"A shift is needed so that people, from the Muslim or Arab community especially, speaking on behalf of these protests are sufficient enough to not be questioned as being antisemitic or pro-terrorism."
November 23, 2023
As an Arab and Muslim woman who has always been pro-Palestine and has attended a couple of pro-Palestine protests, I always made sure to mention the distinction between Zionists and Jewish people while talking about the situation in Palestine because there is no place for amalgams and hate against people blamed for the actions of people not speaking in their name. Like some people on social media, I’ve seen the video of Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP)'s sit-in at Grand Central Station in New York City demanding a ceasefire on October 27 or videos of Naturei Karta, a group of Orthodox Jewish people who reject Zionism, attend pro-Palestine protests presented as a sign of unity. On the other hand, I am constantly fed by media unfairly describing pro-Palestine protests and protesters as being antisemitic and pro-terrorism as a way to discredit the Palestinian cause. Alison Moule is right; the media has tried to divide us, and I can not emphasize enough the need for a better portrayal of these protests that only the tiny space given to Jewish people can defend. A shift is needed so that people, from the Muslim or Arab community especially, speaking on behalf of these protests are sufficient enough to not be questioned as being antisemitic or pro-terrorism.
Fatima Haidar
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME)