"However, I must respectfully point out that while the article correctly identifies Sabra as a Mossad agent in the Marvel comics, it overlooks the central reason many view the character as offensive and emblematic of anti-Palestinian propaganda: her name."
June 25, 2025
Dear Ms. Salam,
On behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME), I would like to express sincere thanks for your recent opinion piece examining the pro-Imperialist messaging of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), particularly your critique of the inclusion of Sabra in Captain America: Brave New World.
I really appreciate that you centered parts of your critique over Marvel’s decision to frame a Mossad agent as a superhero. This normalization of Israeli state violence through pop culture dangerously obscures the reality of Israel’s apartheid regime and its ongoing displacement of Palestinians.
However, I must respectfully point out that while the article correctly identifies Sabra as a Mossad agent in the Marvel comics, it overlooks the central reason many view the character as offensive and emblematic of anti-Palestinian propaganda: her name.
For many, particularly within Lebanese and Palestinian communities, the name "Sabra" evokes the memory of the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacre, a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of between 700 (the official Israeli figure) and 3,500 (according to investigative journalist Amnon Kapeliouk) Palestinian refugees and Lebanese civilians. Christian Phalange militias, allied with and facilitated by the Israeli military, carried out these atrocities. The timing of Marvel's announcement to include Sabra in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) also coincided with the 40th anniversary of this tragedy which makes her inclusion even more insensitive for Arab communities.
My small concern aside, your piece remains a strong critique of how the media shapes ideology, and it still plays an important role in countering the erasure of Palestinian perspectives.
Lastly, if possible, I would be more than happy to draft a letter to the editor explaining how the character of Sabra and her name are a tasteless reminder of the horrible 1982 massacre.
The CJPME team is grateful for your efforts to challenge narratives that obscure settler colonial violence.
In solidarity,
Anthony Issa
Media Analyst
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME)