Amir Khan slams 'genocide enablers' after Gaza fundraiser cancellation in London

Former boxer Amir Khan has taken to Instagram to highlight efforts being made to thwart his pro-Palestine stance. "The defaming begins," he said, sharing a screenshot of an email. "We will continue to support innocent Palestinians in the face of genocide. They’re trying to get my event cancelled!"

The email in question, which seemed to be a press inquiry, stated, "The Jewish Chronicle is to report on your upcoming attendance at 'An Evening With Amir Khan' on December 16 at Queen Mary University. We will write that you signed a statement two days after Hamas attacked Israel that rejected the term 'terrorism' to describe the group's actions, defended the Palestinians' 'right to armed struggle,' labelled Israel a "settler colonial state," and called for the release of all Palestinian prisoners."

It continued, "We will also note that the statement was created by CAGE, who have hosted antisemitic material on their website and whose research director praised Jihadi John." A reference link was added, and a deadline was provided by which answers were needed.

In yet another post following the former, the influential figure shared what seems to be an article by The Jewish Chronicle, titled, "University drops Amir Khan’s Gaza event after JC exposes preacher who defended Hamas terror." The star shared a screenshot of the same, with snippets from the piece. The article reported, "A London University has refused to host a Gaza fundraiser with British former world boxing champion Amir Khan after the JC revealed it would feature a preacher who defended 'armed resistance' against Israel two days after Hamas’s attack on October 7."

Furthermore, it stated, "The fundraiser had been due to take place at Queen Mary University of London, but the university said it was no longer hosting the event after the JC alerted it about the speakers taking part. At the time of going to press it was unclear where the event would be held." Alongside the shared screenshots Amir wrote, "Shame on you Queen Mary University, London, cancelling a fundraiser, when thousands of innocent children need our help. Genocide enablers."

Previously, in a series of powerful statements, Amir expressed his frustration and disappointment with those who have remained silent in the face of the tragic events in the region. "Nearly 2000 Palestinians murdered in a few days, over 500 children, over 300 women. Your [prayers] for everyone's statements had an equal effect [as that of] all lives matter, and the prayers were surely only for those you consider human. It's not enough to make a lukewarm, tragically neutral statement," he shared.

He further said, "Separate the colonizer from the colonized, point to the imbalance. Politicize these deaths - every death is inherently political, do not misrepresent anyone's corpse with your fear or desire for brand alignment. Those of you who use Arab and Muslim vernacular for decoration and aesthetics, to inform some identity or career, your silence is shameful."

Not holding back, Amir slammed all those who chose certain narratives to further their careers whilst remaining silent when the world needed those voices the most. "Your silence is terrorism," he stated. "Especially when it matters. Takes balls and so many big hitters/influencers /role models have gone silent or deleted posts." He questioned scathingly, "What are you afraid of? Losing friends or a pound/dollar?"

Amid his call for action, he also shared that his foundation, the Amir Khan Foundation, is actively working with a local team to provide food, aid, and shelter to those affected in Palestine. He encouraged people to support these efforts by donating through the foundation's website.

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