Published 17 May, 2021 01:16pm

Israeli government targets Bella Hadid as she joins pro-Palestine protesters in NYC

US model Bella Hadid marched in New York for the people of Palestine and against the Israeli state's ruthless atrocities. The Israeli state then tried to twist the protesters' slogans to claim anti-Semitism in yet another attempt to self victimise.

Hadid joined scores of protesters that rushed to the streets of Bay Ridge in New York City while wearing a traditional dress, a Keffiyeh and a face mask. She carried the flag of her country of origin, where an alarming number of innocent people have fallen victims to Israeli airstrikes and forced evictions.

Protests erupted in major Western cities — London, Paris, Rome, New York and Dallas to name a few — and a huge number of people from all walks of life, religions and nationalities united in solidarity for the Palestinian people. They demanded an end to the Israeli airstrikes, which have killed over 192 civilians so far.

The 24-year-old uploaded a post previously, of a protest she attended four years ago, saying "it has always been free Palestine. Always."

The controversy erupted when the State of Israel's official Twitter account figured the uproar against their narrative and actions was too loud to leave unaddressed. The weapon of choice — on a field where their F16s and F35s are worthless — were lies.

The Israeli state wrongfully slammed Hadid for making this an "Israeli-Palestinian" issue, when in reality it should be a "human issue".

"Shame on you," said the post.

They claimed that Hadid was chanting, along with other protesters, to "throw the Jews in the sea". The state attacking civilians inside homes, destroying journalists' offices and killing children was deeply hurt by a chant, a chant that wasn't even made.

"Where does she say this?" asked a user. "Second 22," replied the Israeli state account.

If you go to that mark, and listen closely, you'll know no one chanted for Jews to be thrown anywhere.

"From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!" is the chant.

Guardian and BBC journalist Hicham Yezza hit back at the account, saying it is "deliberately promoting a vile and outrageous lie."

Sports journalist Dave Zirin, who is Jewish, regretfully noted, "telling big lies to demonise others has a horrific tradition in our Jewish history." He called their tactics a "shanda" and a "sin".

The fight is getting increasingly ugly with ruthless crimes against humanity being committed on ground, and vile lies and disinformation being spread online. The world, now more then ever, needs to come together for the cause, and seeing people gather for the movement for the people and state of Palestine is truly heartwarming.

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