Malala sends condolences for Jon Stewart's dog as the world speaks of her silence on Palestine

Palestine supporters circulated screenshots on X of activist hiding their replies

Pakistani women's rights and education activist Malala Yousafzai has found herself amid a social media storm after expressing condolences to comedian and political commentator Jon Stewart for the passing of his dog, Dipper. While her tweet intended to convey sympathy for the late pet dog of The Daily Show host, critics had to question her priorities and silence on geopolitical issues, particularly the new wave of Israeli brutality against Palestinians since October 7.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) from the official account of The Daily Show, Jon presented a heartfelt ode to Dipper. Recalling the dog’s many memorable moments, the comedian interjected, “He did what the Taliban could not do, which is put a scare into Malala Yousafzai.”

Jon Stewart remembers his best boy, Dipper. pic.twitter.com/S8p4nuOFZ5

— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) February 27, 2024

Reacting to the video clip, Malala penned on X, “I’m sorry to hear about your loss, Jon Stewart. I know Dipper was a very good boy. I’ve gotten over my fear of dogs and I hope you’ll have me back to meet your next pup.”

I’m sorry to hear about your loss, @jonstewart. I know Dipper was a very good boy. I’ve gotten over my fear of dogs and I hope you’ll have me back to meet your next pup ❤️🐶 https://t.co/OpFdobSEDO

— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) February 27, 2024

Detractors flooded the post with comments accusing Malala of selectively addressing causes and failing to speak out on more critical issues such as the Israeli genocide against millions of innocent Palestinians. One critic expressed disappointment, stating, “You honestly surprised me and for all the wrong reasons recently. I’m not saying one loss is smaller than another, but there is no way you were so quiet and politically correct about a whole genocide compared to every other cause you 'openly' speak about. Find your consciousness.”

You honestly surprise me and for all the wrong reasons recently. I’m not saying one loss is smaller than another, but there is no way you were so quiet and politically correct about a whole genocide compared to every other cause you “openly” speak about. Find your consciousness.

— Hihi Gadid • 🇵🇸 (@bigbrownenergy) February 27, 2024

“If silence on a genocide is a price to pay for Hollywood contracts, it is not worth it,” one X user took a more pointed stance, insinuating that silence on certain issues might be a consequence of seeking Hollywood contracts. Another contended, “Children are dying in Gaza, Malala. Shameless woman. Your handlers must love you. You never stray from your talking points.”

If silence on a genocide is a price to pay for hollywood contracts, it is not worth it

— Shayk🪁🌳🚉🚴🏽🏙🏎 (@shaykshack) February 28, 2024

Children are dying in Gaza, Malala. Shameless woman. Your handlers must love you. You never stray from your talking points.

— CerealTwit✊🏽🇵🇸✊🏽🇵🇸 (@wadafugappen) February 28, 2024

Referring to how the education activist must have been compelled to respond due to her mention in Jon’s video, one post questioned, “So people need to edit you into their videos showing what’s happening in Palestine to get a response out of you? Girl, I love you but please, use your voice and network and call for a ceasefire.”

So people need to edit you into their videos showing what’s happening in Palestine to get a response out of you? 😭 girl I love you but please, use your voice and network and call for ceasefire

— Zahra (@zahrasalah0_0) February 28, 2024

Another X user accused Malala of losing credibility and challenged her decision to hide comments related to the Israeli brutality against Palestinians. “Girly the way you fell off… also why the f*** would you hide the comments about Palestine and make them more obvious? So dumb.”

Girly the way you fell off… also why the fk would you hide the comments about Palestine and make them more obvious? So dumb

— فریحہ ✪ (@fay_alif) February 28, 2024

“Why are you hiding all the replies about Palestine, girl? Ewwww,” an X user joined the horde of critics. One disgruntled post offered that comparing the crises afflicting dogs in Palestine is perhaps more apt than the damage to human life. “I wish you were just as sorry for the pups that die in Gaza every day. Of course, you don't care about Palestinians but you could speak for their pups at least.”

Why you hiding all the replies about Palestine gurl? EWWWWW.

— Anas (@Anoss_06) February 28, 2024

I wish you were just as sorry for the pups that die in Gaza everyday.

Of course you don't care about Palestinians but you could speak for their pups at least.

— /// Luke (@mxcaltrz) February 28, 2024

The hidden replies under Malala’s post mainly revolved around the activist’s purported silence about Israeli atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, with users expressing frustration and disappointment at what they perceived as a lack of attention to the ongoing situation.

Ayoo @shaykshack comment made it to the hidden replies of @Malala ! pic.twitter.com/eFDBOKMQg3

— Farhan Zaheer Khawaja (@FarhanZKhawaja) February 28, 2024

In November last year, the philanthropist put forth an unequivocal demand for a full ceasefire, stating, “We must keep speaking out for them (children in Gaza) — for a full ceasefire and more humanitarian aid. The needless suffering must end.” The activist articulated her take as a quote reply to her October 20 post where she urged people to sign a petition against Israel’s military strikes on children.

The post read, “Join me in adding your name to this petition demanding that Israel halt its assault on schools and places where children are seeking shelter and that leaders reach a deal to release all children being unjustly held hostage or imprisoned.”

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