Where Are The Arabs When USA Citizens Are Supporting Palestine?

The scenes unfolding on American university campuses, where protests against Israel’s offensive in Gaza have ignited fervent debates and clashes between demonstrators and authorities, stand in stark contrast to the relative quietude across many Arab countries. While social media channels buzz with solidarity messages and expressions of anguish from the Arab world, the absence of large-scale protests raises questions among Palestinians about the perceived solidarity from their longtime allies.

In Gaza, amidst the chaos of conflict, voices like that of Ahmed Rezik reflect a mix of gratitude for international solidarity and disappointment over the lack of similar fervor in Arab and Muslim nations. The poignant message scrawled across a tent in Rafah encapsulates this sentiment, acknowledging the support from American and Western universities while yearning for a more robust response closer to home.

The reasons behind the subdued reaction in Arab nations vary, from concerns about repercussions under authoritarian regimes to nuanced political stances towards Hamas and its allies. In countries like Egypt, where public protests are heavily restricted, the fear of dissent expanding beyond criticism of Israel to challenges against the government looms large.

Even in places where protests do occur, such as the American University in Cairo or Beirut, the specter of repercussions from university authorities or political factions casts a shadow over student activism. In Lebanon, complex historical narratives and fears of polarization further complicate the landscape, with some even hesitant to openly support Palestinians for fear of affiliations being co-opted by militant groups like Hezbollah.

Moreover, the dynamics of power and the mechanisms for influencing public opinion differ significantly between the Arab world and the United States. While the resonance of the Palestinian cause is strong across Arab societies, the efficacy of street protests in effecting change remains uncertain, leading to a cautious approach among many.

In this divergence of responses lies a reflection of the complex geopolitical realities and internal dynamics shaping activism and solidarity movements in both the Arab world and the West. While the spectacle of protests may capture headlines, the quieter expressions of support and solidarity, both online and offline, continue to reverberate across borders, offering glimpses into the multifaceted nature of solidarity in times of conflict.

Read: Children In Gaza Starve : Palestine Israel War Update