America is witnessing an unexpected shift: young people are increasingly opposing Israel and showing greater sympathy towards Palestine. According to an Economist/YouGov poll conducted from January 21 to 23, 22 percent of individuals aged 18 to 29 sympathize more with Israelis, compared to 30 percent who support Palestinians. In contrast, among those aged 65 and above, 56 percent sympathize more with Israelis, while only 8 percent support Palestinians.
So, what’s driving this change? For many young Americans, the situation in Gaza resonates deeply with their personal experiences of injustice and oppression. Joseph Fisher, a senior at the University of Michigan, explains, \"It's a moral responsibility of all people in the world to stand with oppressed people when oppression is going on in the world. Growing up in the American South, I witnessed firsthand the struggles against injustice and violence, which parallels the Palestinian struggle against their oppressors.\"
This sentiment is not isolated. Joey Ayoub, a Palestinian-Lebanese writer, points to the significant events of 2014—a year marked by intense conflict between Israel and Palestine and the tragic shooting of an unarmed African American teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. The convergence of these events highlighted the parallels between different struggles against oppression, fostering a deeper understanding and solidarity among young Americans.
Professor Eitan Hersh of Tufts University notes that young people view the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through the lens of racial justice, seeing Palestinians as a people of color rising against a white oppressor. Fisher adds, \"Palestine is part of a larger struggle against imperialism, racism, and colonialism. Historically, American youth have been active in movements against Vietnam, apartheid in South Africa, and the war in Iraq. The Palestine movement is a continuation of these efforts.\"
Social media plays a crucial role in this awakening. A study by The Washington Post reveals that pro-Palestine hashtags like #freepalestine overwhelmingly outnumber pro-Israel ones across platforms. On Facebook, #freepalestine appeared in over 11 million posts—39 times more than #standwithisrael. Similarly, on Instagram and TikTok, pro-Palestine hashtags dominated, signaling a significant shift in online discourse.
The growing support among youth is also reflected in their views on U.S. politics. A NewsNation report indicates that 70 percent of voters aged 18 to 34 disapprove of President Joe Biden's handling of the conflict. Joseph Fisher criticizes the U.S. for being the largest military and financial supporter of Israel, asserting, \"Without America’s support, there would be no Israeli violence because America supplies Israel with weapons.\"
This trend is not limited to the United States. In Germany, university students have protested against their government’s support for Israel, while in the UK, young people are three times more likely to sympathize with Palestinians than older generations. In Cape Town, South African youth activists have demanded that local leaders speak out against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Young people are undeniably reshaping the Palestine-Israel conflict. Their voices, amplified by social media and driven by a commitment to justice and peace, are putting pressure on politicians to reconsider their positions. As these young activists continue to advocate for a future of peace, their impact on global policies and international relations is poised to grow.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
