Syrian Rebel Leader Mocks Trump's Golan Recognition, Becomes Target of Online Scrutiny

Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani revealed that during a visit to the White House, he jokingly suggested to then-President Donald Trump that he give Israel the state of New Jersey instead of recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Al-Julani recounted the anecdote at an Atlantic Council event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, stating that Trump did not own the Golan Heights to give away, but he did own New Jersey.

However, al-Julani's attempt at a witty retort backfired, as the name "Golan" itself appears in the Hebrew Bible thousands of years before the establishment of modern Syria. This historical context led to ironic criticism online, with social media users pointing out the historical presence of the name in Jewish scripture. One user questioned al-Julani's credibility, asking if he expected the world to believe his "nonsense," while another commented that the Israeli Golan is populated solely by Israelis.

Al-Julani's full quote, as reported, was: "I believe New Jersey is full of Democrats, and they don't vote for Trump, so it would be good to give it to the Israelis. At least that's something you hold. Trump doesn't hold the Golan Heights."