As the ongoing Israeli Defense Forces’ relentless bombardment of Gaza continues, I would like to share some of my thoughts:

Advocating for the human rights of Palestinians does not equate to supporting Hamas.

Similarly, expressing “Free Palestine” does not imply anti-Semitism or a desire for all Jews to leave.

What “Free Palestine” means:

  • Free Palestinians from the Israeli occupation that has deprived them of their basic human rights for 75 years.
  • Putting an end to imprisoning 2.3 million Palestinians in the world’s largest outdoor prison, about half of whom are children.
  • Ending the apartheid imposed by the Israeli government. (See also “Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians” by Amnesty International.)
  • Giving Palestinians control over their basic infrastructure on their land.

In the end, “Free Palestine” should signify the establishment of a Palestinian state in a part of the land they have historically inhabited.

Map of the Middle East, 1940

Map centered on the Middle East, circa 1940. British overseas territories highlighted in red. Note the prominently Palestinian-inhabited “Palestine.”