Chlöe Swarbrick has apologised after using a pro-Palestinian phrase during a solidarity rally in [Auckland] on Saturday.
Swarbrick told Newstalk ZB she apologised “to those who felt as though it has [offended them]”.
In other words she’s just sorry that ‘some’ people took offence. Notice also the weasel phrase “felt as though”.
[…] It comes after the Green MP said, “From the river to the sea” to a crowd gathered at Pukekawa/ Auckland Domain, to which they responded, “Palestine will be free.”
To some, the chant refers to a unified Palestine – stretching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean, across land currently claimed by Israel.
To others, the phrase is deemed offensive and pro-Hamas.
[…] She said justice is critical to restore peace.
“That means an immediate ceasefire, a return of all hostages on all sides and a recognition of humanity and human rights of Palestinians.”
Sure. Even if Israel were to agree to an immediate ceasefire I very much doubt that she would be joining protests demanding Hamas free all the hostages.
[…] The New Zealand Jewish Council told Newshub on Monday the phrase was antisemitic.
“It is widely understood to be a call for the annihilation of Israel and quite possibly the Jewish people,” [Juliet] Moses said.
On the other hand, Justice for Palestine told Newshub Late on Tuesday it’s not helpful for slogans to be misconstrued.
Spokesperson Samira Archer Zaiton said it’s really about “liberation from occupation”.
In other words liberation from occupation by Israel which means that whatever way you look at it, whether literal or as metaphor, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” means wiping Israel off the map.
I very much doubt that Chloe has any clue about what is happening or could answer even basic questions about the history of Israel and Palestine.
And it’s not about taking offence. It’s about stoking hatred and an actual call for genocide.
If she had any clue, she would see that.
