In a February 11, 2026 interview on Al-Jazeera Network, Osama Abu Irshaid, director of Americans for Justice in Palestine Action, made a series of controversial statements about the Holocaust, Jewish influence in Europe and the United States, generational attitudes in the West, and the role of social media and technology platforms.
Abu Irshaid claimed that Europe historically viewed Jews as a “surplus population” and described what he called a “Jewish problem,” alleging that Jews were told to relocate to the “Promised Land.” He further argued that Jewish influence in Europe and the US is now “returning through Israeli influence,” and suggested that criticism of this alleged influence is often labeled antisemitic.
Referring to the Holocaust as a crime against humanity, he asserted that Israel has created what he described as an “aura” around it. He claimed that Israel uses the memory of the Holocaust to “hold the world hostage,” particularly Europe, over crimes committed 80 years ago, while accusing Europe of supporting what he called similar crimes against Palestinians for decades.
Abu Irshaid also spoke about generational change in Western societies, arguing that Baby Boomers and Generation X were strongly influenced by pro-Israel narratives tied to the Holocaust, whereas younger generations—particularly Gen-Z—are less influenced by its memory.
