This summer has been a deeply unfortunate summer as the on-going conflict between Israel and Gaza sparked up roars from all over the world. With social media exploding with support for both sides, this fuelled online arguments between the two sides.
To our surprise, celebrities like Rihanna and Selena Gomez have openly shown their support for Palestine, which resulted in a backlash from some fans all over the world.
To our surprise, celebrities like Rihanna and Selena Gomez have openly shown their support for Palestine, which resulted in a backlash from some fans all over the world.
Selena Gomez, 22, used her Instagram to spread her support for Palestine, posting a picture along with the line, “It's About Humanity. Pray for Gaza”. The post received about 600,000 likes, but with that much sympathy from the public also came a lot of anger. Gomez later on posted another picture on her Instagram stating that she is “not picking any sides” and that she is “praying for peace and humanity for all”.
Joan Rivers, 81, the host of Fashion Police on E!, was interviewed by an Israeli news station and was asked about stars like Gomez which - to her perspective - were making pro-Palestinian comments.
“Selena Gomez, who just came out of rehab, who I believe is not a college girl, Rihanna, who is beautiful and not the smartest bulb in the lamp – they see pictures of (dead) children and they go crazy,” stated Rivers. “I think Israel should show pictures of dead puppies and these girls will turn right around”.
But what can we get from this? Which side should we pick? As Selena said, it’s not about picking sides, it’s about peace. The fact that celebrities, not only in the music industry, but also actors and sports players, advocate for peace despite the hate they may get shows hope for a brighter future.
Written by: Ryan Jordan