Bassem Youssef | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #521

Theo Von's Upcoming Tour Dates

• Theo Von is promoting his upcoming tour dates, which include stops in Wallingford, Connecticut; Portland, Maine; Bangor, Maine; Montreal, Canada; Las Vegas, Nevada; Oklahoma City; North Little Rock; Springfield, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Lacrosse, Wisconsin; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Moline, Illinois.

Bassem Youssef's Background and Career

• Bassem Youssef is a comedian, political commentator, writer, and former medical surgeon who has been called the "John Stewart of the Arab world."
• He was a heart surgeon for 19 years before pursuing comedy, stating that medicine is a thankless job and that he felt pressured to pursue a career in medicine due to societal expectations in the Middle East.
• Youssef was inspired to pursue comedy after the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, during which he watched John Stewart's show and dreamed of becoming a writer for a similar program in Egypt.
• He started making YouTube videos satirizing the state media's coverage of the revolution, which quickly gained millions of views and led to him being invited on numerous television shows.
• Youssef eventually launched his own show, which became the biggest in the Middle East, attracting 40 million viewers per episode.
• His show was canceled multiple times due to his satirical content.
• Youssef faced threats and persecution from both the military and Islamist regimes in his home country.
• He was forced to leave Egypt in 2014 and came to the United States, where he found himself starting over with no recognition.
• Youssef struggled with the transition to American comedy, finding it difficult to adapt to the different comedic sensibilities and language.
• He initially performed at open mics and spoke at universities, gradually incorporating jokes into his talks.
• Despite his initial success in Egypt, Youssef faced a period of humiliation and struggle in the US, performing for small audiences and even being recognized by people who knew him from Egypt.
• He eventually gained traction and started selling out shows, but he believes he wasn't ready for the sudden surge in popularity after his appearance on "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah" in October 2020.
• Youssef believes that the timing of his success was crucial, as he had spent years honing his craft and was better prepared to handle the increased attention.

Bassem Youssef's Upcoming Comedy Special

• Bassem Youssef discusses his upcoming comedy special at The Wit in Chicago on October 4th, noting that his audience is predominantly brown people, with a significant portion being Arabs, followed by Indian and Pakistani individuals, and a smaller percentage of white people.

Bassem Youssef's Appearance on "This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von"

• Bassem Youssef discussed his appearance on "This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von," which he described as "huge" and "insightful."
• He explained that his comedian friend Amir K connected him with the show.
• Youssef mentioned that he was warned by many people not to go on the show due to the sensitive situation surrounding the conflict in Gaza.
• He shared that his wife is half Palestinian and her family in Gaza had been affected by the ongoing conflict.
• Youssef criticized the one-sided narrative surrounding the conflict, stating that his side of the story was not being heard.
• He highlighted the absurdity of justifications for the Israeli attacks, including the claim that Israel warns Palestinians before bombing them.
• Youssef explained that he used the same arguments used by those justifying the attacks to expose their hypocrisy and absurdity.
• He mentioned that the media's sudden interest in calculus, specifically in determining the "proportionate response" to Hamas rockets, was concerning.
• Youssef expressed his hope that his appearance on the show brought some relief to people in Gaza, who often lack access to the internet.
• He criticized Israel's claim of not occupying Gaza while maintaining a strict embargo on the territory.

Bassem Youssef and Theo Von Discuss the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

• Bassem Youssef and Theo Von discuss the complex situation in Israel and Palestine.
• Youssef mentions a video he saw of children playing with his video on a television in the rubble after a bombing, which made him cry.
• He acknowledges that many people are curious about the conflict but don't fully understand the history and complexities involved.
• Youssef explains that the conflict has a long history, dating back centuries, with various empires and kingdoms controlling the land.
• He highlights the persecution of Jewish people in Europe, particularly in Eastern Europe, leading to pogroms and displacement.
• Youssef mentions the promise made to Jewish people by the British government after World War I to establish a home in Palestine.
• He notes that other options were considered, including Argentina, Madagascar, and Uganda, but Palestine was chosen due to its significance as the "holy land" and "promised land."
• Youssef explains the Balfour Declaration of 1917, a public statement by the British government supporting the establishment of a national home for Jewish people in Palestine.
• He emphasizes that Palestine was an Ottoman region with a small Jewish population at the time.
• Before 1917, there were various opinions on the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, with some Orthodox Jewish Rabbis opposing it because they believed a Jewish state could only be established after the arrival of the Messiah.
• Secular Zionists, however, believed that building a Jewish state would force the Messiah's arrival, similar to the "build it and they will come" concept.
• In the 1930s, after Hitler came to power, many Jewish refugees from Germany, Poland, and Russia sought refuge in Palestine as they were denied visas by the United States and other European countries.
• This led to the myth of "a land with no people for the people with no land," as Palestine was already inhabited by over 1.2 million Palestinians.
• Jewish refugees, many of whom had just escaped Nazi persecution, formed militias and armed gangs like the Haganah, Irgun, and Lehi.
• The land was called Palestine, and even after the promise of a Jewish state was made, many Israelis held Palestinian passports.
• In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan that divided Palestine, giving Jews, who constituted less than 30% of the population, more than half of the land.
• The Palestinians, who made up a larger percentage of the population, were given a smaller portion of the land.
• The United States and Britain, as the world superpowers at the time, played a significant role in facilitating the partition plan.
• President Truman acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating that they were trying to please everyone but were ultimately placing people on other people's land.

Bassem Youssef's Perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

• Bassem Youssef argues that the conflict in the Middle East is rooted in the idea of "chosen people," which he finds problematic.
• He criticizes the notion that any group, whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, is inherently chosen by a higher power, as it can lead to a sense of entitlement and disregard for the rights of others.
• Youssef specifically addresses Christian Zionists, who believe in the chosen status of Jewish people, questioning their belief in Jesus as their savior while simultaneously supporting a doctrine that elevates another group.
• He highlights the historical context of the conflict, emphasizing the displacement of Palestinians in 1948 and the atrocities committed against them during the establishment of Israel.
• Youssef emphasizes that Zionism, in his view, is not simply about Jewish national statehood but a colonial ideology that involves displacing and cleansing Palestinians from their land.
• Bassem Youssef explains that the UN partition gave a large portion of land to Israel, leaving Palestinians with limited territory.
• He emphasizes that the UN has no real power, and the US and UK are the true decision-makers, particularly after World War II.
• Youssef highlights the drastic reduction of Palestinian land over time, resulting in overcrowded areas like Gaza, where over 2.2 million people live in a small strip.
• He argues that Israel's claim to self-defense is invalid because they are an occupying force, drawing a parallel to Nazi Germany's occupation of France.
• Youssef points out that Palestinians have faced constant oppression, including imprisonment, land confiscation, and violence, for decades.
• He emphasizes that the events of October 7th are not isolated but a culmination of years of oppression and injustice.
• He uses the analogy of a fishbowl to illustrate how Israel's actions, like bombing Gaza, create a situation where Palestinians are forced to react, leading to further violence.
• Youssef criticizes Israel's disproportionate use of force, highlighting the fact that they have bombed Gaza more in eight months than the US has bombed Pakistan and Iraq in eight years.
• He mocks the concept of "collateral damage," arguing that it's a justification for killing innocent civilians.
• Bassem Youssef discusses Israel's "No civilian left behind" policy, which he finds ironic given the history of displacement and occupation.
• He highlights the displacement of 750,000 Palestinians in 1948 during the establishment of Israel, emphasizing that it wasn't a one-day event but a process with support from Britain and America.
• Youssef challenges the narrative that terrorism is solely an Arab or Muslim phenomenon, pointing to the 1946 King David Hotel bombing by the Stern Gang, led by Yitzhak Shamir, who later became Prime Minister of Israel.
• He explains that the Palestinians were forced into the West Bank and Gaza after the establishment of Israel, and that the current situation in these areas is an occupation, not a result of agreement.
• Youssef emphasizes that the occupation is ongoing, citing daily instances of Israeli soldiers terrorizing Palestinian farmers and the imprisonment of over 12,000 Palestinians, including women and children.
• He acknowledges the 2023 hostage situation involving Hamas, but argues that the group's actions were a response to Israel's ongoing occupation and the imprisonment of Palestinians.

Bassem Youssef and Theo Von Discuss Hamas and Benjamin Netanyahu

• Bassem Youssef and Theo Von discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the role of Hamas and the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Youssef argues that Israel's actions, including the detention of Palestinians and the burning of their farms, contribute to the cycle of violence.
• He highlights the fact that Hamas, a militant group that won the 2006 election in Gaza, was never allowed to take power due to Israeli bombing.
• Youssef claims that Netanyahu intentionally funded Hamas to create conflict and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
• He criticizes the American media's portrayal of the conflict, specifically citing the false testimony of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who described graphic scenes of violence allegedly committed by Hamas militants.
• Youssef points out the inconsistencies in Blinken's account, questioning how such atrocities could occur without immediate Israeli intervention given their military capabilities.
• He suggests that Blinken's testimony was fabricated to garner support and funding for Israel.

Bassem Youssef Criticizes the Media's Coverage of the Conflict

• Bassem Youssef argues that testimonies about atrocities committed by Hamas during the recent conflict were fabricated by Israeli rescue groups like ZAKA. He claims that these groups have a history of lying and that their claims have been debunked by Israeli media outlets like Channel 12.
• Youssef criticizes the American media for perpetuating these false narratives, even after they were proven false by Israeli media. He points out that the New York Times published a story about decapitated babies that was later debunked, but the American media continues to promote these lies.
• Youssef expresses concern about the growing trend of labeling any criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic. He mentions a recent bill passed by Congress that defines any criticism of Israel or Jewish people as anti-Semitic, even if it is legitimate.
• Youssef argues that this trend is dangerous because it silences any dissenting voices and creates a climate of fear. He compares it to the "boy who cried wolf" scenario, where people are afraid to speak out for fear of being labeled anti-Semitic.

Bassem Youssef Criticizes AIPAC's Influence on American Politics

• Bassem Youssef expresses concern about the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on American politics. He argues that AIPAC, a foreign lobby, exerts significant control over American elections by financially supporting candidates who are pro-Israel.
• Youssef highlights the fact that AIPAC openly boasts about its influence, stating that 98% of their endorsed candidates win their primaries. He finds it concerning that a foreign entity can openly claim to buy elections in the United States.
• He compares AIPAC's influence to that of the National Rifle Association (NRA), but argues that AIPAC's influence is more concerning because it represents a foreign country's interests.
• Youssef points out that AIPAC's lobbying efforts have resulted in the US government allocating $26 billion to Israel, a sum that could have been used for domestic programs and communities.
• He criticizes the fact that American politicians are seemingly beholden to AIPAC, often consulting with their "AIPAC handlers" before making decisions.
• Youssef concludes by emphasizing that while he understands Israel's success in influencing American politics, he questions why this level of influence is accepted from Israel but not from other countries like Russia or China.

Bassem Youssef Argues that the United States is Being Controlled by Israel

• Bassem Youssef argues that the United States is being controlled by Israel, with Israeli lobbyists influencing American politics and dictating policy.
• He compares the situation to a sugar daddy being controlled by his sugar baby, highlighting the power imbalance and the lack of American autonomy.
• Youssef points out that both Democrats and Republicans receive significant funding from Israeli lobbyists, suggesting that the issue transcends party lines.
• He criticizes the prioritization of Israel's interests over the needs of American citizens, such as education and healthcare.
• Youssef challenges the narrative that Israel is surrounded by enemies, citing the peace treaties with Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE.
• He emphasizes that the main threats to Israel come from small militant groups in Gaza and Lebanon, not from surrounding Arab countries.
• Youssef concludes that the fear-mongering surrounding Israel's security is exaggerated and used to justify American support for Israel.

Bassem Youssef Criticizes the Media's Portrayal of the Arab World

• Bassem Youssef argues that the media often portrays the Arab world as inherently hostile towards the West, which justifies military intervention and the selling of war. He criticizes the narrative that peace existed before the October 7th conflict, pointing out that Israel had already bombed Gaza and killed children in the West Bank prior to that date.
• He criticizes the use of the Holocaust as a justification for actions in the Middle East, stating that the Holocaust was a European tragedy and not the fault of Arabs. He also criticizes the displacement of Palestinians and the taking of their land.
• Youssef highlights the fact that there have been attempts at peace treaties, but that one side (Israel) has been much stronger than the other (Palestine). He mentions the Oslo Accords, which were sabotaged by Netanyahu, and the fact that a large majority of Israelis believe that their government is not doing enough in Gaza.
• He argues that the root of the conflict lies in the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and calls for America and Britain to intervene and demand an end to the occupation.

Bassem Youssef Criticizes Foreign Lobbying in American Politics

• Bassem Youssef expresses concern about foreign lobbying, specifically from Israel, influencing American elections and policy.
• He argues that foreign lobbies, like those funded by China or Israel, should not be allowed to buy seats in Congress and influence American policy.
• Youssef draws a parallel to the pharmaceutical industry, where former FDA officials are hired by drug companies, highlighting the potential for corruption and conflict of interest.
• He criticizes the American political system, where both parties seem to prioritize Israel's interests over those of the United States.
• Youssef expresses frustration with the lack of transparency and accountability in the American political system, citing the $26 billion in aid sent to Israel as an example.
• He believes that the media plays a role in perpetuating apathy and ignorance among Americans by focusing on sensationalized stories and avoiding in-depth coverage of complex issues.
• Youssef argues that this lack of engagement and critical thinking allows for the continuation of corrupt practices and policies that benefit special interests.
• He concludes by stating that the current system is designed to keep people disengaged and powerless, making it difficult to challenge the status quo.

Bassem Youssef Discusses the Fear of Speaking Out Against Israel

• Bassem Youssef discusses how people are afraid to ask questions about certain topics, even if they don't make sense. He argues that this fear stems from the potential for being labeled as a liar, anti-semite, or other negative terms.
• He uses an example of a story he told Piers Morgan about Israel giving contraceptive pills to Ethiopian Jewish women without their knowledge. He notes that when he brought this up, people immediately dismissed it as a lie, even though Benjamin Netanyahu had apologized for the practice.
• Youssef highlights the use of accusations like "racist," "anti-semitic," or "homophobic" as a way to silence people and avoid engaging with the actual issues being raised. He compares this to the "boy who cried wolf" scenario, where these accusations lose their impact when used too frequently.
• He expresses concern about the limitations on free speech in the United States, particularly regarding Israel. He points out that while the country is founded on the principle of free speech, there seems to be a "red line" around criticizing Israel, even though it's not even located in the US.
• Youssef finds it ironic that people from the Middle East are often accused of having "red lines" on what they can talk about, while Americans seem to have a single, unspoken "red line" surrounding Israel.

Bassem Youssef Discusses Stereotyping and the Term "Slims"

• Bassem Youssef discusses the issue of stereotyping and how it affects Muslims, specifically the term "Slims" which he coined as a humorous way to address the issue.
• He criticizes the hypocrisy of people who claim to support Israel but dislike Muslims, highlighting the fact that there are many videos online showing Israelis spitting on Christians in Israel.
• Youssef points out that some Jewish leaders have expressed hateful views towards Christians, including claims that Jesus is in hell and that the Virgin Mary fabricated the story of Jesus' birth to cover up adultery.
• He argues that while there are videos showing extreme views from Muslims, there is a double standard when it comes to criticizing Muslims compared to other groups.
• Youssef emphasizes that he is not attacking Jewish people or Israel, but simply advocating for his right to speak freely about all religions and political issues without fear of being canceled.
• He acknowledges that there are challenges for Arabic and Islamic entertainers in Hollywood, but also points out that non-Muslims have also faced cancellation for their opinions.
• He highlights the irony of American students being punished for speaking out against Israel on American campuses, comparing it to the student movements against Vietnam and South Africa.

Bassem Youssef Criticizes the Influence of Wealthy Donors on Universities

• Bassem Youssef argues that it's unfair for wealthy donors to threaten to withdraw funding from universities if they criticize Israel. He compares this to a New Orleans Saints fan refusing to support a bar that displays an Atlanta Falcons flag.
• Youssef points out the hypocrisy of claiming to be a democracy while allowing wealthy donors to dictate university policies. He suggests that if this is the case, the country should be called an oligarchy instead.
• He criticizes the idea that the US needs Israel as an ally in the Middle East, arguing that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other oil-rich countries are also allies. He questions why the US hasn't taken action against Saudi Arabia, despite its involvement in 9/11.
• Youssef believes that Israel's actions have damaged America's reputation globally, leading to widespread hatred towards the US.

Bassem Youssef Argues that Israel is Not a Good Ally to the United States

• Bassem Youssef argues that Israel is not a good ally to the United States, citing several reasons. He mentions the Jewish Defense League, a group that killed an American citizen and escaped to Israel, and the 1982 Lebanon bombing where 52 Americans were killed, which Israel allegedly knew about but withheld information.
• Youssef also criticizes Israel's handling of pedophilia cases, claiming that many Jewish American pedophiles escape justice by fleeing to Israel and using dual nationality.
• He further criticizes Israel's financial influence on American politics, claiming that they bribe politicians and manipulate elections.
• Youssef compares Israel's actions to those of a superpower, acknowledging that America has a history of manipulating other countries, but argues that Israel's actions are excessive and unacceptable.
• He uses the analogy of a CEO bringing his dog to work and letting it defecate on his employees' desks, comparing Israel to the dog and the United States to the employees.
• Youssef criticizes Israel's actions in the region, particularly the IDF's behavior, which he describes as unnecessarily aggressive and destructive. He questions how such actions can be considered self-defense.

Bassem Youssef Discusses the Phrase "Free Palestine"

• Bassem Youssef argues that the phrase "Free Palestine" is often used when a place needs help, implying that Palestine needs assistance.
• He points out that Israel, despite having a significant amount of land, continues to expand its territory, displacing Palestinians and abusing their rights.
• Youssef criticizes the lack of action from the US government, suggesting that their support for Israel is driven by financial contributions from pro-Israel lobbyists, particularly from Joe Biden.
• He emphasizes that political decisions are often made based on self-preservation and power, rather than moral principles.
• Youssef expresses his disappointment with the lack of freedom in America, particularly regarding the issue of Palestine, and questions the true meaning of freedom in a country where certain topics are off-limits.
• He believes that humor can help to create a more relaxed atmosphere and encourage open discussion about sensitive issues.

Bassem Youssef Argues for Freedom of Speech

• Bassem Youssef argues that it's important to have the freedom to speak your mind, even if it doesn't please certain people, because democracy is noisy and people should not be afraid to express their opinions.
• He criticizes the narrative that all Jewish people support Israel, stating that many Jewish people disagree with Israeli policies.
• Youssef highlights the existence of Jewish groups who oppose Israel and have even been arrested alongside Arab and American activists.
• He questions the selective outrage towards burning the Israeli flag compared to the American flag, suggesting a double standard.
• Youssef expresses his discomfort with the idea of destroying Hamas and the potential consequences for Palestinians, arguing that the Palestinian people did not know about the October 7th attack beforehand.
• He draws a parallel between the American Revolution and the Palestinian struggle, suggesting that both involved revolting against a stronger enemy.
• Youssef criticizes the dehumanization of Palestinians, comparing them to "death cults" and "terrorists," while emphasizing that they are normal people living in difficult conditions.
• He points out that the Palestinian issue is a result of historical injustices, including colonization and displacement, and that they are facing a complex situation with multiple actors involved.

Bassem Youssef Emphasizes the Humanity of Both Israelis and Palestinians

• Bassem Youssef argues that it's important to view Israelis as humans, just as we view Palestinians as humans. He criticizes the dehumanization of Palestinians and the Israeli actions that resemble terrorism.
• He questions the right of Jewish people from around the world to claim land in Israel, especially when it displaces Palestinians. He highlights the practice of Jewish people claiming Palestinian homes and land, even though they may have no prior connection to the region.
• Youssef points out the lack of authority the Palestinian Authority has over the influx of Jewish people taking land in the West Bank. He uses a humorous anecdote about a security guard at an airport to illustrate the power imbalance.
• He emphasizes that the solution to the conflict lies in ending the occupation and stopping the killing of Palestinians. He acknowledges that he is not a politician or a Palestinian, but he believes that the current situation is wrong.
• Youssef mentions that while there have been attempts to negotiate peace, they have often been skewed towards Israel. He also notes that both sides have rejected peace agreements, with one side feeling they were offered a bad deal and the other wanting more.
• He expresses concern about the growing sentiment in Israel that a two-state solution is no longer feasible, with some Israelis now claiming all of the land.

Bassem Youssef Discusses the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Religion

• Bassem Youssef discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how it's often framed in terms of "Jewish" versus "non-Jewish."
• He emphasizes that he doesn't view people through the lens of religion and believes there are bad people in all groups.
• He criticizes the idea that criticizing Israel is automatically anti-Semitism, arguing that it's important to distinguish between criticizing the actions of a government and attacking a whole group of people.
• He shares his personal experiences with Jewish friends and colleagues, including his admiration for John Stewart.
• He acknowledges the emotional nature of the conflict and how it can lead to heated debates, even among friends.
• He believes the solution lies in ending the occupation and treating all people in the region equally.
• He expresses his opposition to American involvement in Middle Eastern wars and the use of taxpayer money to fund violence.
• He criticizes the American government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on people's lives.

Bassem Youssef and Theo Von Discuss the Devastation in Gaza

• Bassem Youssef and Theo Von discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, highlighting the devastating impact on civilians, particularly in Gaza.
• They express concern about the indiscriminate nature of the violence, citing examples of hospitals and schools being bombed, and even children being killed by sniper fire.
• Youssef emphasizes the lack of basic necessities in Gaza and the destruction of infrastructure, calling the situation "annihilation" rather than war.
• They discuss the recent Israeli order for Palestinians to leave Gaza, questioning where they are supposed to go with closed borders and limited resources.
• The conversation touches upon the financial aid provided to Israel by the United States, raising questions about the justification for such support.
• Youssef expresses concern about the growing fear of speaking out against the conflict, highlighting the erosion of freedom of speech and the importance of critical thinking.

Bassem Youssef and Theo Von Discuss Zionism

• Bassem Youssef and Theo Von discuss the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly the concept of Zionism.
• Youssef explains that for many Arabs and Muslims, Zionism is seen as a form of colonization and displacement of Palestinians.
• He highlights the large Palestinian population living outside of Palestine, including a significant number in Jordan and a smaller number in the United States.
• Youssef argues that Americans should care about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because it affects their government, democracy, and way of life.
• He suggests that the US government's involvement in the conflict, including its support for Israel, has a direct impact on American politics and discourse.
• Von acknowledges the difficulty in understanding the complex interplay of factors involved in the conflict and the challenges of remaining informed and engaged.
• Youssef emphasizes the importance of not being complacent and recognizing the potential consequences of inaction.

Bassem Youssef Encourages Critical Thinking and Open Dialogue

• Bassem Youssef expresses concern about the influence of money in politics and the lack of transparency regarding where taxpayer money is going.
• He emphasizes the importance of asking questions and being curious about how things work, rather than accepting the status quo.
• Youssef highlights the importance of open dialogue and encourages people to form their own opinions, rather than blindly accepting information.
• He emphasizes that his intention is not to attack anyone but to promote understanding and critical thinking.
• Youssef expresses gratitude for Theo Von's platform and encourages viewers to check out his upcoming tour dates.
• He also mentions his interview with Piers Morgan, highlighting the importance of finding humor even in difficult times.