By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Omar El Akkad's "One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This" is a searing indictment of Western hypocrisy, particularly in relation to the Gaza conflict. El Akkad, an Egyptian Canadian journalist and novelist, leverages his extensive experience covering war zones to craft a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

The book's genesis lies in a tweet El Akkad posted on October 25, 2023, during the bombardment of Gaza: "One day, when it's safe, when there's no personal downside to calling a thing what it is, when it's too late to hold anyone accountable, everyone will have always been against this." This sentiment encapsulates the central thesis of the book: the West's tendency to retroactively oppose atrocities only when it is convenient and devoid of consequence. ([nationalbook.org](https://www.nationalbook.org/books/one-day-everyone-will-have-always-been-against-this/?utm_source=openai))

Structured as a series of interconnected essays, El Akkad's work is a masterclass in moral clarity. He dissects the performative empathy of Western societies, highlighting the stark contrast between their professed values and their actions—or lack thereof—in the face of human suffering. His critique is not limited to political leaders but extends to the general populace, whose silence and inaction he views as complicity. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/feb/14/one-day-everyone-will-have-always-been-against-this-by-omar-el-akkad-review-a-cathartic-savaging-of-western-hypocrisy-over-gaza?utm_source=openai))

El Akkad's prose is both poetic and unflinching. He does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of war, drawing from his firsthand experiences in conflict zones. This authenticity lends weight to his arguments and makes the book a compelling, albeit uncomfortable, read. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/omar-elakkad/one-day-everyone-will-have-always-been-against-this/?utm_source=openai))

Critics have lauded the book for its incisive analysis and emotional depth. The Guardian describes it as "a cathartic savaging of western hypocrisy over Gaza," emphasizing its power to articulate uncomfortable truths. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/feb/14/one-day-everyone-will-have-always-been-against-this-by-omar-el-akkad-review-a-cathartic-savaging-of-western-hypocrisy-over-gaza?utm_source=openai)) Similarly, The Washington Post highlights El Akkad's ability to illuminate a path toward understanding amidst the chaos, calling the book "a bracing plea for empathy." ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/04/05/omar-el-akkad-one-day-everyone-will-have-always-been-against-this-review/?utm_source=openai))

However, the book is not without its detractors. Some critics argue that El Akkad's perspective is one-sided and lacks nuance. David Mikics, writing for Tablet, dismisses the work as "a crackpot hate-monger's one-sided diatribe." ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Day%2C_Everyone_Will_Have_Always_Been_Against_This?utm_source=openai)) Such critiques, however, seem to miss the point of El Akkad's work, which is not to provide a balanced account but to challenge the reader to confront uncomfortable realities.

"One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This" is a necessary and urgent read. It forces readers to examine their own complicity in systemic injustices and challenges the comforting narratives that allow such injustices to persist. El Akkad's unrelenting honesty and moral conviction make this book a standout in contemporary nonfiction.

Highly recommended!

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 1/15/2026