Proud 'Bibiist' Explains Mizrahi Perspective to Academics

Motty Ohana, identifying as a "Bibiist" and a "poison machine," delivered a lecture at the Van Leer Institute in Jerusalem, addressing an audience he perceived as predominantly left-wing academics. He began by asserting his Jewish identity above all else, followed by his Israeli and then his Mizrahi and Moroccan heritage, tracing his ancestry to 1865.

Ohana explained that in the eyes of the left, a "Bibiist" is an unthinking follower of Prime Minister Netanyahu, akin to a "Chachach" (a derogatory term for Mizrahim), and that "Bibiist" is a politically correct substitute. He acknowledged writing harsh things on Twitter, but framed it as a necessary response to the left's "poison." He declared that if the left spreads poison, he will retaliate, and if they try to expel him, he will send them back to the "shtetl."

Challenging the audience's liberal credentials, Ohana argued that Likud supporters are not inherently anti-gay, pointing to Amir Ohana's political stances and stating that many Likud supporters have gay children. He contrasted this with his disdain for public displays of gay pride in Tel Aviv. He also questioned the audience's definition of liberalism by referencing the historical treatment of Arab minorities and women's rights.

Addressing the political situation, Ohana criticized the boycott of Netanyahu, arguing it amounted to boycotting his voters. He questioned the audience's adherence to the rule of law, given their stance on Netanyahu's indictment despite a law allowing a prime minister to serve until a final conviction. He also criticized their reaction to Netanyahu aligning with Ben-Gvir, stating they first isolated Netanyahu and then dictated his political choices.

Ohana strongly condemned the "Brothers in Arms" protest movement, comparing their actions of threatening reservist duty to the Yom Kippur War's failures. He described it as a betrayal of the nation's defense and the Zionist ideal of self-protection, stating there are issues with no middle ground, likening it to the story of Tuvia in "Fiddler on the Roof."

He also criticized the Supreme Court, questioning the "reasonableness" standard and its selective application. He brought up the unfulfilled promise to return residents to the villages of Ikrit and Biram after their 1948 evacuation, noting that Supreme Court rulings were ignored by successive governments. Ohana concluded by emphasizing that his group is fundamentally Jewish and will not compromise on their identity or their place in Israel, contrasting their commitment to Jewish continuity with the audience's perceived focus on democracy over Jewish character. He asserted that the left's fight is not about the judicial reform but about maintaining their control over the "demos," and that they will eventually have to reconcile with "Bibiists."