By: Khaled Tayeh
RAMALLAH, December 10, 2017 (WAFA) – Despite warnings from many political figures, US President Donald Trump recognized last Wednesday the city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and revealed plans to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Since Trump’s infamous speech, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip and Palestine’s supporters all around the world have protested against the decision, because it robs Palestinians of their right to have Jerusalem as the capital of their independent state.
While Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories have declared days of rage to express rejection to Trump’s unilateral move, by organizing protests and subsequently clashing with Israeli forces, pro-Palestine protests have taken place in several countries across the Middle East and Europe.
Many Palestinian, Arab and international celebrities and public figures took it to their social media pages to voice their rejection of Trump’s statements.
Palestinian singer Mohammad Assaf posted several tweets on Twitter in solidarity with his people and their righteous claim to Jerusalem. Singers Yacoub Shaheen, Laith Abo Joda and Ameer Dandan also tweeted their support to Palestine.
Lebanese singers were among the first celebrities to show rejection of Trump’s announcement.
Elissa, a singer with well over 43 million followers on social media, expressed her disappointment by tweeting: “My dream was always to visit Jerusalem. I don‘t know if this will still be possible. I pray for Palestine, for Jerusalem, and for our constant loss.”
Singer Ragheb Alama tweeted that Jerusalem will remain the capital of Palestine and performed a song in dedication to Jerusalem during a concert in Dubai. Singer and actress Haifa Wehbe also tweeted a picture of the Dome of the Rock, and attached it with hashtags like ‘Palestine’ and ‘Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine’.
Actress and singer Carole Samaha sent a tweet to Trump saying: “History cannot be changed. You can’t give what you don’t have, it belongs to #palestine and will always be it’s capital #JerusalemIsTheCapitalofPalestine.” She then posted a picture of a map of the National Geographic Magazine that shows Palestine in 1947.
Singer Nawal al-Zoghby and Emirati singer Ahlam quoted a line by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish that said: “Peace to a land that was created for peace, and never saw a peaceful day.”
Other Lebanese celebrities like Nancy Ajram, Najwa Karam, Cyrine Abdelnour, Nishan, Assi El Hallani, Amal Hijazi, Ramy Ayach among others all respectively tweeted in solidarity with the Palestinians.
Celebrities from Egypt were also quick to show rejection to Trump’s announcement. Actor Mohammad Henedy posted: “Teach your kids that Palestine is Arab, and that Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine now and forever.”
Singers Sherine and Ahmad Fahmi also tweeted in support of Palestine, while Arab Idol’s Judge and music producer Hassan El Shafei tweeted: “There are more than one and a half billion human beings on this planet who believe that #Jerusalem is Palestine‘s capital. This is a fact engraved deep in the heart of history and no president can change that.”
Moroccan singer Laila Ghofran participated in an event in Cairo and said in her speech that Jerusalem is Arab, and the land of Palestine is Arab. She was also reported to be working on a song dedicated to Jerusalem, due to be released soon.
Among the international celebrities who spoke against Trump’s declaration was American model Bella Hadid, who is of Palestinian origin. She posted a long message on her Instagram account to condemn Trump’s decision.
“A very very sad day. Watching the news and seeing the pain of the Palestinian people makes me cry for the many many generations of Palestine,” Hadid said. “Seeing the sadness of my father, cousins, and Palestinian family that are feeling for our Palestinian ancestors makes this even harder to write.”
“Jerusalem is home of all religions. For this to happen, I feel, makes us take 5 steps back making it harder to live in a world of peace. The TREATMENT of the Palestinian people is unfair, one-sided and should not be tolerated. I stand with Palestine. “
Hadid also participated in an anti-Trump march in front of the US embassy in London, the United Kingdom. Protesters held signs that read “Free Palestine,” Hands off Jerusalem,” and “End Israeli Occupation.”
Hadid’s father, Mohamed Hadid, noted that the day Trump named Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is the “saddest day of my life”.
“Now Mr president Trump with a simple signature gave with no return Our beloved holy land Jerusalem to the Israelis as their capital ... this is not a real estate deal,” he added.
Meanwhile, American actor Mark Ruffalo thought what Trump did was a bad move. He tweeted: “Put me on the freedom and dignity for all side. #Jerusalem4All #StopTheMove”.
Commenting on the tensions in the occupied territories, Ruffalo said in another tweet: “Isreal, please show restraint in the face of these protests. This is a terrible blow to any hope for peace or a life beyond apartheid for your neighbors. Please, all parties, use restraint.”
K.T/M.H
