Tag: Palestinians

  • India’s Harnaaz Sandhu becomes Miss Universe amidst controversies

    India’s Harnaaz Sandhu becomes Miss Universe amidst controversies

    Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu was given the title of Miss Universe 2021 in the 70th edition of the annual pageant, held in Eilat, Israel on Monday. Several participants took part in the event despite the pressure to boycott in support of Palestinians. This is the first time the pageant was held in Israel. The event has faced several complications due to the covid pandemic as well.

    Nadia Ferreira from Paraguay took the first runner-up position and Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane filled the second-runner up spot.

    Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts of South Africa had stressed upon its participant to stay away from Eilat due to “atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians.”

    South Africa also withdrew their support from its participant Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane but she took part in the event.

    The grandson of Nelson Mandela, Mandla Mandela also supported the call to boycott the annual pageant.

    Miss Universe 2017, Sarah Idan, who belong to Iraq tweeted, “All I can say is how dare you? How dare you as a man try to tell an organization for women, and women empowerment what to do.”

    The other groups for Palestinian advocacy also requested to avoid the event to voice out the atrocities of Israel against Palestine.

    The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel wrote: “We urge all participants to withdraw, to avoid complicity in Israel’s apartheid regime and its violation of Palestinian human rights.”

    Contestants from Muslim majority countries also participated in the pageant which includes Morocco and Bahrain who have normalized their diplomatic ties with Israel last year.

    Miss Universe 2020, Andrea Meza from Mexico also emphasised that the annual pageant should be away from politics and religion. She said that it is only for women and what they can contribute to society.

    Muslim majority, Malaysia and Indonesia nations which have no diplomatic ties with Israel, did not send their participants due to complications of the covid pandemic and not because of any political grounds.

    The United Arab Emirates, UAE which also normalised the ties with Israel last year has not sent its contestant due to time constraints in the selection of a national winner.

    Participants of the pageant have also faced criticism on cultural appropriation when candidates wore robes with traditional Palestinian embroidery while rolling grape leaves.

    Ines Abdel Razek of the advocacy group the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy. tweeted, “Colonialism, racism, cultural appropriation, patriarchy, whitewashing, all in one place.”

  • Video: Mother protects son’s grave as Israel demolishes Muslim graveyard

    A Palestinian woman on Monday resisted Israeli police trying to push her from her son’s tombstone, located at the Al-Yusufiye cemetery in East Jerusalem, as she tried to hug it, reports Anadolu Agency.

    In the video, Alaa Nababta can be seen throwing her body on the ground near her son’s grave and crying.

    “Bury me here,” cried Nababta.

    “You will only exhume my son over my dead body,” she told the Israeli police who were unable to stop her from reaching her son’s grave.

    Nababta while talking to Anadolu Agency said that the Israeli authorities are after Palestinians in the city “whether they are alive or dead.”

    “Here is our cemetery, where else do we bury them?” asked Nababta.

    She added: “Every day we come here fearing that the grave will be bulldozed.”

    “As a mother, what do you think my feelings will be when I watch them try to raze my son’s grave? Pain, pain, and heartbreak.”

    On Monday, the Israeli municipality crews in Jerusalem and the Israeli Nature Authority, to establish a Jewish national park, renewed razing a part of the Al-Yusufiye cemetery, located near the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

    Dozens of Palestinians whose family members have been buried in the area for centuries arrived in the cemetery, fearing that the graves of their relatives will be razed.

  • Student in US harrased for highlighting Palestinians, Uighurs in her graduation speech

    Student in US harrased for highlighting Palestinians, Uighurs in her graduation speech

    Huda, a Muslim student, in the United States (US) became the target of racial insults by parents and students for highlighting the plight of Palestinians and Uighurs in her graduation speech.

    “Our lips are yet free. Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and stand up for any injustice that you see,” Huda said in her speech

    “Educate yourself about international dilemmas including the ethnic cleansings of Palestinians and Uighur Muslims. Families are continuously torn apart and real human lives are being lost but ignored. Educate yourself on the widespread issues that plague our planet and threaten our very existence in the long run,” she added.

    Huda further said, “Consider global warming with the gravity that it needs to be looked at with and never stop speaking about these issues until they are resolved.”

    Huda was asked to ‘go back to Pakistan’ and was harassed by fellow students and their parents.

    One of the students can be heard in the video saying, “Why did not you say anything about Hamas? Hamas would have been nice.”

    Read More: UK media regulator fines Indian channel over hate speech against Pakistan

    As per reports, Huda’s speech was approved by the school but later the principal claimed that it wasn’t. The principal also apologised to the students and parents who targeted Huda with racial insults and sent them e-mails claiming that she “changed her speech”.

    A disclaimer was also added in the video that this line was not “approved by the Wheatley Speech Selection Committee”.

  • Stand for Palestine

    The UN Security Council (UNSC) welcomed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. UNSC members also stressed “the immediate need for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population, particularly in Gaza.”

    According to Al Jazeera, the Palestinian death toll on Saturday stood at 248, including 66 children, with more than 1,900 people wounded from Israeli air and artillery attacks.

    Barely a few hours after the ceasefire was reached, Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and used stun grenades and rubber bullets against Palestinians after Friday prayers. Journalists covering the incident were also attacked.

    Such highhandedness by Israel is nothing new. The Israelis have not just occupied land in Palestine but the atrocities committed by them against unarmed Palestinians are horrific and countless. Imagine being expelled from your homes and then also being attacked. And to add insult to injury, they are portrayed as being the aggressors instead of Israel, whom the world community says acts in so-called ‘self-defence’. How an oppressor gets away with war crimes is disturbing at so many levels.

    We have seen how the world community rallies behind Israel. While Pakistan has been consistent in raising its voice for the cause of Palestine, most Muslim countries just pay mere lip service and move on. We have not seen them stopping trade with Israel or cutting off diplomatic ties in protest. The Palestinians are on their own, it seems. But this cannot go on forever. Before social media, Israel could hide behind its false narrative of being provoked. Now the world can see actual footage of its crimes. We have seen hundreds of videos where children are scared of continuous bombing; buildings being flattened and innocent people standing on the rubble, nursing their wounds. The stories coming out of Palestine are horrific. One man said he “did the strangest thing” when he exchanged how children with his brother’s. “I took two of his children, and gave him two of mine. So in case I get bombed, one of mine will survive and if he gets bombed, one of his will live on.”

    These are not just stories; these are lived realities. We hope the Palestinians can one day find peace in their own land and not live in constant fear. These injustices must stop!

  • Gigi Hadid calls out anti-Semitic people for ‘spreading hate’

    Gigi Hadid calls out anti-Semitic people for ‘spreading hate’

    Gigi Hadid has called out anti-Semitic supporters of Palestine, calling them “hypocrites” for spreading hate towards the Jews.

    “Anti-Semitic people who are using the pro-Palestine movement as an excuse to be violent and/or hateful towards Jewish people should be ashamed of themselves,” wrote the supermodel on Instagram.

    Hadid further added: “Their actions are hypocritical to the real Free Palestine. I’ve said this before and I want to make it clear again: By speaking out for equal rights of Palestinian people, I am never condoning violence or hate against the Jewish community.”

    “It is unacceptable, especially in the name of another marginalised group,” said Gigi, adding: “Everyone the right to feel safe regardless of their religion, where they’re from,or the actions of their government.”

    Sharing another post on her account from a Palestinian, Hadid said: “If you’re pro-Palestine with anti-Semitic intentions, I’m telling you to distance yourself away from the Palestinian cause as much as possible. We don’t want your support. We will not have your ignorance bastardize our fight for equal rights and justice. Which is all in the name of humanity.”

    The supermodel further said: “Palestine is a human rights cause. If you’re using this to intimidate members of the Jewish community, who have done you no harm – then you’re defeating the purpose of our cause. And I ask you [to] stay away from us. Do not raise our flag. You are equally hurting us. Sincerely, a Palestinian.”

    When Gigi earlier extended her support towards Palestine, she had clarified that she “condemns anti-Semitism” and is not trying to kill anyone.

    Meanwhile, Gigi also rubbished fake news circulating on social media about Dior cutting ties with sister Bella Hadid for supporting the Palestinian cause.

    Meanwhile, Hadid has also been accused of anti-Semitism after the supermodel voiced support for the people of Palestine amid Israeli violence.

  • Christian Betzmann under fire for insensitive take on Palestine issue, criticising Pakistan

    Christian Betzmann under fire for insensitive take on Palestine issue, criticising Pakistan

    German travel vlogger Christian Betzmann is at the receiving end of flak for his insensitive take on the Palestine issue and criticism on Pakistan.

    The Israeli armed oppression against the defenseless Palestinians has been making headlines all over the world. The catastrophic bombing in Gaza is being fearlessly conducted by the Israeli forces while the poor Palestinians continue to suffer from the worst humanitarian crisis. Amidst the ongoing violence in the Palestinian region, many common people, celebrities and social media influencers all across the world have shown support for the Palestinians.

    Christian shared his views on his Instagram stories and people were not happy with his take on it. One of the netizens used foul language with the YouTuber and Christian, instead of ignoring him, insulted Pakistani people and the country as a whole.

    Meanwhile, in a conversation with an influencer Muznah, the Vlogger shared his opinion regarding the Palestine issue, saying he believes that social media has never helped in any political event.

    He further added the strikes of third world countries are useless and waste of time , while also commenting that this thought is “naïve.”

    The German Vlogger even openly wrote that you have no power and concluded his statement, saying: “It’s better to go pray as praying is the only thing third world countries can do.”

    Whereas, “first world countries are based on doers,” he declared. 

    Christian who recently embraced Islam said: “Prayers do nothing” and “you can’t do anything.”

    The Vlogger also said that the people of Pakistan must enjoy as long they can because “you never know your country might be next.”

    Here is the conversation of the two:

    Tiktoker Romaisa Khan also confronted Betzmann regarding his statement

    Romaisa explained that Pakistan has its own sets of problems but they can’t be wrongfully compared to what the Palestinians are going through, as Christian had. She even called Christian a selfish man who now is talking trash about the country which warmly welcomed him with love.

    The Tiktok star also shared how she was unfollowed by Christian even though he was the one who had initially followed her on Instagram.

    Instagram influencer Khaqan Shahnawaz, who is soon to be seen in Mahira Khan’s Baarwan Khiladi also bashed the Vlogger and asked him to go back to his country if he hates this “Third World Country” so much.

    “If you don’t want to protest, then don’t. But don’t you dare say anything about my country, otherwise I will eat you alive,” said Khaqan jokingly.

    Christian responded to the backlash by saying that he condemns whatever is happening in Palestine but choosing to not speak about an issue should not be treated as an opportunity to insult him.

    He continued to press upon his own point of view and said in his own words, ”calling people bad words just because they don’t want to share their opinion is stupid.” He further said that if social media was as powerful as people were saying it was then it would have helped Pakistanis to fix their issues too.

    Later, Betzmann said that he stands with the people of Palestine.

    Meanwhile, Christian’s fiancée and Pakistani actress Zoya Nasir has not yet commented on the matter. However, she lauded Bella Hadid for her bravery and refusing to “bow down and stand for what is right.”

    Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which was announced early Friday morning, Israel ruthlessly attacked worshippers at Al-Aqsa during Friday prayers.

  • Jewish employees at Google urge CEO to support Palestinians

    Jewish employees at Google urge CEO to support Palestinians

    A group of Jewish diaspora wrote a letter to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Google Sundar Pichai and urged him to support the people of Palestine against Israeli military human rights violations.

    The group, Jewish Diaspora in Tech, describes itself as a community of members working in the technology industry.

    In an internal letter sent to the chief, the group said the community is concerned about the latest situation, and we as “Jews do not endorse the views of those who have written to you seeking to garner support for exclusively pro-Israel and pro-Zionist actions.”

    Rockets fired in Israel

    “When we Jews ourselves speak out against the barbarism and oppression of Palestinians by the Zionist regime, that means Palestinians People have been going through a rough time,” read the letter.

    They further objected “to the conflation of Israel with the Jewish people [and] affirmed that anti-Zionism is not antisemitism.”

    Hamas firing rockets towards Israel

    Reportedly, the group that wrote the letter formed last year against pro-Israel attitude in Google’s official employee resource group called Jewglers.

    According to reports, people in “the group were supporting pro-Israel discussions and expressing Zionist views. It is unethical, and having such discussions is creating an unsafe space for others in the group.”

    So far, almost 250 people have signed the letter online that was sent to the chief of Google.

  • ‘Gaza hell on earth for children,’ says UN General Secretary

    The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday described Gaza as “hell on earth” for children, Reuters has reported.

    He also appealed Israel for rapid and unhindered aid access. The UN Secretary General also told that would launch an appeal for humanitarian funding.

    “If there is a hell on earth, it is the lives of children in Gaza today,” said Guterres, adding: “The hostilities have caused serious damage to vital civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including roads and electricity lines, contributing to a humanitarian emergency. Crossings into Gaza have been closed and power shortages are affecting water supplies.”

    “Access for humanitarian goods is paramount. Attacks by militant groups on areas surrounding crossing points are unacceptable,” Guterres said. “At the same time, Israel has a duty to allow and facilitate rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian aid, into Gaza.”

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office yesterday, announced a ceasefire on Friday in Gaza after 11 days of violence, Al Jazeera has reported. As per media reports, Israel’s PM office issued a statement from the security cabinet called the truce “mutual and unconditional”.

    The ceasefire will be monitored by Egypt, which has been agreed upon by Israel and Hamas

  • Israel announces ceasefire in Gaza after 11 days of extreme violence

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has announced a ceasefire on Friday in Gaza after 11 days of violence, Al Jazeera has reported. As per media reports, Israel’s PM office issued a statement from the security cabinet called the truce “mutual and unconditional”. The ceasefire will be monitored by Egypt, which has been agreed upon by Israel and Hamas.

    However, within minutes of the ceasefire announcement, sirens warned of incoming rockets in Israeli border communities by Hamas, and a Reuters reporter heard an air strike in Gaza.

    Since the fighting began on May 10, health officials in Gaza say 232 Palestinians, including 65 children and 39 women, have been killed and more than 1,900 wounded in aerial bombardments, Reuters has reported.

  • ‘Shame on you’: Sanam Saeed hits out at Dubai for promoting tourism in Israel

    ‘Shame on you’: Sanam Saeed hits out at Dubai for promoting tourism in Israel

    Sanam Saeed has expressed her disappointment over a billboard in Dubai advertising tourism in Israel.

    Sharing a screenshot of a picture showing the billboard welcoming tourists to Israel, Sanam said: “The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.”

    “If this is true, [then] shame on you Dubai,” said the actor, adding: “Humanity before politics.”

    Ever, since the new wave of violence began in Palestine, Pakistani celebrities are calling out Israel and showing solidarity with the people suffering in Palestine due to Israel atrocities.

    Earlier, Asim Azhar had lashed out at Israel over their claims that they were founded 3,000 years ago.

    “Your ‘country’ was literally founded, sorry I mean forced on the world in 1948. Humse bhi aik saal chotay ho, aide tussi 3,000 years kay (You are one year younger than Pakistan and yet you claim you’re 3000 years old),” the musician had said.

    Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has announced a ceasefire on Friday in Gaza after 11 days of violence, Al Jazeera has reported.