1703666364-0/PalestinePieceYE23-(1)1703666364-0.png "tribune")
The tail end of 2023 witnessed an onslaught of increased barbarity by Israel on Palestine. With the death toll now nearing 21,000, the increased attacks after October 7 have sparked widespread discussions, drawing attention from celebrities across various nations like Pakistan, India, and the United States.
These varying viewpoints on the issue have offered diverse perspectives, facilitating the ignition of conversations about a lasting ceasefire. Here are some of the most constructive takes by celebrities in 2023:
Ushna Shah
Constantly vocal about a cause she deemed her "calling," Ushna told The Express Tribune, "Even if there's a ceasefire, don’t stop talking about this. Even if you become desensitized for a while, take a break and then go back to watching the videos. I know it’s difficult. Go back to watching so that it doesn't die down for you. Keep reigniting the pain within yourself so that you keep fighting, you keep spreading the message. Just, right now, there is much global pressure, this might be a catalyst for bringing an end to this...Keep talking. Keep sharing, keep posting, keep putting pressure on your governments, keep boycotting, keep screaming, keep marching, just keep going. Keep going until they’re free."
Armeena Khan
Yet another star who has remained resolute when speaking up for Palestine, Armeena stated to The Express Tribune, "I am seeing some people becoming depressed and losing hope. The images coming out are horrific. Take regular breaks from social media and guard your mental health. Secondly, don’t be a bystander. Get involved in the justice movement by joining a group or offering up your skills, from writing to social media, you are needed. So do what you can, where you can, with what you have. I have been involved with Palestine since high school. The movement is stronger than ever. The Palestinians I speak to are resolute and if they are not giving up, who are we to?"
Hasan Raheem
Debunking the idea of the Western narrative reigning supreme, the musician told The Express Tribune, "If you consider the Western actors and artists who’ve voiced their concerns for the Israeli people global, then it’s a little unfair to the public voices who’ve been raising their voices against the apartheid state of Israel and their genocide in Gaza." When asked about losing out on opportunities due to his vocality, an undeterred Hasan said, "God provides. I can take a little backlash for the sake of humanity, so it’s all good."
Mahira Khan
"This is the genocide of Palestinian people," the star penned on social media. "This is the killing of innocent human beings - men, women and children (majority children). History will remember those who had the power to make a difference and didn’t, those who could bring an end to this and remained quiet...They will always have blood on their hands. Praying every moment with a broken heart."
Nadia Jamil
"I stand with Palestine. I stand with Gaza. I am against the Holocaust of Palestine by the terrorist state of Israel. Since 1948 to now, everything Israel has done to the people of Palestine and their land has been wrong and unjustified," penned the star on Instagram.
Riz Ahmed
The acclaimed British-Pakistani actor expressed his strong condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza via social media. “We are told there are two sides to what is happening in Israel and Palestine," he said. "But in my heart, I know there is only one — the side of our humanity." Adding that what happened in Israel "was horrific and wrong," the star also highlighted, "What’s happening in Gaza now, and has been happening in Palestine under the Occupation for decades, is horrific and wrong. The depth and reality of this suffering cannot be ignored.”
He continued, "We are being asked to look away while the civilians of Gaza, half of them children, are running out of time...If we are on the side of humanity we must urgently speak up to try and avert the loss of innocent life. This means calling for an end to the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza’s civilians and vital infrastructure, the denial of food, water and electricity, and the forced displacement of people from their homes. These are morally indefensible war crimes.” He added, "Staying silent is not an option.”
— Riz Ahmed (@rizwanahmed) October 16, 2023
Amir Khan
The former boxer has made numerous powerful statements. In one such move, he stated, "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." Without mincing words, he added, "Your silence is terrorism."
Nearly 2000 Palestinians murdered in a few days, over 500 children, over 300 women.
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) October 14, 2023
Your pray for everyone' statements had the equal effect 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…
Angelina Jolie
Angelina joined calls for an immediate ceasefire amid an intensifying humanitarian crisis. Sharing a carousel post on her official Instagram account, the Academy Award winner stated, “Gaza has a population of over two million people (half of them children), who have lived under a severe blockade for nearly two decades, on top of decades of displacement and statelessness.”
The actor also insisted, “The denial of aid, fuel, and water is collectively punishing a people. Humanity demands an immediate ceasefire. Palestinian and Israeli lives - and the lives of all people globally - matter equally. Anything that can prevent civilian casualties and save lives must be done.”
Bella Hadid
Seeking forgiveness for her silence, the supermodel said, “The people and children of Palestine, especially in Gaza, cannot afford our silence. We are not brave - they are. My heart is bleeding with pain from the trauma I am seeing unfold, as well as the generational trauma of my Palestinian blood."
She furthered, “It's important to understand the hardship of what it is to be Palestinian, in a world that sees us as nothing more than terrorists resisting peace. It is harmful, it is shameful, and it's categorically untrue.” Advocating for compassion, Bella insisted, “All religions are peace - it is governments that are corrupt, and intertwining the two makes for the greatest sin of all” and implored everyone to “pressure” leaders to address the aggravating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Gauahar Khan
The Bigg Boss famed actor shared her two cents on the matter. Speaking in favour of Palestine, she shared, “Since when did the oppressor become the oppressed? Convenient eyesight of the world! Blind to years and years of history of oppression.”
Since when did the oppressor become the oppressed ????? Convenient eyesight of the world !!!!! Blind to years n years of history of oppression .
— Gauahar Khan (@GAUAHAR_KHAN) October 7, 2023
Mia Khalifa
Former adult star, Mia Khalifa shared her thoughts without mincing words. “If you can look at the situation in Palestine and not be on the side of Palestinians, then you are on the wrong side of apartheid and history will show that in time,” she penned on X.
If you can look at the situation in Palestine and not be on the side of Palestinians, then you are on the wrong side of apartheid and history will show that in time
— Mia K. (@miakhalifa) October 7, 2023
Susan Sarandon
Ace actor Susan Sarandon also lent her voice to the Palestinian cause. Quoting a post on X that shared an image of the star from a march for Palestine, Sarandon said, "You don’t have to be Palestinian to care about what’s happening in Gaza. I stand with Palestine. No one is free until everyone is free."
You don’t have to be Palestinian to care about what’s happening in Gaza. I stand with Palestine. No one is free until everyone is free. https://t.co/23JHFbuf5K
— Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) November 4, 2023
Macklemore
Arab News reported on U.S. rapper Macklemore's attendance at a pro-Palestine rally in Washington, D.C. where he said, "They told me to be quiet. They told me to do my research, to go back, that it’s too complex to say something, right? To be silent in this moment. In the last three weeks, I’ve gone back and I’ve done some research...I’m teachable. I don’t know enough. But I know enough that this is a genocide.”
Huda Kattan
The founder of the renowned makeup empire Huda Beauty made it clear that her support lies with the countless Palestinians suffering under Israel’s occupying regime. "Why do they want me to be silent?" she questioned, clarifying that she is not anti-Semitic. Asking Palestine supporters to “trust the process”, Huda maintained, “You're trying to intimidate me. Let me tell you, you're coming to the wrong person. I will not be intimidated. Let me tell you right now, I've done nothing wrong. I'm speaking on behalf of humanity. I will not be intimidated," she stated.
@hudaheidi #freepalestine #fyp #foryou @Huda Beauty @Huda
♬ كلام عينيه - شيرين
Usman Khawaja
Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja accused the International Cricket Council (ICC) of double standards for denying his request to display an image of peace on his bat in solidarity with Gaza. The ICC cited its Code of Conduct, preventing messages related to political, religious, or racial causes without prior approval. Khawaja and supporters highlighted previous instances where similar displays were permitted.
Despite Khawaja's intent to convey messages supporting Palestinian freedom, the ICC disallowed this, sparking criticism for inconsistency. "All lives are equal," he shared on X. "Freedom is a human right. I'm raising my voice for human rights. For a humanitarian appeal. If you see it any other way. That's on you."
All Lives are Equal. Freedom is a Human right. I'm raising my voice for human rights. For a humanitarian appeal. If you see it any other way. That's on you... pic.twitter.com/8eaPnBfUEb
— Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) December 13, 2023
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