Celebrities, elected officials and influencers are turning to social media to express their outrage at Israel’s killing of 61 Palestinians and injuring over 2,700 others who were marching for their freedom and protesting US President Donald Trump's move of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to al-Quds (Jerusalem), according to a report by the US-based Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU).
Celebrities and elected officials including Chelsea Handler, Bette Midler, Rowan Blanchard, Judd Apatow, Ava DuVerney, Jeffrey Wright, Marc Lamont Hill, Morgan Freeman, rapper Vic Mensa, Senator Bernie Sanders, Rep. Marc Pocan, Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Barbara Lee, Reza Aslan, NFL player Oday Aboushi, WWE fighter Sami Zayn, journalist Rula Jebrael and more have joined a growing chorus of high-profile influencers speaking out against Israel's treatment of Palestinians, it said.
In the past year, an increasing number of entertainers, athletes and scholars, such as Natalie Portman, Lorde and NFL player Michael Bennett have boycotted trips, event and award shows in Israel, citing their objections to Israel's treatment of Palestinians and refugees.
Here are some of what the celebrities had to say on social media:
Chelsea Handler, Comedian and TV personality:
“I’m glad Ivanka and Jared could take time away from their busy schedules of not being qualified to represent the US to go represent the US, and celebrate moving the capital in exchange for the Adelson’s donations, while 50+ Palestinians have been killed.”
Bette Midler, Actress:
“Fifty-two people die in protest over moving American Embassy to Jerusalem. Thanks, asshole! Your uninformed and demented actions have consequences! Don’t you get it? Those people had families too!
Jeffrey Wright, actor:
“58 Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire, 1,113 wounded. 'What a glorious day’ Netanyahu declared. Regardless of your position, that’s a heavy devaluation of Palestinian life.”
Marc Lamont Hill, CNN commentator and professor:
“Sending love, support, solidarity to my Palestinian brothers and sisters throughout the world. Today and tomorrow will only serve to compound the pain, injustice, and humiliation of the Nakba. I pray that you remain steadfast. And we stand with you.”
Morgan J. Freeman, Filmmaker and TV producer:
“43 dead. Any words for them, Donald? Our peace & prosperity as Americans is completely in jeopardy at the hands of an idiot following through on moronic campaign promises.”
Bernie Sanders, US Senator of Vermont:
“Over 50 killed in Gaza today and 2,000 wounded, on top of the 41 killed and more than 9,000 wounded over the past weeks. This is a staggering toll. Hamas violence does not justify Israel firing on unarmed protesters.”
Peter Sagal, host of WaitWait on NPR:
“I remember a story I learned as a kid about a guy who faced down an army with a stone and a sling. He was supposed to be the hero.”
Source: Wafa News Agency
