Tag: Free Palestine

  • ‘For every Hamas member killed, how many have you created’: Elon Musk’s take on Gaza has left Twitter dumbfounded

    ‘For every Hamas member killed, how many have you created’: Elon Musk’s take on Gaza has left Twitter dumbfounded

    If Elon Musk has understood it, no one has any excuse to ‘both sides’ what is happening in Gaza.

    It seems the glitch in the matrix finally happened when an interview clip of Elon Musk went viral where he was seen discussing the situation in Gaza. The CEO of X (formerly Twitter) started by saying that Hamas committed the atrocities of October 7 to initiate an aggressive response from the Israeli military, and also rally the cause of Muslims worldwide. He further goes on to say Israel shouldn’t fuel hatred by citing that “an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind”, stressing that Israeli forces should provide facilities to the people in Gaza like medical aid, food, water to ensure that the violence ends.

    “For every Hamas member you killed how many did you create?” Elon questioned”…And it’s safe to say that if you killed somebody’s child in Gaza, you’ve made at least a few Hamas members.”

    We’re not going to applaud Elon, who has a history of problematic behavior, over a small statement, but we have to say that the crisis in Gaza isn’t so complex or confusing that even someone like Elon can understand. Never did we think there would come a day when social media users would agree with Elon Musk.

  • Pro-Palestinian students, protest groups suppressed in American schools, universities

    Three separate cases of suppression of pro-Palestinian students and groups have been reported in America in just one day as voices are raised higher against the genocide of Gaza. Israeli tanks have forced citizens of Northern Gaza to walk countless miles towards the South with their hands in the air, a scene that has been described as “The Second Nakba”.

    Columbia University announced that they are suspending pro-Palestine groups ‘Jewish Voice For Peace’ and ‘Students For Justice In Palestine’- both comprised majorly of Jewish students- who called for a ceasefire.

    Columnist and writer Fatima Bhutto, a Columbia alum, slammed the decision.

    Columbia University is the institute where famous academic Edward Said taught, who dedicated his life to bringing the occupation of Palestine to light.

    The current president of Columbia University, Egyptian-American economist Nemat Talaat Shafik, is drawing outrage from social media users.

    At Harvard University, a black student was evicted from campus housing for acting as a student safety marshal during the protests.

    Previously, pro-Palestinian supporters at Harvard were doxxed after an open letter by the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee condemned the genocide of Gaza.

    In California, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy was suspended for three days by Corona Del Mar School for responding ‘Free Palestine’ to racists who were bullying him. The school notice was shared on social media by journalist Amina Waheed, who said that the school admin told the boy’s aunt saying ‘Free Palestine’ was akin to calling for the death of all Jews.

    The action against students takes place while several documented cases of Islamophobia, racism towards Palestinians have come to light. On October 17, a Palestinian-American boy was stabbed to death by his neighbour. On October 30, Pakistani-American doctor Talat Jehan Khan was stabbed out side her apartment complex in Texas.

    Social media users showed outrage at Corona del Mar High School and the racism shown towards Palestinian children.

  • Priyanka Chopra, Janelle Monae, Richard Gere joined the ceasefire call

    Priyanka Chopra, Janelle Monae, Richard Gere joined the ceasefire call

    As the tide shifts with protests being held in America by activists and journalists demanding an end to the genocide of Gaza, more Hollywood stars have added their names to an open letter calling for a ceasefire.

    The letter urges Congress and President Joe Biden to call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza as the Palestinian death toll is set to hit 11,000. Right now, Israeli military has encircled Gaza hospitals, offering no safe exit for doctors and patients stuck inside without water or food.

    The ceasefire letter now features more prominent names including Grammy award nominated singer Janelle Monae, Hollywood legend Richard Gere as well as Indian actress Priyanka Chopra.

    Previously, speaking with the UNRWA, Richard Gere declared that the people of Palestine hold a special place in his heart.

    Prominent actors like Susan Sarandon and rapper Macklemore gave speeches at the March For Palestine protest held in Washington, where both demanded an end for US complicity in Israel’s war crimes.

  • No Hollywood celebrity showed up to Gal Gadot’s propaganda film screening, and Twitter is in fits

    No Hollywood celebrity showed up to Gal Gadot’s propaganda film screening, and Twitter is in fits

    Social media was outraged when it was announced that former IDF soldier, actress Gal Gadot, will be hosting a private screening for celebrities at the Museum of Tolerance, depicting the attacks of October 7. However, Twitter was in fits when Israeli supporter Eve Barlow complained that no Hollywood celebrity-including Gadot herself- had shown up for the event. Viral videos showed protests erupting outside the museum with Palestinian supporters calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza.

    “Last night at the Museum of Tolerance, Hollywood was supposed to gather to watch the footage from October 7. Not a single celebrity showed up. F*** their ribbons, and their marches and their signatures. There is no fortitude in Hollywood. They are all a bunch of cowards.”

    cowards.— Eve Barlow (@Eve_Barlow) November 9, 2023

    Twitter users were in fits at Barlow’s tweet.

  • ‘Painful to watch’: social media horrified after Congress votes to censure Palestinian-American politician Rashida Tlaib

    ‘Painful to watch’: social media horrified after Congress votes to censure Palestinian-American politician Rashida Tlaib

    On Tuesday night, the US House voted to censure Palestinian-American Representative Rashida Tlaib over comments she made on the situation in Gaza.

    Among the voters were 22 Democrats who backed a resolution saying Tlaib has been “Promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for destruction of the state of Israel.”

    The death toll of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes has soared to 10,000 civilians. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder has called Gaza “a graveyard for thousands of children”, urging world leaders to call for a ceasefire.

    Tlaib provoked ire by using the slogan ‘from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’, which Republican politicians claimed was anti-Semitic.

    Speaking on the House floor, Rashida defended her stance and urged fellow lawmakers to end USA’s complicity in the genocide of Gaza.

    “I will not be silenced and I will not let you distort my words,” Tlaib responded. “No government is beyond criticism. The idea that criticizing the government of Israel is antisemitic sets a very dangerous precedent, and it’s been used to silence diverse voices speaking up for human rights across our nation.”

    Social media users were horrified by the censure, hailing Rashida as the bravest politician for having the courage to speak truth during a time of censorship.

  • ‘I swear it smelled like the Kaaba’: Palestinian journalist’s wife remembers him on baby’s first birthday

    ‘I swear it smelled like the Kaaba’: Palestinian journalist’s wife remembers him on baby’s first birthday

    The world mourned the loss of Palestinian journalist Roshdie Sarraj who was killed after an Israeli airstrike hit his home in Gaza, leaving behind his wife and newborn daughter Dania.

    Social media was moved to tears yesterday when the late journalist’s wife Shrouq posted a loving note for her husband on their baby’s birthday, honouring Roshdie as a devoted father and husband who died defending the truth.

    “Habibi Roshdi,

    Exactly one year ago today, you were holding my hand, comforting me during labor. Having you by my side made it so much easier. We chose the name Dania for our daughter, which means “close” in Arabic, so she would forever remain close to our hearts.

    Today marks her first birthday, and we had planned a grand celebration, envisioning the memories we would create for her.

    Habibi, it has been two weeks since you were tragically killed while eating breakfast together, and I still hold onto the hope that you will be here to help her blow out her first candle.

    I am devastated by the idea of how she will remain “close” to Daddy’s heart without remembering his face. She is far too young to be orphaned, and I am far too young to be a widow. You were too young to lose your life simply for being a journalist.

    Never forgive,

    Yours.”

    Social media users expressed their grief in the comments and prayed Roshdie is resting in peace.

    In another post, Shrouq shared a picture of her and Sorraj at the Holy Kaaba in Makkah. In the caption she asked her followers to pray for her husband:

    “Pray for my beloved.. Pray for him a lot.. I swear it smelled like the smell of Kaaba.. Martyr my baby martyr”

  • Cut-off-their-water-Sarah Silverman hosts The Daily Show, show faces calls of boycott

    Cut-off-their-water-Sarah Silverman hosts The Daily Show, show faces calls of boycott

    Comedian Sarah Silverman drew the ire of the internet in October after she reshared a post slamming criticism of Israel cutting off Gaza’s water supply. She later deleted the post, claiming to be “stoned” when she reshared it on her Instagram account.

    On November 6, it was announced that Silverman is set to return from Monday as the new host of The Daily Show, replacing Hasan Minhaj. The announcement came on the heels of Minhaj being removed from hosting due to a misleading New Yorker article controversy. The article accused Minhaj of fabricating stories about racism. The comedian then posted a 30 minute long video sharing evidence of how the journalist writing the piece refused to use evidence provided by Minhaj to discredit him.

    READ MORE: Hassan Minhaj says New Yorker lied and he has the receipts

    Twitter users were appalled at the racism in American media that allows a brown Muslim comedian to be booted without any further thought due to a misleading, poorly fact-checked article, but a racist woman is offered a platform without consequence. As one user wrote:

    “Hasan Minhaj loses the daily show gig due to an inaccurate hit piece that mostly confirmed that he, like EVERY comedian, embellished stories for his stand-up. Sarah Silverman posted her support for the collective punishment of Gazans and gets to host. Islamophobia is reality.”

    Countless journalists and public figures were attacked and removed from their offices, many of whom were Jewish and Palestine supporters. But Twitter users were outraged at how racist women like Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman were granted platforms.

    Users called for the show to be boycotted.

    Many also brought up Silverman’s history of racism including wearing the blackface and imitating a black man for a skit.

  • Despite calls for her removal from Sephora, Huda Beauty donates one million dollars to Gaza

    Despite calls for her removal from Sephora, Huda Beauty donates one million dollars to Gaza

    Huda Kattan, the brains behind the successful beauty brand ‘Huda Beauty’, has consistently raised her voice to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The beauty mogul went viral a few weeks ago when she shut down an Israeli supporter who threatened to boycott her products.

    “I don’t want blood money,” Huda fired back.

    Since then, Israeli supporters are circulating a petition to attempt to remove Huda Kattan’s products from beauty giant retailer Sephora. But despite the backlash, Huda Beauty announced on its Instagram account that the brand was donating one million dollars to humantarian organisations in Gaza.

    “it’s been A MONTH of immense suffering in Gaza, and unfortunately things are getting worse.

    It’s important that we always stand on the side of the oppressed & use our platforms to shed light on any injustice. We cannot stand by and pretend like this is not happening.

    Our Huda Beauty brands, including Huda Beauty, Kayali and WISHFUL will be donating $1 million to humanitarian organisations in Gaza.

    This is only because of you that we are able to make this donation, so thank you for your support. Together we can bring change.”

    Social media users applauded Huda’s heroic stance.

  • After Selena Gomez faces backlash on Palestine, her beauty brand donates to Gaza

    After Selena Gomez faces backlash on Palestine, her beauty brand donates to Gaza

    Selena Gomez landed in controversy after she released a tone-deaf statement about the Israeli onslaught on Gaza where more than 10,000 civilians have been killed in airstrikes. Selena joined more than 400 celebrities who signed a petition calling for US President Joe Biden to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza.

    The singer’s bestselling beauty brand ‘Rare Beauty’ has announced it will be making donations to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and International Red Cross/ Red Crescent Society, as well as to UNICEF to provide urgent medical and humanitarian relief to the civilians of Gaza.

    “Rare Beauty will be making donations to the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies – Magen David Adom, & Palestinian Red Crescent Society – who are providing urgent care on the ground. We will also be donating to UNICEF to help get urgent medical relief & resources to the children of Gaza.”

    Magen David Adom is an Israeli national medical service who are not based in Gaza.

    Palestinian civilians have stressed time and time again they are no longer receiving donations as the Rafah border crossing in the South of Gaza remains closed. Civilians in Northern Gaza report they have not received any water or fuel.

    Social media users shut down Rare Beauty’s ‘damage-control’ statement.

    Selena Gomez caused outrage on social media when she released a statement on her Instagram stories, writing that she had been on a social media break because of the violence in the Middle East. After the statement was criticised for being insensitive, the ‘Only Murders In The Building’ actress threatened to shut down her Instagram account, leading to users slamming her for having a “victim complex”.

  • Poet Rupi Kaur rejects White House invitation for Diwali citing ‘genocide’ of Palestinians

    Canadian poet and illustrator Rupi Kaur has released a statement on her X account, announcing that she rejected an invitation from the White House for Diwali. In her statement, the ‘Milk And Honey’ writer said she rejected the invite because of USA’s active participation in the genocide of Gaza.

    The Palestinian death toll has risen to 10,000 since Israel begun it’s bombardment of the Gaza strip.

    “Today, the American government is not only funding the bombardment of Gaza, they continue to justify this genocide against Palestinians- regardless of how many refugee camps, health facilities, and places of worship are blown to bits. They reject the call for a humanitarian ceasefire- a baseline action being demanded by the United Nations, organisations like Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross and a majority of countries. The UN says 70% of the dead are women and children. We have seen Israel use phosphorus bombs, which Amnesty International says must be investigated as a war crime. We’ve seen footage on CNN of Israeli settlers kicking out and occupying the homes of Palestinians in the West Bank.”

    “As a community,” Rupi further urges. “We cannot remain silent or agreeable just to get a seat at the table. It comes at too high a cost to human life. Many of my contemporaries have told me in private that what’s happening in Gaza is awful, but they aren’t going to risk their livelihood or “a chance at creating change from the inside”. There is no magical change that will happen from being on the inside. We must be brave. We must not be tokenized by their photo-ops. The privilege we lose from speaking up is nothing compared to what Palestinians lose each day because this administration rejects a ceasefire.”

    Social media users applauded Rupi’s heroic stance against the White House. With many Gazan’s like Palestinian academic Refaat writing:

    “Thank you from Gaza.”

    “This is principle, solidarity, and love in action. If only other writers, actors, “activists” and public figures from South Asia and the Middle East had Rupi’s courage and heart,” Fatima Bhutto wrote.