October 10th 2023.
The conversation surrounding the United States’ support of Israel has caused a great divide between Black Americans on social media. With the rise of hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter and #PLM—for Palestinian Lives Matter—the struggles between Palestinians and African Americans in the fight against systemic racism have become more apparent.
Many users have pointed out that Israel has not shown solidarity for Black Americans against police brutality. Rian, a user on Twitter, said, “As a black person you should not be “standing” with either Palestine or Israel, if we’re being honest. Sit this one out instead.”
Former President Barack Obama tweeted his stance on the issue, which was then reposted by another user with the comment, “I mean when black people get killed by the police I ain’t see Israel and company protesting for us.”
The conflict between Israel and Palestine escalated on October 7 when Palestinian militant group Hamas fired surprise rockets from Gaza into Israel. Armed Hamas militants stormed into restricted areas of the Gaza Strip, shooting at Jewish settlers and taking Israeli mothers, children, and elderly residents as hostages across the Gaza border. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war, “We are at war, not an operation, not an escalation, a war.”
The National Newspaper Publishers Association Chair Bobby Henry and President & CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. released a joint statement, condemning the acts of violence and standing in solidarity with Israel.
Former NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire, who converted to Judaism, called out Black Lives Matter supporters for staying silent on the matter. He said in a now-deleted video, “And for all y’all Black Lives Matter supporters who ain’t sayin’ nothin’,’ or ‘let me figure out exactly what happened before I say anything,’ f*** you.”
The National Basketball Players Association has made posts in solidarity with Israel, while fans have reposted, pointing out how Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving was labeled anti-semitic in 2022 for promoting the film Hebrews To Negroes: Wake Up Black America. One user wrote, “So you think the treatment of Kyrie Irving by the Jewish community, the NBA, and the Democratic Party wasn’t political.”
The conversation surrounding the United States’ support of Israel has been a contentious issue among Black Americans. There have been many conflicting opinions and perspectives, and it remains to be seen how the conflict in the Middle East will be resolved.
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