" The mystified idea I had of Israel – the demonization of Israel – it just wasn’t true. "
- Ziad Doueiri

In simple terms, the speaker is reflecting on their previous misconceptions about Israel. They once held a confused and overly negative view of the country, often referred to as "demonization," but they now recognize that this perspective was inaccurate.

This quote reveals the complexity of perceptions and biases in understanding geopolitical issues. It highlights how easily misinformation or misinterpretations can form strong opinions that are not reflective of reality. The speaker acknowledges a shift in their viewpoint after encountering facts or experiences that challenged their preconceived notions about Israel, indicating the importance of critical thinking and open-mindedness when forming opinions on complex topics like international relations.

Ziad Doueiri is a renowned Lebanese film director known for his thought-provoking works that often explore themes related to the Middle East. His background gives him unique insights into the region's conflicts and narratives, making his observations about perceptions of Israel particularly poignant.