Pop Culture Activists: The Kattan Sisters, DJ Snake, Andrew Garfield, and "Love Is Blind"
Pop Culture Voices for Palestine and Lebanon: Plus, How You Can Help
Today’s Newsletter Highlights
Welcome to House of Magdalena! Thank you for joining me, Illesha Magdalena, at the intersection of culture and politics. In today’s issue we’ll discuss:
Huda & Mona Kattan Stand with Palestine & Lebanon
DJ Snake Stands for Palestine in Music and Online
Andrew Garfield’s Bold Call for Palestine at 92NY
Reality TV Real Talk: Palestine and US Imperialism on Love Is Blind
Take Action: Help the Lebanese Red Cross
And as always, be sure to check out my Pro-Palestinian Artists Spotify playlist!
Huda & Mona Kattan Stand with Palestine & Lebanon
Huda Beauty recently posted a heartfelt message announcing a major step: both Huda Beauty and Mona Kattan’s fragrance brand, Kayali, are donating to Doctors Without Borders and the Lebanese Red Cross to support those affected by the ongoing conflict in Palestine and Lebanon.
The move comes more than a week after Huda Kattan delayed the launch of her beauty podcast Huda Hotline, which was set to release on October 2. The delay came amid Israel’s escalating genocidal actions in the Middle East.
The Kattan sisters, known for their incredible success in the beauty industry, are using their platform to help others in times of crisis, cultivating a caring space in the beauty industry.
DJ Snake Stands for Palestine in Music and Online
DJ Snake, the Algerian-French DJ behind global hits like "Turn Down for What" and "Let Me Love You," is not only world famous for his music but is also an outspoken supporter of Palestine.
Back in 2021, DJ Snake joined over 600 artists in signing the Musicians for Palestine letter, condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza and supporting Palestinian self-determination. Since then, his advocacy has only gotten louder. In 2024, as Israel’s genocide of Palestinians escalated, DJ Snake posted striking images to Twitter/X, including one of a child in Gaza carrying empty water jugs, with the caption, "Enough is enough," directly criticizing Israel’s policy of cutting off water and food to Palestinians.
DJ Snake’s 2024 performances have also been a platform for his activism, from playing Mohammed Assaf’s “Dammi Falastini (My Blood is Palestinian)” at the Sunny Hill Festival as Dua Lipa watched on and cheered, to leading chants of “Free Palestine” at shows in Liège and Montreal.
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Just yesterday, he took to social media again, calling Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu a war criminal and drawing attention to Israel burning refugees alive in their tents.
DJ Snake’s fusion of music and activism is a reminder of the power artists have to shape global conversations around politics and justice, a power that more should use.
Andrew Garfield’s Bold Call for Palestine at 92NY
Andrew Garfield, famous for his role as Spider-Man, has recently become known for using his platform to advocate for Palestinians. In October 2023, Garfield was one of the first celebrities to join the Artists4Ceasefire initiative, urging an end to the assault on Gaza and calling for global attention on the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians.
During a live podcast at New York’s 92nd Street Y in October 2024, Garfield was asked about his career and took the opportunity to instead advocate for Palestinians in Gaza.
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Speaking at a venue deeply rooted in Jewish-American culture, Garfield's call for action and empathy toward Palestinians stood out, especially considering the venue’s history of facing backlash over postponing events featuring figures critical of Israel. His remarks, though applauded by some, also earned him the title of Dirtbag Avenger by one Zionist publication.
Garfield’s stance speaks to the growing number of voices in entertainment who are willing to speak up for Palestine, even when it risks their careers.
Reality TV Real Talk: Palestine and US Imperialism on Love Is Blind
Did you catch the recent episodes of Love Is Blind? Contestants Ramses and Marissa had a shocking, powerful conversation about US military intervention and even touched on Palestine!
In episodes 7 and 8, Ramses, who’s Venezuelan, openly criticized the US for destabilizing countries, including his homeland. His partner Marissa, herself a military veteran, also acknowledged that the US has bullied and destroyed societies worldwide.
During a subsequent conversation with Marissa and her friends, Ramses included the US’s role in the genocide of Palestinians in his critique of the military.
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Contestants calling out American imperialism on reality TV is a rare and important moment, bringing real-world issues to the forefront in an unexpected space. Does the fact that Love is Blind aired this conversation mean the discussion around Palestine is becoming less taboo in the mainstream?
Take Action: Help the Lebanese Red Cross
As Israel's attacks on Lebanon intensify, the humanitarian crisis worsens. Since October 7, over 8,000 people have been affected, with 1,700 confirmed deaths and more than a million displaced. The Lebanese Red Cross is on the front lines providing urgent medical aid and disaster relief. Here’s how you can help:
Donate Online: The quickest way to contribute is through the LRC's donation platform.
Wire Transfer or Cash Donations: Donate via wire transfer or in person at LRC headquarters.
In-Kind Donations: Contact the LRC for urgently needed items.
Your support is crucial. Please consider donating today to help Lebanese people in crisis. For more information or to make in-kind donations, email fundraising@redcross.org.lb.
Thank You
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In Solidarity,
illesha magdalena
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