In the wake of a deadly attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel, Black Lives Matter Grassroots, a coalition representing 26 local BLM chapters nationwide, has voiced support for the Palestinian people.
Hamas initiated a terror attack on Israel from Gaza during the Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret, marking the culmination of the annual High Holy Day cycle. The assault, which has drawn international attention and condemnation, tragically resulted in over 900 casualties and at least 2,500 injuries, with 11 Americans among the victims.
In a lengthy statement issued by BLM Grassroots, the organization expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people while calling the violent attacks on Israel a “desperate act of self-defense” in the face of decades of apartheid and violence.
“As the world is faced with deep questions about self-determination, as well all desire and pray for a world of peace, we must stand unwaveringly on the side of the oppressed. When a people have been subject to decades of apartheid and unimaginable violence, their resistance must not be condemned, but understood as a desperate act of self-defense,” the statement read.
The organization went on to highlight the perceived parallels between the struggles of Black and Palestinian communities.
“The war on the Palestinian people must cease. We call on the United States government to immediately stop funding war and redirect the $4 billion in annual spending to repair the damage caused by U.S.-backed wars, military air strikes, coups, and destabilizing interventions against oppressed people around the world,” the statement read further.
Other Black Lives Matter chapters have also expressed support for the Palestinian cause, with The Chicago chapter of Black Lives Matter sharing a photo on X that read, “I stand with Palestine.” The post featured a paraglider with the Palestinian flag, symbolizing Hamas gunmen paragliding to stage an attack on a music festival in Israel.
“That is all that is it!” the organization wrote.
That is all that is it! pic.twitter.com/7DhTIeJ0yl
— BLMChicago (@BLMChi) October 10, 2023
The post faced criticism from many X users who characterized the organization as a terrorist group.
“I said from the very beginning that BLM is a terrorist organization. Now they finally admit it,” Political commentator Matt Walsh wrote.
“I remember being called all kinds of names by fellow Christians for refusing to post the BLM black square or repeat their mantras back in 2020. They’ve always been this evil. Any Christian who has ever supported this wicked organization in any way should be deeply embarrassed,” conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey commented.
“BLM Chicago, like many leftists, comes out in support of slaughtering innocent people they don’t like,” a tweet from Cuban-American producer/director and former congressional candidate Robby Starbuck reads.
Former White House Press Secretary Ary Fletcher also decried the organization’s stance, labeling it as “disgusting” and accusing BLM of encouraging and celebrating violence.
