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Concerns grow over pro-Palestinian bike ride, boycott targeting Philadelphia businesses
'These businesses must disappear': Philadelphia protest targets Jewish-owned shops ahead of Kristallnacht anni
Pro-Palestinian groups plan cycling protest targeting 6 Jewish- and Israeli-owned businesses, drawing condemnation from US senators and Jewish groups; event, scheduled on eve of Kristallnacht anniversary, raises fears of antisemitism under guise of political activism
CAIR Md. Welcomes Muslim, Pro-Justice Election Victories, Calls Results a ‘Decisive Rejection’ of Islamophobia, Politics of Hate
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed election victories by Muslim candidates and leaders committed to justice, civil rights and Palestinian human rights in legislative races across
“Nobody Wants This” star hits back at ‘tensions’ on set following Adam Brody comments
Tovah Feldshuh previously slammed the “OC” alum’s criticism of Israel’s attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.
College applicants are ruling out schools over state politics
A new survey finds that one-third of college applicants decide against applying to a school solely over partisan politics in its state.
The politics of war
Israel went to the polls last Tuesday and it is the turn of the United States next Tuesday. The differences in the two elections are self-evident. Compared with the US, which has favourable geography and does everything at scale, Israel is tiny and part of an unstable region. For its elections, it has adopted an almost pure form of proportional representation based on lists. This encourages multiple parties and can make it almost impossible to form a government, as we can now see. The US system is complex in its own way but discourages third parties. Yet for all the differences in size, geography, and political systems, the fates of the two countries are closely connected. Israel has come to depend on the US to sustain its military strength, and over the past few tumultuous years that dependence has created resentment in the United States. The Biden administration was punished for appearing to give Netanyahu a blank check after the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023, and not holding Israel back as it employed ruthless tactics in Gaza. Because of the treatment of Palestinians, American views of Israel have grown progressively more negative over the past few years. Only a third now support the Israeli government. While on the left, this is largely because of how Israeli forces have operated in Gaza and, more recently, how the settler movement has behaved in the West Bank, for the American right the issue has been about how Benjamin Netanyahu persuaded Donald Trump to forget his wariness about more Middle Eastern wars and agree to a joint attack on Iran, which has gone badly wrong. The Palestine question was not a big issue for the two large Jewish blocs in last Tuesday’s election. Both supported a tough response to Hamas after October 2023 and neither accepts a two-state solution. It was, however, the threat posed by the ethno-nationalist policies of Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, the two extreme members of Netanyahu’s coalition, and their tolerance, even encouragement, of settler violence, that brought out the Arab voters. (In principle this should strengthen their position though to turn into real power would require the ‘Change Bloc’ overcoming their opposition to involving Arab parties. The alternatives are a National Unity government, defection from the Change Bloc to Netanyahu, or deadlock and another round of elections in the new year.) There was also broad support for the war against Iran among the Jewish parties. The difficulty here is that the objectives behind the war have yet to be met, and that continuing with military operations depends on the United States. In this way the two elections have come together at a crucial moment. If Netanyahu hoped that a victory over Iran would help him retain his majority, cementing his legacy as an Israeli war leader, it did not work out that way. Trump also expected a great victory about which he could boast. He promised at most the end of a hateful and aggressive regime, with a record of hostility to both the United States and Israel, or at least the elimination of Iran’s military capabilities and the end of its nuclear programme. Eight months on, there is not much to boast about; vital objectives remain elusive: the Iranian regime is even more hardline than before; the international economy is barely coping with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz; and Saudi Arabia is struggling with an unwanted conflict with the Yemeni Houthis. For all these reasons, the Iran War has been a dark cloud hanging over both elections. Yet the issue has been approached in different ways. Netanyahu sought to push the issue before the election while Trump has been more cautious. Trump’s essential claim is that there is nothing to worry about and he’s still working out what final steps need to be taken to provide a definitive conclusion to the conflict. Netanyahu’s final pitch was that there was lots to worry about. He focused on Israel’s dire security situation, with the Iran War unfinished and the prospect of imminent economic isolation because of international sanctions. For him it is imperative to defeat Iran decisively, and without delay. Why this different response to the same war? Part of the answer lies in how public opinion in the two countries responded to the war. In this post, I show how this came about. We await the outcome of the US midterms but know the result, at least in terms of the share of the vote if not yet the shape of the new government, of the Israeli election. With the elections out of the way Netanyahu is pressing for another round in the war. Trump is less sure. I conclude with thoughts on the importance of how he decides.
For Palestinian citizens of Israel, a historic vote borne of fear and frustration
SAKHNIN, Israel (AP) — For Palestinian citizens of Israel, it was a rare moment of political triumph.Hundreds of thousands voted in record numbers, giving two Arab-led parties their largest-ever numbe...
The Israel debate reshaping Jewish American politics
“There are plenty of people who believe, as I do, that Israel has a right to protect itself,” says David to Lauren, both pictured below, over the dinner table. Subscribe “How does starving children protect Israel?” she replies. “I don’t think Israel is intentionally starving children.” “It’s a little bit absurd to be sitting here talking about all of these very specific things,” Lauren says, “as opposed to looking at the totality of him as a candidate, and the 90% of things that you agree with him on.” This is a snapshot from a conversation between a Jewish father and daughter in Michigan ahead of the crucial Senate race. Lauren supports the Democratic candidate, Abdul El-Sayed. Her father is undecided. That is mainly because of El-Sayed’s stance on Israel, one that mirrors a growing wing of the party that has become critical of the US-Israel relationship following the war in Gaza. You’re reading FourSight, a newsletter from Channel 4 News’ expert journalists explaining the complexities of the biggest global stories Could that alienate Jewish American voters who have a strong connection to Israel - and the majority of whom have voted Democratic? A shifting stance on Israel “An ally that takes your money to push you into wars you shouldn’t be fighting is not an ally,” El-Sayed recently told ABC News, referring to the Iran war and how some Americans believe that Israel pushed President Trump into the conflict. Foreign policy has become an economic issue that’s hitting Americans’ pockets, with the soaring cost of petrol and diesel. El-Sayed, pictured below, has opposed military aid for Israel and accused the nation of genocide in Gaza. That led to the pro-Israel lobby group, AIPAC, funding his opponent, Hayley Stevens, to the tune of $30m during the Democratic primary here. “I frequently criticise AIPAC because I think the way that they are pouring dollars into defeating Abdul and others around the country… is really corrosive to American democracy,” Brad Lander says at a canvassing event in Detroit. Lander, a Jewish Democratic congressional candidate in New York, is an ally of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and has come to campaign for El-Sayed. “Democrats and Americans don’t want to keep paying for Netanyahu’s wars,” he says. “They want a reset in the US relationship with Israel.” The 2026 election has clearly been a bruising one for AIPAC; the Wall Street Journal reported that, in an unpublished letter, the group described the cycle as one of the “most challenging environments in recent memory”. Share And significantly, after the midterms, the group will stop direct contributions to candidates through one of its political action committees. Voters’ concerns We followed a group of Jewish canvassers around one suburb in Detroit. They think that among the 130,000 Jewish voters in Michigan, between 20 and 30,000 are undecided. In a swing state where El-Sayed beat his primary rival by just 13,000, that could prove pivotal. We meet one voter, Jen Friedman, pictured below, who has a “Democrats for Rogers” sign, referring to the Republican candidate. The issue of Israel is very important to her because “having a safe haven is crucial”, she tells me. “What I see is one candidate, Mike Rogers, who is associating himself with people who are very proudly American,” says Jen. “Abdul, on the other hand, is associating with people who say they are anti-American.” Friedman raises two issues. Firstly, Hasan Piker, a left-wing streamer who has campaigned alongside El-Sayed and has been criticised for his comments on the US and Israel. [ ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/who-is-hasan-piker-the-socialist) [ Why Hasan Piker thinks the US needs a socialist Trump ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/who-is-hasan-piker-the-socialist) Anushka Asthana · Aug 19 [ Read full story ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/who-is-hasan-piker-the-socialist) The other concern regards an attack on a Michigan synagogue back in March. The FBI said the man was inspired by Hezbollah and had lost relatives in an Israeli airstrike on Lebanon. El-Sayed condemned the antisemitic attack, but also said “hurt people hurt people”. That upset many here, with El-Sayed apologising numerous times for his choice of language. Jews for Abdul As we follow the canvassers, there are still plenty of lawn signs supporting El-Sayed. Elissa Driker, pictured below, runs out of her house wearing a “Jews for Abdul” t-shirt. “I feel like the values that Abdul has align with how I live my Judaism,” she tells me. She says “Abdul is not Hasan Piker, so I don’t conflate them”. I ask why Piker keeps coming up. “It gets weaponised. I don’t know if you watched the debate the other night, but talk about… weaponising fear and weaponising anxiety and all that Islamophobic dog-whistling that was coming towards Abdul.” I also talk to Elissa about how Americans more broadly appear to be questioning the US-Israel relationship and whether American Jews were ready to do that too. “A lot of American Jews are. My experience is absolutely the tide is turning.” For the first time, Gallup found this year that Americans now sympathise more with the Palestinians than the Israelis. In another poll of Jewish American voters, 65% said they were pro-Israel but also critical of Israeli government policies, 52% support cutting or eliminating aid to Israel. Father and daughter Back at the dinner table, I bring up those polls with David Fink. Why does he think Americans sympathise less with Israelis? [ ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/how-support-for-israel-in-us-is-declining) [ How support for Israel in US is declining ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/how-support-for-israel-in-us-is-declining) Kiran Moodley · May 4 [ Read full story ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/how-support-for-israel-in-us-is-declining) “Because the news media and the extremes of both parties are so willing to tell what I think is a false narrative.” Lauren chimes in: “Do you really think the actions of Israel have nothing to do with the shift in the sympathies?” “I think that’s very relevant,” he replies. “I just don’t think that people really have a full understanding.” Lauren again: “It sounds like you’re saying that the shift is due to how the atrocities are being described, as opposed to what the actual atrocities are.” “There have been some things that shouldn’t have happened,” David says. “I think the polling is being driven by politicians who are taking advantage of this issue.” Lauren then asks, “I’m curious what your response would be if my children were killed in an Israeli airstrike and someone said there have been some things that shouldn’t have happened?” A long pause from her father. “Any reference to my grandchildren has a very deep emotional impact on me. Well done,” he says. “I have an empathy for any civilian in war and I don’t mean to belittle those losses. The loss of any one life is a horrible thing. But it doesn’t make it a war crime and it doesn’t make it genocide.” Lauren and David cannot agree but tell me how proud they are of one another for sticking to their convictions and for agreeing to let me sit in on their conversation. I cannot thank them enough for their time, and hope their honesty informs and educates many people during such a fraught election. Abdul El-Sayed: The candidate testing the US - Israel relationship Thanks for reading our latest FourSight newsletter. Subscribe to receive free weekly newsletters from Channel 4 News. Subscribe Share Channel 4 News Leave a comment
The next phase of military rule in Egypt is here
El-Sisi’s announcement that he will not run for a fourth term may signal a new leadership arrangement.
Mahmoud Khalil credits Palestinian activism for reshaping US politics
Khalil returned to Columbia University to discuss his memoir detailing his arrest and detention by US immigration agents
Palestinian protest leader says movement reshaping US politics
Mahmoud Khalil, who became the face of resistance to President Donald Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian student activism, believes the movement has succeeded by shifting public perception and encouraging…
Palestinian protest leader says movement reshaping US politics
Mahmoud Khalil, who became the face of resistance to President Donald Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian student activism, believes the movement has succeeded by shifting public perception and encou...
Israel/Palestine: Israel’s systematic targeting of Palestinian health workers continues
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the Observatory for the Protection (…)
Rise of Palestinian parties in Knesset will redraw Israel’s political landscape
Exit polls indicate opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot will have to work with Arab-Israeli leaders to have a hope of governing
Mark Ruffalo makes surprise video cameo at Macklemore’s first ‘Free Palestine’ concert after Ed Sheeran controversy
The actor and the rapper have both been outspoken advocates for Palestinians in Gaza.
British politicians among international delegates barred from entering West Bank
Group was on visit to meet Palestinian children, farmers and civil leaders facing escalating violence from Israeli forces
Netanyahu might be finished but his policies toward the Palestinians will largely endure
JALUD, West Bank (AP) — Israel's elections Tuesday could mark the end of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's decades-long political career.But his legacy in the Israeli-occupied West Bank — of massiv...
Attacks on Health Care in the occupied Palestinian territory (01-15 October 2026)
Situation Report in English on occupied Palestinian territory about Health, Protection and Human Rights and more; published on 22 Oct 2026 by Insecurity Insight
The Palestinian Politician Who Could Be Israel’s Kingmaker
Opposition leaders have said they won’t ally with an Arab party, though polls show this is their only sure path to victory over Netanyahu. Mansour Abbas thinks he can change their minds
Brad Lander detained by IDF in the West Bank during olive harvest
The congressional candidate previously said he was traveling to the West Bank in solidarity with Palestinian farmers.
Penguin Colony Developers Talk The BDS Talk And Walk The Walk By Banning The Game For Sale In Israel
The game also gives you one hell of a statement on the Palestinian genocide
Trump endorses embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection
Israelis are set to vote Oct. 27, in the first national elections since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Pro-Palestinian politician threatens Berlin left's election victory over Israel stance
Pro-Palestinian politician Vanessa Emde has plunged Berlin's Die Linke into crisis after rejecting Israel's right to exist, prompting the Social Democrats and Greens to suspend coalition talks and threatening the party's chances of forming a government
Detroit summit boosts Israeli business in face of pro-Palestinian wave
Michigan Israel Business Accelerator drew fire ahead of the Innovation Exchange Summit at Huntington Bank HQ, with Rep. Rashida Tlaib demanding state end funding for group
Attacks on health care in the West Bank (Since 1 January - 30 September 2026)
Infographic in English on occupied Palestinian territory about Health and Safety and Security; published on 16 Oct 2026 by WHO
Attacks on health care in the Gaza Strip (Since 1 January 2026 - 30 September 2026)
Infographic in English on occupied Palestinian territory about Health and Safety and Security; published on 16 Oct 2026 by WHO
Big Walk developer explains the lack of Xbox version is due to Microsoft's place on the BDS boycott
Big Walk developer House House has explained no Xbox version of Big Walk will come until the Palestinian-led boycott movement removes Microsoft from its list.
WHO calls for urgent health action across the Eastern Mediterranean
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for promoting, providing and protecting health in the Eastern Mediterranean region, home to some of the world’s top humanitarian crises such as Sudan, Yemen and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Eisenkot wants a new direction. His Palestinian policy has a problem
Does Gadi Eisenkot's vision point toward a political settlement or a more sustainable management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
A year after the ‘ceasefire’, Gaza’s healthcare is still collapsing
Continuing attacks, restrictions on medical aid and delayed evacuations are still killing Palestinians.
'NAZA' review: Israeli documentary is a living nightmare
Documentary "NAZA" examines how Israeli forces use AI and surveillance systems to target and kill Palestinians.
Attacks on Health Care in the occupied Palestinian territory (01-15 September 2026)
Situation Report in English on occupied Palestinian territory about Health, Protection and Human Rights and more; published on 8 Oct 2026 by Insecurity Insight
Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine: Tracking Outbreaks Amid Conflict
War recovery plans should include detailed monitoring to prevent diseases like polio and cholera from spreading
Ed Sheeran's newest opening act praises Macklemore amid tour drama
After other musical acts quit his tour following Macklemore's removal for pro-Palestinian messaging during a performance, Ed Sheeran found a replacement opening act for a night.
Ed Sheeran's new tour opener speaks out on Macklemore, calls for 'common ground'
After other musical acts quit his tour following Macklemore's removal for pro-Palestinian messaging during a performance, Ed Sheeran has found a replacement opening act.
Israeli strike kills five in Gaza, including four women, health officials say
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dawoud Abu AlkasCAIRO/GAZA, Oct 3 (Reuters) - An Israeli airstrike killed at least five Palestinians, including four women, in an apartment building in Gaza City early on Saturday, health and civil defence service officials said.Among the dead were a Christian mother, Maisa Abu Dawoud, and her daughter Mary, medics and the church said.There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.The strike destroyed the apartment building and started a fire.
Culture refocuses attention on the Palestinian cause: ‘It has always been central to political struggle’
Musicians’ tours, film festivals and literary forums keep the flame for Gaza alive and spark debates about the limits of free expression and the concepts of censorship and cancellation
Israeli strike kills four people in Gaza, medics say
An Israeli airstrike killed at least four Palestinians in an apartment building in Gaza City early on Saturday, the territory’s health officials said.
Ed Sheeran, Macklemore fallout shouldn't be personalized, Bono says
U2 frontman Bono has weighed in on the ongoing controversy involving Ed Sheeran after Macklemore was removed from the singer's tour when venues objected to the rapper's pro-Palestinian remarks.
Female Gazan PLC candidate to 'Post': I want a say in the decisions shaping my life
In an interview with the Post, Hiyam Taha explained why she is seeking to enter politics and how she hopes to improve the future of the Palestinian people.
UK to open new refugee resettlement routes for Afghan women and Palestinians
Exclusive: Move by Shabana Mahmood comes after closure of Afghan scheme last year but experts say numbers too small to deter Channel crossings
Tales Of Syria’s Disappeared; Lebanese Wartime Adoption & Palestinian Mental Health Set For Cinemed-Aflamuna Project Incubator
France’s Montpellier Mediterranean Film Festival, also known as Cinemed, and Beirut-based Arab cinema platform Aflamuna have unveiled the selection for their fifth project incubator event, which will ...
Macklemore announces new Free Palestine tour, after Ed Sheeran tour dismissal
LOS ANGELES — Macklemore remains firm in his commitment to the Palestinian cause amid Israel's deadly war in Gaza. The "Same Love" and "Hind's Hall" artist, after a recent $1
Macklemore announces concerts benefiting Palestinian aid organizations
Macklemore has announced a series of live performances called “Free Palestine,” with all proceeds going to Palestinian aid organizations | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Macklemore announces concerts benefiting Palestinian aid organizations
Macklemore has announced a series of live performances called “Free Palestine,” with all proceeds going to Palestinian aid organizations | NewsRadio 1080 KRLD
Macklemore announces concerts benefiting Palestinian aid organizations
Macklemore has announced a series of live performances called “Free Palestine,” with all proceeds going to Palestinian aid organizations. The tour kicks off in Europe next month, starting in Dublin
Attacks on Health Care in the occupied Palestinian territory (01-15 September 2026)
Situation Report in English on occupied Palestinian territory about Health, Protection and Human Rights and more; published on 22 Sep 2026 by Insecurity Insight
The Last Revolutionary Filmmaker
Japanese filmmaker Masao Adachi spent nearly three decades in Lebanon alongside the Palestinian resistance. Today, stripped of his passport and largely ignored at home, he’s making the most politically alive cinema in Japan at 87 years old.
Iran Condemns Israeli Atrocities against Palestinians
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the Israeli regime’s ongoing crimes against Palestinians, calling for urgent international action to stop the genocide in Gaza and the West Bank.
Whether you like it or not, celebrities have an impact on politics
The global groundswell of support for Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian advocacy serves to remind us that maybe celebrity activism really is that deep after all, writes Cheek’s Varsha Yajman. Subscribe In the last week, publications, podcasts, and influencers that have either rarely or never spoken about Israel’s genocide in Palestine have flooded my social feed. And it was all because singer Ed Sheeran and his team dropped Macklemore as his opener for saying “Free Palestine” on stage. Millions raised, millions speaking up in support of Palestine - all of this confirming my view that, whether I like it or not, celebrities do have an impact on political outcomes. And this is interesting when much of the time celebrity activism can induce an eye roll - I love to see Charli XCX pointing out a Palestinian flag in the crowd, but it’s hardly the bold symbol of allyship that some fans would make it out to be. But there’s a line between healthy scepticism and outright dismissal - and I’d argue that the latter lets the rich and powerful off far too easily. For instance, actress Jennifer Lawrence, once outspoken about her political views, last year told The Times she no longer believes celebrities have a role to play: “Celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for. So then what am I doing? I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart.” While it’s a narrative she might find comfort in, it simply is not true. Grassroots movements often garner worldwide attention when celebrities and other high-profile spokespeople bring a mainstream platform to their causes. And this frustrates me. We have had three years of a live-streamed genocide. Macklemore himself has been calling for a Free Palestine long before he booked the Sheeran concert. Yet it’s the high-profile fallout of the last week that finally seems to have made saying “Free Palestine” socially acceptable in the mainstream. It feels like the collective mood has shifted, where calling out censorship is now the obvious response - not just the business of ‘radical’ activists. To recap, Sheeran’s decision followed an ultimatum from billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, one of the venues Sheeran was scheduled to perform at: either drop Macklemore as your opener after only two of the eight scheduled shows, or you do not play at any stadiums. Sheeran’s disappointing decision to stand on the side of billionaire-led censorship has ultimately seen a surge in support for Free Palestine. It began when all his openers and his backing band pulled out of Sheeran’s tour, in solidarity with Macklemore and with the Palestinian cause. It was met with an uproar of support from those who had never or barely touched politics before: influencers lip-syncing to Macklemore’s music, singers like Jack Antonoff singing “Free Palestine,” and publications and podcasts standing with Macklemore. And finally, we saw material support: Macklemore donated $1 million in profits from his two nights opening for Sheeran’s tour to several Palestinian aid groups and called for Sheeran and Kraft to match it, which they have since promised to do. We’ve also seen children’s entertainer Ms Rachel follow suit with a $1 million donation to Palestinian aid, and publication PopBase has donated $10,000. Anera, a humanitarian aid group working in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan, said donations since Macklemore’s announcement were more than triple this month’s daily average. The group’s Instagram page has also gained 8,000 followers. Macklemore far from the first celebrity to speak and participate in politics in the Western World. In 1924, singer Al Jolson supported Republican candidate Warren G. Harding for president, and decades later, celebrities such as Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, and Aretha Franklin voiced their public support for the Civil Rights movement. More recently, in the lead-up to the 2024 US election, ‘The Daily Show with Trevor Noah partnered with the organisation Power the Polls to recruit poll workers to address shortages- a problem disproportionately affecting voters of colour. The campaign saw 170,000 new sign-ups - 35,000 of which came directly through the TV show’s link - resulting in the recruitment of 713,000 total poll workers that year, an almost three-fold increase on the organisation’s goal. Alongside recruiting workers, celebrities in the US (where voting in elections is not compulsory) have made a huge difference by calling for people to register to vote. Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024 saw over 400,000 visitors on the voter registration site within 24 hours of her Instagram post. In 2023, Swift had urged her fans to register, resulting in 35,000 new voter registrations. Similarly, Ariana Grande promoted voter registration in 2019 by setting up booths at concerts on the American leg of her tour, resulting in over 33,000 voters registering. And the same thing is happening closer to home. This year, musician Jack River successfully called for government action to ensure creatives in Australia do not have their work scraped by generative AI companies. Celebrity as the mediator between the punter and the politician Celebrity activism isn’t just a feel-good news story - research tells us it actually makes a difference. By directing attention to issues affecting the average person, like voting inaccessibility or a lack of action on a genocide, researchers Alfred Archer and Amanda Cawston state that “celebrities can play a useful bridging role between political elites and the people they represent”. Alternatively, in a world where talking about politics is “not cool,” or where people lack exposure or knowledge to engage with politics, celebrities can act as an educational resource or an entry point into the political world - when they speak up about an issue, their audience gets exposed to it. Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival is a perfect example. Rodrigo partnered with twelve organisations focused on women’s issues, such as reproductive rights. These organisations had stalls at the festival for people to meet them and were also featured heavily on social media, giving their issues global attention and raising $20 million for the organisations. We have also seen celebrities at award shows such as the Emmys wearing F*CK ICE pins, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s treatment and detainment of people - generally people of colour. When celebrities speak up about political issues in public forums, they put the issue at the forefront of mainstream media, rally their supporters, and make it clear that, however much they disagree, the government cannot simply ignore it. Our over-reliance on celebrities versus our politicians As much as I love seeing my favourite celebrity use their platform for a good cause, there is an important question to ask: not whether celebrity activism is good or bad, but whether we should have to rely on celebrities. And the answer would, in an ideal world, be no. In an ideal world, or merely a just world, action on Palestine would’ve happened decades ago, climate change would be taken seriously, and most importantly, people would understand their democratic rights. However, that is not our reality. Only around 28 per cent of Australian Year 10 students reach proficiency in civics and citizenship. In the US, almost two-thirds of people under 30 say high school civics education didn’t prepare them to understand voting deadlines, how to research candidates, or how to vote by mail. When civics education is weak, our trust in these institutions and our understanding of change-making processes also decline. This is where celebrity steps in and becomes our main source of reliance. As Mary R. Connelly notes in _The Tartan, “_Celebrities will always be involved in campaigns in one form or another, but their presence is not what causes people to vote blindly. The lack of political engagement and literacy is what allows celebrities to wield their influence on the political sphere so impactfully.” About the author Varsha Yajman is the Digital Content Producer at Cheek Media. She is a youth advocate and lawyer with a background in climate litigation and is passionate about looking at the intersection between race, climate justice, and mental health. Thanks for reading Cheek Media Co. ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share
Gaza health officials say 4 killed in Israeli strikes, including child
Four people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, according to local health officials. The attack also claimed the life of a government official’s son.
Israeli settler shot dead in West Bank before Yom Kippur
Israeli civilian shot dead in West Bank as tensions rise; Iran's foreign minister heads to UN via Qatar, and CIA chief visits Egypt.
Ed Sheeran's Cousin Slams Singer, Calls Him a 'Coward' Amid Controversy
Ed Sheeran's cousin is publicly condemning his famous family member amid the controversy surrounding the decision to unceremoniously remove Macklemore from the singer's Loop Tour for his unapologetic support of the Palestinian people.
Ed Sheeran's Cousin Slams Singer, Calls Him a 'Coward' Amid Controversy
Ed Sheeran's cousin is publicly condemning his famous family member amid the controversy surrounding the decision to unceremoniously remove Macklemore from the singer's Loop Tour for his unapologetic support of the Palestinian people.
'I'm so, so sorry': Ed Sheeran speaks out at his first show after Macklemore controversy
Before performing in Philadelphia on Sept. 19, Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the U.S. dates of his Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian remarks made onstage.
Pro-Palestinian protesters target Ed Sheeran’s Philadelphia concert after Macklemore removed from tour
Pro-Palestinian protesters waved flags and chanted outside Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia concert, one week after Macklemore was dropped from the tour.
For Palestinian aid groups, Macklemore’s $1M pledge brings relief and attention to ongoing suffering
Macklemore's $1 million donation pledge is coming at a critical time for Palestinian relief nonprofits.
For Palestinian aid groups, Macklemore's $1M pledge brings relief and attention to ongoing suffering
Macklemore's $1 million donation pledge is coming at a critical time for Palestinian relief nonprofits | WWL
EU urges US to reconsider visa denial to Palestinian delegation for UN meeting
'We urge the United States to reconsider this decision'
No Land to Stand On by Mahmoud Khalil review – a searing account of political imprisonment
The Palestinian Columbia student snatched by ICE writes about his Kafkaesque ordeal with a quiet fury
What to know about Ed Sheeran's tour after Macklemore was cut
Sheeran's tour has been roiled by the decision this week to drop Macklemore as an opener because of the rapper's onstage pro-Palestinian comments
What to know about Ed Sheeran's tour after Macklemore was cut
Sheeran's tour has been roiled by the decision this week to drop Macklemore as an opener because of the rapper's onstage pro-Palestinian comments
Former congressman Sander Levin endorses El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan
In a statement, Levin said he was aligned with El-Sayed on climate change, trade, health care and other issues despite his “significant disagreement” with El-Sayed’s views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ed Sheeran says dropping Macklemore was ‘promoter’s decision’
Ed Sheeran has addressed the removal of Seattle rapper Macklemore as his opening act after the rapper made pro-Palestinian comments during a performance.
Ed Sheeran says dropping Macklemore over rapper's pro-Palestinian comments was 'promoter’s decision'
Ed Sheeran has addressed the removal of rapper Macklemore as his opening act after the rapper made pro-Palestinian comments during a performance | KCBS All News 106.9FM and 740AM
Macklemore is dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour over pro-Palestinian comments onstage
Macklemore says he has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour following pro-Palestinian comments he made onstage earlier this month at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Macklemore is dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour over pro-Palestinian comments onstage
Macklemore says he has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour following pro-Palestinian comments he made onstage earlier this month at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Mahmoud Khalil lawsuit says Columbia failed to protect pro-Palestinian activists
Khalil spent 104 days in a Louisiana immigration jail.
Ed Sheeran drops Macklemore from tour after ‘free Palestine’ remark
During a tour stop, Macklemore called for a “free Palestine” on stage and made several statements supporting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Palestinian Brand Recalls Olivia Rodrigo Saving Their Business
Palestinian designer Yasmeen Mjalli also explains how she delivered Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain Fields dress.
Shbash Distills Hustle To a Science on New Trap Single ‘System’
Jordanian-Palestinian rapper Shbash turns his work ethic into a deliberate science on new, high-impact trap single ‘System’, released via 5njoom.
What ‘right’ and ‘left’ mean in Israel today
In Israel, the left-right divide is shaped less by economics than by positions on Palestinian statehood and occupation.
The shift in British policy on Israel is palpable
But progress could be threatened if there is a new more diplomatic government in Israel.
UK-US trade could suffer as a result of sanctions for illegal Israeli settlements, American ambassador warns
UK foreign secretary to reassert support for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution in move drawing criticism from US and Israel
The Punk Politics of Making Olivia Rodrigo’s Palestinian Dress
Nöl Collective was close to closing when it was asked to design a dress for Olivia Rodrigo. Founder Yasmeen Mjalli tells Vogue Arabia what it takes to make anything at all in Palestine today
Susan Sarandon says film offers have dried up due to political beliefs
The vocal antiwar activist has tirelessly advocated for Palestinian rights and freedom, which, she says, has harmed her career.
Susan Sarandon says film offers have dried up due to political beliefs
The vocal antiwar activist has tirelessly advocated for Palestinian rights and freedom, which, she says, has harmed her career.
Are we seeing the end of Jewish politicians in the Democratic Party?
One might have thought that advocating for recognition of a Palestinian state and standing up for Islamophobia would have earned him a few brownie points, but when you’re Jewish, none of that matters
Mansour Abbas is betting on a Zionist to make Palestinian votes count
By allying with Segalovich in the Israeli vote, Abbas is hoping for greater acceptance in Israeli coalition politics.
This UAE-backed Fatah dissident is allying with Hamas and pushing a proposal to change Palestinian politics
A UAE-sponsored plan by exiled Fatah dissident Muhammad Dahlan to “end Palestinian division” has quietly become the working platform for an unlikely electoral alliance with Hamas. Here is what this could mean for the future of Palestinian politics.
Reading Palestinian Polls—and Misreading Palestinian Politics
While the polling data may be eye-catching, interpreting the numbers requires reading Palestinian public sentiment correctly at an unprecedented moment. Misreading that sentiment risks drawing the wrong conclusion from the PCPSR poll.
Health crisis looming as Gaza heads towards rainy season, warns WHO
Water quality in embattled Palestinian enclave already poor; flooding will exacerbate threat to health, says UN agency.
Palestinian health officials say Israeli attacks killed three in central Gaza
Israeli strikes and fire in central Gaza killed three Palestinians and wounded others on Saturday, according to local health officials.
Why politicians are punchlines at the Edinburgh Fringe
There was a time when satire had an easier gig. Politicians said something ridiculous, comedians made fun of them, audiences laughed, and everyone went home. Subscribe Now the joke is often the headline. In a world where the unbelievable regularly makes the news, where politics can veer into parody before the comedians have had time to write the punchline, you might reasonably wonder: is satire running out of material? Not in Edinburgh. At the Fringe, I can confirm satire has a pulse, even in a relentless and rapid news cycle. Politicians as punchlines Take NewsRevue, the world’s longest-running live sketch show, where politicians are turned into punchlines at industrial speed. Its latest target? Andy Burnham - or, more accurately, his doppelganger, pictured below in the middle. The joke, he tells us, is that there have been so many politicians coming and going that even satire risks suffering from political fatigue. But perhaps that revolving door is precisely why comedy matters. When the news cycle moves faster than our ability to process it, comedians can hold up a mirror - and make us think twice. Small talk Take Ayoade Bamgboye, the Saturday Night Live UK star who won the Best Newcomer prize at last year’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards. Her Fringe debut was critically acclaimed; this year she is turning her attention to one of Britain’s most baffling social rituals: small talk. Share It’s a reminder that satire doesn’t always need a politician in its sights. Sometimes the target is simply us civilians - the strange little rules and rituals we have collectively agreed to pretend are normal. Politics and Palestinian identity For British-Palestinian comedian Sami Abu Wardeh, pictured below, comedy has a more urgent job. His new show, Sami Abu Wardeh Hates You, asks who gets to hate, and whether anger belongs to everyone, not just the far right. His comedy confronts politics and Palestinian identity while refusing to surrender the simple business of making people laugh. Shakespeare meets climate crisis And then there is HAM: an “eco-hijacking” of Hamlet, which its creators describe as “a sordid wrestle between a vegan and a sausage-lover”. Shakespeare meets the climate crisis. Meat meets moral panic. The end result? You’ll leave promising to become vegan and swiftly bulk buying Linda McCartney sausages. HAM was created by theatre company Hotter Project, aka Ell Potter and Mary Higgins, pictured below. They say comedy helped them avoid the preachiness sometimes associated with climate activism - using Shakespeare as a vessel for uncomfortable questions about the planet, politics and the way we live. Perhaps that is satire’s secret weapon. It doesn’t necessarily make the world less absurd. It makes the absurdity crystal clear. And at a moment when reality increasingly feels like it has been written by a sketch writer, the Fringe is proving there is still plenty to laugh and cry at. Satire isn’t dead. It’s alive, subletting and having the time of its life at the Fringe. Subscribe Share Channel 4 News Leave a comment
The right to health in Gaza is now a privilege
The devastated healthcare system cannot reach Gaza’s most vulnerable – those who live in displacement camps
Palestinian Authority health ministry: 17-year-old dies of wounds after being shot by settlers
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Debris Management in Gaza - Standard Operating Procedure: Health and Safety in Debris Removal and Recycling — Interim Guidance (August 2026)
Manual and Guideline in English on occupied Palestinian territory about Climate Change and Environment and Recovery and Reconstruction; published on 19 Aug 2026 by UNDP and UNEP
Rights group warns Israel's policies are pushing the West Bank healthcare system to collapse
A new report by Physicians for Human Rights Israel warns that Israel’s policies in the occupied West Bank have pushed the territory’s health system to the brink of collapse.
Political struggle of far-right ally Smotrich shows faultline in Netanyahu coalition
A lifelong settler in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Bezalel Smotrich leads the Religious Zionism party, which opposes a Palestinian state.
Shifting US politics offers opportunity for Palestinian self-determination
Palestinian advocacy needs to actively engage with changes in attitudes among both Democratic and Republican voters.
Supreme Court won't halt $656 million judgment against the PLO and Palestinian Authority
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor refused Monday to halt a $656 million judgment against Palestinian authorities in a long-running lawsuit filed by Americans killed or wounded in attacks in Israel.
In Missouri, Cori Bush and Wesley Bell's primary rematch sets up key test for Democrats
A progressive firebrand who started her political career as a Black Lives Matter organizer in Ferguson, Bush served two terms before losing a primary challenge to Wesley Bell, a moderate local prosecutor.
US summons Malaysia envoy over Israel policy
Malaysia does not have any diplomatic ties with Israel and has long maintained its support for the Palestinian cause.
Maine’s medical, journalistic and political silence on Gaza is shameful
While dedicated organizations continue to do their part on Palestinian rights, a lot more help is needed.
The Politics of Kurdish-Palestinian Solidarity
The Kurdish and Palestinian movements were forged in a common anti-colonial tradition. Their different political trajectories now reveal two competing models of liberation in the 21st century.
The number one health issue in Palestine is the Israeli occupation
In both Gaza and the West Bank, Israeli policies are devastating Palestinian health with deadly consequences.