Celebrities react to the recent brutality in Palestinian occupied lands, voicing Solidarity with Palestinian People.
In the wake of an outbreak in violence against Palestinian people in Israel and an expansion of attacks on Gaza, celebrities have joined the international community in condemning the violence against civilians.
Over the last six days, Israel killed at least 181 Palestinians in the enclaved Gaza, 52 children included. Israel continues to strike civilian building claiming they are cover for Hamas militia.
The new round of tensions spiked when hundreds of Palestinian worshippers were injured by Israeli police at Al-Aqsa mosque. Israeli security officers utilized rubber bullets, tear gas, and sound bombs against worshippers at the complex.
The brutality has triggered worldwide criticism and demonstrations, with footage of the effects of assaults and Al-Aqsa violence being viewed and posted by millions of users. The crisis in the occupied territories has now piqued the interest of Hollywood’s artists who posted photographs and videos from the scene calling to action.
Celebrities on Social Media
Mark Ruffalo, the famous American actor, has made one of the most important contributions, sharing an online petition calling on world officials to place sanctions on crucial Israeli sectors until Palestinians are guaranteed absolute and fair human rights.
The petition has been signed by more than 2,6 million people so far. Referring to the Israeli movement on Sheikh Jarrah expulsion, Ruffalo wrote in twitter “1500 Palestinians face expulsion in #Jerusalem. 200 protesters have been injured. 9 children have been killed. Sanctions on South Africa helped free its black people – it’s time for sanctions on Israel to free Palestinians. Join the call.”
Susan Sarandon, actor and social activist, posted multiple tweets about the clashes. She criticized mainstream outlets for using the words “conflict” and “clashes” in description of the scene.
Sarandon, along with loads of other celebrities and human rights activists, have criticized the use of such terminology for promoting a false sense of equivalence. This, they believe, ignores the fact that the Israel is much better supported, equipped and armed by its western allies.
Viola Davis, Academy Awards winner in 2017, took to Instagram writing, “Let’s talk about what’s going on in Sheikh Jarrah,” and posted ten photos describing the meaning of the possible evictions. Davis received special appreciation for posting to her main feed rather than temporary story.
Bella Hadid, the Palestinian-American supermodel, condemned the violence and segregation in Instagram, using the hashtag #SaveSheikhJarrah. She expressed her disbelief at the ‘hatred in people’s hearts’ toward Palestinians.
After re-posting a series of events regarding the recent developments, Hadid wrote: “I feel the pain of my ancestors. I cry for them. I cry for my Palestinian brothers and sisters, there now, feeling unsafe and scared. This needs to stop, there is NO room for this in 2021! My sister Alana wrote perfectly how I feel today. We are proud to be Palestinian and we stand with Palestine.”
Lena Headey, Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, also expressed solidarity with Palestinaian peopel sharing another post. She posted a picture with the caption “Save Sheikh Jarrah. Zionist Israeli Apartheid,” as well as a number of videos and graphics summarizing current developments.
Natalie Portman, the Israeli-American actress, received acclaim after she posted fellow actor Davis’ Instagram post. Portman has a precedent on the issue. In 2018, she withdrew from a Film festival in Israel due to reservations regarding the Israeli conduct on human rights.
A long list of athletes from different filed also voiced solidarity with Palestinian people. Sonny Bill Williams, Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, and UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov were among the athletes who posted material on their social media. Footballers have also expressed their support, among whom Mohamed Salah, Riyad Mahrez, and Paul Pogba are the most renowned.
