Jul 3, 2024

Yahya Mahamid is an Arab-Israeli speaker, educator, and Israel advocate. Born and raised in Umm al-Fahm, he initially harbored anti-Zionist sentiments, which were common in his community. However, his interactions with Jewish Israelis significantly altered his views. These experiences led him to embrace his identity as a Muslim Zionist.

Mahamid faced significant backlash from his community after a photo of him holding an Israeli flag went viral in 2014. Despite the threats and ostracism, he continued his mission to promote peace and understanding. He volunteered for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where he served as a combat infantry soldier, a shooting instructor, and a disciplinary officer. Mahamid also participated in a special delegation to Dubai that contributed to the Abraham Accords.

In addition to his military service, Mahamid works as an educator and speaker with StandWithUs, an organization dedicated to educating people about Israel. He has traveled extensively to speak about his experiences and to combat antisemitism and misinformation about Israel