10 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were Pro-Palestine

The images of dead Palestinian civilians, including many innocent men, women and children, is badly damaging Israel’s largely positive image in the United States. And while the U.S. government is still staunchly supporting the attack on Gaza, some celebrities want to use their voice to gain awareness for this problem.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo never hid the fact that he is pro-Palestine. This Portuguese soccer player, who doesn’t need an introduction, has expressed his support for Palestine several times in the past. In 2013, he didn’t want to swipe t-shirts with an Israeli player to demonstrate his support for Palestinian rights. The 28-year-old gave away his Golden Boot Award to the Real Madrid foundation, which later put it up for auction to raise money for building schools in Palestine.

2. Jon Stewart

It is no secret that we at Mvslim are a big fans of Jon Stewart.The ex-host of the Daily Show talked about the Palestine issue a several times. He still did it in a funny way but always told the truth.

3. Zayn Malik

4. Penelope Cruz

The Spanish actress Penelope Cruz was blackmailed because she signed a petition about the genocide perpetrated by the Israeli occupation army. The petitions demanded a ceasefire and called on the European Union to condemn Israeli actions in Gaza, which their letter described as “genocide”.

“Gaza is living through horror… while the international community does nothing,” she says. But this action leaded to Hollywood directors vowing to boycott her and not hiring her anymore. Even the Spanish newspapers labeled her as anti-Semitic.

5. Eric Cantona

Soccer legend Eric Cantona has co-signed a letter with other international figures, as Eden Hazard, Frédéric Kanouté, Abou Diaby and Didier Drogba, to call for the release of Palestinian player Mahmud Sarsak, who was on hunger strike in an Israeli prison.

In a letter sent to UEFA President Michel Platini, the former Manchester United star said Israel should be prosecuted: “Why are these same groups silent when Israel is to host the UEFA Under 21s competition in 2013? Racism, human rights abuses and gross violations of international law are daily occurrences in that country,” the letter said. “It is time to end Israel’s impunity and to insist on the same standards of equality, justice and respect for international law that we demand of other states,” Cantona continued.

6. Coldplay

Coldplay made different headlines because they showed their support indirectly for Palestine. In 2011, Coldplay posted a music video on their Facebook page. The song was called “Freedom for Palestine” by OneWorld.

While Coldplay took no part in producing the song, their internet endorsement, which garnered over 5,500 likes in just a few hours, nonetheless caught the attention of major Israeli media outlets, who criticized the band heavily. Even an anti Coldplay Facebook page was created.

7. Lupe Fiasco

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco or Lupe Fiasco is an American hip-hop star. He showed his support for Palestine in different songs. Even during one of his concerts he carried the Palestinian flag.

In his song “Things I never said”. He also said that he didn’t vote for Obama because of his pro-Israeli stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

8. Whoopi Goldberg

In 2012, Whoopi Goldberg was criticized because she retweeted a certain post on Twitter. A fan asked her: “Whoopi, can you please RT that the men, women & children in Gaza, Palestine have been getting Massacred for the past week.” And she did. Pro-Israel followers were mad.

“That’s what happens when they are used as human shields,” one man tweeted in response. “What about the last 1,400 years of Israeli deaths?” another wrote. And she responded

9. Selena Gomez

On July 18th 2014, she shared an Instagram post that read:“It’s about humanity. Pray for Gaza.” A firestorm erupted around her, with celebrity news site TMZ asking whether Gomez was “pro-Hamas”. Unlike other stars–Rihanna and NBA player Dwight Howard–she did not delete her message.

10. Rob Schneider

On Twitter, the movie star and comedian Rob Schneider posted on July 20 2014: “The ugly inhuman siege of Gaza has had it’s deadliest day today.” The next day, he added that “To not be outraged at the killing of children is to risk your very soul. #Gaza.”