When People Show You Who They Are, Believe Them

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Photo credit (edited), property of Forbes, fair use

On September 26, 2025, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to issue a speech to members of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. According to one source, “Scores of delegates exited the hall as Netanyahu took the stage.”

Per a separate source, “Israel tallied 77 countries missing during Netanyahu’s UN address—among them Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey—some in protest, others by absence,” and, “[There] are the 77 countries that did not attend the speech or walked out at its start.”

Well done to each nation that protested genocide, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes!! In any event, during his speech to the remaining delegates, Netanyahu stated:

This week, the leaders of France, Britain, Australia, Canada and other countries unconditionally recognized a Palestinian state. They did so after the horrors committed by Hamas on October 7 –horrors praised on that day by nearly 90% of the Palestinian population. Let me say that again. Nearly 90% of Palestinians supported the attack on October 7th. It’s not supporting, only, they celebrated!

Before going any further, allow me to clearly state that I don’t advocate political violence. Also, the events of October 7th remain open to debate regarding how many people were killed my Israelis, whether or not the people of Gaza had (and have) a right to defend themselves, etc.

Violence may be necessary under specific circumstances such as lawful self-defense, though I denounce legitimate acts of terrorism (the use of violence against non-combatants to achieve political or ideological aims). Still, herein, I’m not litigating the events of October 7th.

Rather, I’m approaching Netanyahu’s assertions with the act of critical thinking. Specifically, I invite you to consider thinking which is rational (in accordance with both logic and reason) – especially regarding events which correlate with irrational emotions (i.e., October 7th).

Here, “logic” is the interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable, and “reason” is a statement offered in explanation or justification. For instance, a modus ponens syllogism uses the following logical form: If p, then q; p; therefore, q.

As an example, if a majority of a population supports – or even celebrates – war crimes and the killing of civilians (p), then one may infer that members of that nation are in some way responsible and accountable for the supported or celebrated criminal activity (q).

Although I favor personal responsibility and accountability (collectively “ownership”), the aforementioned proposal that advocates collective ownership may seem both logical and reasonable (i.e., rational) to some. In Netanyahu’s view, it appears as though this is the case.

This topic leads me to consider another matter in the interest of critical thinking. In a blogpost entitled Trust Life, I stated:

While there are many impactful lessons I could cite from the work of Maya Angelou, one of the most meaningful pieces of knowledge which shaped my perspective was delivered on Oprah Winfrey’s show. The conversation unfolded as follows:

Winfrey: One of the most important lessons I ever learned from you […] when people show you who they are, believe them. 

Angelou: Yes, absolutely. A person says to you, “I’m selfish,” or, “I’m mean,” or, “I am unkind”—

Winfrey: Or, “I’m crazy.”

Angelou: Or, “I’m cra—,” believe them. They know themselves much better than you do. But no, more often than not, those of us who don’t trust life say, “Don’t say a thing like that! You’re not really crazy,” “You’re not really unkind,” “You’re not really mean.” And soon as you say that, the person—pap! [making slapping hand gesture]—

Winfrey: Lets you know.

Angelou: And shows you. “I told you. I told you I was unkind! So now, why are you angry?”

The essential takeaway is that when people show you who they are, believe them the first time; because they know themselves better than you do. This conclusion is a rational one.

Given Angelou’s perspective and Netanyahu’s view, it’s reasonable to apply similar standards to the people of Israel as has been attributed to the people of Gaza (i.e., Palestinians—whom Netanyahu acknowledged as an existing population by the phrase “Palestinian population”).

According to one source, 82% of Jewish Israelis support expelling Palestinians from Gaza, 56% support expelling Palestinian citizens of Israel, and 47% agree that when conquering an enemy city, the Israel Defense Forces should act as the Israelites did in Jericho – killing all inhabitants.

A separate source critically analyzed those reported figures and determined, “The poll is a messenger, not a provocateur; the findings are an emergency wake-up call that things can still get much worse.” Bear in mind that Netanyahu’s view regards the majority of a population’s view.

Harretz reports, “Yes to transfer: 82% of Jewish Israelis back expelling Gazans,” and, “These disturbing trends reflect the radicalization of religious Zionism since Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, and the failure of secular Israeli Jews to articulate a vision that challenges Jewish supremacy.”

I invite you to keep Angelou’s wisdom in mind. Now, apply a modus ponens syllogism to Netanyahu’s view when considering the aforementioned statistics: If p, then q; p; therefore, q.

If a majority of Israel supports – or even celebrates – war crimes and the killing of civilians in Gaza (p), then one may infer that members of Israel are in some way responsible and accountable for the supported or celebrated criminal activity regarding Palestinians (q).

When people show you who they are, believe them! What Israel is doing in Gaza isn’t solely due to Netanyahu or Likud. Apparently, the majority of Jewish Israelis support genocide, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes. I believe them, because they know themselves much better than I do.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

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