Palestinian Resistance From Social Media to the Stage
Activism Alert: #BlockOut2024 and More!
Today’s Newsletter
In this edition, we explore a new online activism movement urging social media users to block celebrities, discuss Bridgerton Season 3 and Eurovision 2024, and highlight a Palestinian pop artist you’ll want to follow!
For this week’s Taking Action, I've included ways you can join the American Friends Service Committee in fighting for justice in Palestine, Sudan, and more. And of course, don't miss out on my pro-Palestine Spotify playlist.
Celebrity #BlockOut2024
Throughout the last week, a wave of online activism has surged across social media platforms, urging users to take a stand against celebrity silence on the unfolding genocide in Gaza and block celebrities who have either remained silent or expressed support for the Israeli occupation.
I absolutely love this powerful demonstration of consumers reclaiming their agency and demanding accountability from public figures. People are no longer content with passive consumption, and we are leveraging our collective power to send a message: silence is not an option in times of crisis.
It made me think, could the proposed TikTok ban be a response to the growing influence of grassroots social media movements?
Bridgerton Season 3
Bridgerton Season 3 comes out this week! I have highlighted Nicola Coughlan in my Pro-Palestine Celebrities series on TikTok, and I actually loved the first couple seasons of Bridgerton so I’m excited for this season which heavily features Nicola.
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Bridgerton Season 3 will be split into two batches of four episodes, with Part 1 premiering on May 16, and Part 2 arriving a month later on June 13. You can watch the first five minutes of Part 1 now.
Palestine at Eurovision 2024
The 2024 Eurovision song contest kicked off in Malmo, Sweden on May 7 with an opening act that set the tone for the remainder of the contest, as Swedish sensation Eric Saade performed "Popular," wearing a keffiyeh around his wrist!
In general, Israel’s unfolding genocide in Gaza cast a long shadow over the festivities. Eurovision, famously touted as “apolitical,” found itself entangled in controversy from the get-go.
Pro-Palestine activists rallied outside for a boycott, questioning the appropriateness of Israel's participation.
Inside the contest, fans voiced their dissent with audible boos during Israeli contestant Eden Golan’s performances.
Dutch contestant Joost Klein's disqualification only added fuel to the fire, as Klein had appeared to vent his disagreement with Israel’s presence at a press conference, vocally backing a journalist who had asked Israel’s contestant, Eden Golan, if she thought her presence might endanger the other acts and the attending fans.
Marina Satti of Greece wore Palestinian fashion label Trashy Clothing and symbolically "dozed off" when Eden Golan was speaking at a press conference.
Eurovision’s 2024 winner, Swiss singer Nemo, captivated hearts and minds with "The Code," a genre-defying blend of opera and hip-hop. They are the first non-binary artist to win Eurovision!
Palestinian Pop Princess Amira Jazeera
Amira Jazeera is someone I’m really excited to highlight later this week on TikTok for my Iconic Palestinians series! Amira, based in Chicago and LA, is known affectionately as the "Palestinian Pop Princess.”
What sets Amira apart isn't just her undeniable talent as a musician, but also her groundbreaking work behind the scenes. She’s a trailblazer as one of the few women producers in the industry. According to Statista, she's part of only 3.4% of women producers period.
She’s been featured in Vogue Magazine, on Instagram Creator’s Anthems highlighting LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and was recognized as one of Chicago's Artists to Watch 2024 by These Days Magazine.
She’s also a passionate advocate for Palestine. Her latest release together with Eddy Mack, "Rhythm of Resistance," not only showcases her musical prowess but also supports aid workers in Gaza with all proceeds.
Amira’s debut album is set to drop this October under Levantine Music! Follow her on TikTok, Instagram and check out her latest release, "Still Thinkin' Bout Me,” below.
In Case You Missed It
I’ve started a couple of new series on TikTok: “Pro-Palestine Activists,” featuring Norman Finkelstein, Abby Martin, and more, and “Historical Icons for Palestine,” showcasing figures like Harry Belafonte, Vanessa Redgrave, Muhammad Ali (whom I posted about earlier today), and more.
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Both of these series delve into the lives and legacies of remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the Palestinian cause.
Also, I'm ramping up my posts on X/Twitter, so be sure to follow me there as well!
Take Action: American Friends Service Committee
The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that has been advocating for justice and human rights for over a century. Founded in 1917, AFSC is dedicated to addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, both domestically and internationally.
One of the key ways AFSC engages with communities and mobilizes support is through its diverse range of campaigns. Some of the campaigns AFSC offers include:
In addition to these campaigns, AFSC also facilitates community-led initiatives such as creating apartheid-free communities, advocating against harmful policies like COP City, and pushing for a more equitable Farm Bill.
Thank You
Let me know what you think by commenting below, and don't forget to share this newsletter with your friends and hit the like button. Together, we can tip the cultural scales in support of a Free Palestine. Thank you for being part of this community!
In Solidarity,
illesha magdalena
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