“I am an accomplice of Gaza’s War: you pay with my taxes”

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From Idealism to Disillusion: A Journey Through the Lens of Western Hypocrisy

Omar Akkad, born in Egypt and raised in Qatar, once dreamed of the United States as a bastion of freedom. This naïve idealism flourished in his youth, fueling a belief that Western culture was synonymous with opportunity and liberty. However, upon moving to Canada as a teenager, he soon realized that the reality was far more complex and less glamorous.

A Crumbling Illusion: The Reality of Western Democracy

As a journalist, Akkad chronicled harrowing events such as the imprisonments at Guantanamo and the military occupation of Afghanistan—yet he clung to his faith in the liberal system. But the tragic war in Gaza was the moment that shattered his illusions completely. The undeniable complicity of Western democracies with Israel became a chasm that could no longer be ignored. Akkad’s disillusionment is articulated powerfully in his book, Someday everyone will have always wanted to be against, which is derived from a viral tweet he seemed to effortlessly craft during the early chaos of the war.

Akkad’s Candid Reflection on Violence and Responsibility

“The pain and suffering born from this alliance is a burden that weighs on my conscience—especially knowing I contribute to it through my taxes,” Akkad reveals.

This candid admission reflects a sentiment that is running rampant among many who value freedom over complicity. If Western nations are to champion democratic ideals, why do their policies so often enable violence and oppression?

Conclusion: An Urgent Call to Reflect on Our Values

Question the morality of funding oppressive regimes through taxation.
Recognize the stark contrast between our proclaimed values and our actions.
Understand that true freedom requires accountability and transparency.

The battle against this hypocrisy is more than just personal for Akkad; it’s a crusade for justice and an urgent plea for change. We must wake up to the reality of our complicity and demand that our leaders be held accountable for their actions.