a young age, I witnessed firsthand the contrast in cultures and realities. That experience shaped me profoundly. Returning to the Netherlands, I quickly became aware of the growing wave of anti-Israel sentiment — and I knew I had to speak out.
Ever since, I’ve been a fierce and unapologetic supporter of Israel. I’m not religious, but my belief is clear and unwavering: Israel has the right to exist, and Israel has the duty to defend herself. My passion is rooted in truth, love, and justice. I’m a true Zionist at heart. From my first breath to my last, I will stand up for Israel.
