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Meta’s oversight board announced that the slogan “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is not considered hate speech.
The board stated that the phrase can express “solidarity with Palestinians” without necessarily promoting violence or exclusion.
After reviewing three Facebook posts using the slogan, the board found none of them glorified or referenced Hamas. They concluded that the phrase has multiple meanings and is used in various contexts with different intentions, supporting Meta’s decision to keep the posts up.
The decision contradicts groups like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as it calls for the removal of the state of Israel. They argue it’s inherently antisemitic, stating:
“Usage of this phrase has the effect of making members of the Jewish and pro-Israel community feel unsafe and ostracized. There are many ways to advocate for Palestinian justice and rights, including a Palestinian State, without resorting to using this hateful phrase, which denies the right of the State of Israel to exist.”
The @Meta Oversight Board released its decision that the phrase “from the river to the sea,” which calls to dismantle Israel, including through the removal of Jews from their ancestral homeland, should not be considered hate. We reject this short-sighted decision. Here’s why🧵 pic.twitter.com/GDlHw0IFdw
— ADL (@ADL) September 4, 2024
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