#freepalestine

ith nearly 23,000 people killed, and around 2 million displaced amid the war in Palestine according to Gaza’s health ministry, artists around the world have expressed solidarity for Palestinians. Passions are running high due to the unfolding atrocities in Gaza. At this time, we need the people to take a firm stand and express their opinions in support of the issue, and many celebrities have done just that.

While championing the Palestinian cause might seem daunting for artists due to the backlash they may encounter, there’s a resilient bunch that refuses to back down. These artists persist, unwavering in their support despite the challenges. What’s even more remarkable is this surge of solidarity isn’t just a passing phase and has steadily grown over the past few months.

Ushna Shah

Ushna Shah has been vocal in addressing the ongoing genocide in Palestine, using her social media platforms to raise awareness about this critical issue. She has explicitly discussed the spread of misinformation and the perpetuation of lies regarding the unfolding events in Gaza. Additionally, the actress has given interviews to increase public awareness, urging her followers by stating, “The least we can do is share information and amplify their voices.”

In a tweet on the platform X (formerly Twitter), she expressed, “I love film, I love television. My life has always revolved around the visual medium. I love award shows. But I know without knowing that none of those rich & powerful people we [idolize] spoke about Palestine last night, even though they’ve all used the platform to preach to us about various causes over the years. So no point in watching the #goldenglobes”

Osman Khalid Butt

Over the years, Osman Khalid Butt has never been afraid to speak out whenever he feels it’s right, whether addressing women’s rights, the rights of Afghan immigrants, or the Baloch. Osman didn’t shy away this time either when discussing Palestine and the atrocities in Gaza. He has been consistently active on X and hasn’t hesitated to speak about this issue. He also tweeted: “Don’t fall for blind bias, prejudice and propaganda. When the entire history of the oppression of Palestinian people is available online, accessible to you, parroting the lies you’re fed isn’t just ignorance or stupidity. It’s evil.”

Bella Hadid

The Palestinian-American supermodel, Bella Hadid, has fearlessly stood by her support for Palestine, undeterred by potential threats or the risk of losing work in the modeling industry. With an unwavering commitment, she remains vocal on her various social media platforms. In an emotional note, she shared the heartbreaking story of her father’s expulsion from Palestine as a newborn, forced to become a refugee. Through her personal narrative, she highlighted the agony endured by Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, emphasizing their desperate need for our voices. The supermodel wrote, “The people and children of Palestine, especially in Gaza, cannot afford our silence. We are not brave - they are. My heart is bleeding from the trauma I am witnessing, coupled with the generational trauma of my Palestinian heritage.”

Amir Khan

Boxer Amir Khan staunchly condemned Israel’s actions against Palestine, expressing his outrage on X through a tweet. He emphasized his determination to utilize his influence, power, and recognition to affect positive change globally. Khan candidly admitted that fear has led many to remain silent on this pressing issue. Deeming the deaths as “inherently political,” he passionately called out those who chose not to take a stand, expressing his frustration by declaring, “Your silence is terrorism.” His strong words aimed to provoke action and challenge the silence surrounding the ongoing situation.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie, renowned for her impactful advocacy, significantly influences shedding light on pertinent issues. Having worked with the UN for over 20 years, the megastar devotes much of her life to advocating for social causes. The actress posted on her Instagram account, calling people’s attention to the situation in Gaza and condemning governments for their inaction. She wrote, “This is the deliberate bombing of a trapped population who have nowhere to flee. Gaza has been an open-air prison for nearly two decades and is fast becoming a mass grave….By refusing to demand a humanitarian ceasefire and blocking the UN Security Council from imposing one on both parties, world leaders are complicit in these crimes.”

One might question the significance of celebrities raising their voices and whether it truly makes a difference. However, their influence on a global scale cannot be denied. The vast audience they reach offers a crucial avenue to advocate for and shed light on critical issues. While many individuals might become desensitized or overlook ongoing atrocities, these celebrities serve as a persistent reminder in our daily lives. Their continuous advocacy generates public awareness and, most importantly, prompts governments to feel the weight of public opinion and urgency, compelling them to take action. Without this ongoing spotlight on brutalities of a genocide, the tragic history of Palestine spanning 75 years risks repeating itself.

Mahira Khan

Mahira Khan has been very vocal about her steadfast support for Palestine. Her regular social media presence serves as a poignant reminder of how deeply these atrocities impact our surroundings. She has conveyed multiple messages on X addressed to her followers. She wrote, “Nothing feels good. And I understand life goes on.. it has to. We resume work, we worry about our child’s exams, or mother’s health or our own.. but through it all.. heart bleeds and breaks. May Allah have mercy on Palestine. On their hearts.. their children.. their lives…”

Ahsan Khan

The audience was enamored with Ahsan Khan as he displayed his solidarity with Palestine during BCW 2023 as he walked for fashion designer Emraan Rajput. He took the spotlight wearing a flawless black sherwani, carrying a large placard bearing the message, “Peace for Palestine: For every child, for every home,”. Towards the end of the showcase, Khan, accompanied by actor-model Amna Ilyas and stylist Yasser Dar, raised the placard in a unified stance.

Internationally, we have seen several celebrities championing the Palestinian cause as well.

Riz Ahmed

During an era where Hollywood has often stood as a consistent advocate for Israel, Oscar-winner Riz Ahmed, known for his unreserved expression on political matters through his rap music, the Oscar-winner once again fearlessly addresses the ongoing situation in Gaza, Palestine. He has boldly penned a comprehensive message delving into the brutality unfolding in Gaza. Commencing his message with, “We are told there are two sides to what is happening in Israel and Palestine. But in my heart, I know there is only one – the side of our humanity,” Ahmed articulates his viewpoint on the issue.

Bassem Youssef

An Egyptian heart surgeon turned comedian, Bassem Youssef garnered praise as he condemned Israel’s actions in Palestine, taking on a satirical approach. He appeared on British anchor Piers Morgan’s show Piers Morgan Uncensored and caught social media attention for his sarcastic comment on Palestine. He said that “It’s very repetitive. We are used to that... It’s just like those Palestinians are very dramatic, ‘Oh Israel’s killing us’. But they never die. They always come back. They are very difficult to kill. I know because I’m married to one. I tried many times, couldn’t kill.”

Youssef did not hold back and called out the Israeli Defense Forces and presented logical arguments, as he sided with the people of Gaza. He argued that the merciless killing of people in the West Bank, where there is no Hamas presence, is not justified.

While many individuals might become desensitized or overlook ongoing atrocities, celebrities serve as a persistent reminder in our daily lives. Their continuous advocacy generates public awareness and, most importantly, prompts governments to feel the weight of public opinion and urgency, compelling them to take action. Without this ongoing spotlight on brutalities of a genocide, the tragic history of Palestine spanning 75 years risks repeating itself.