Critique Emerges as 'When Palestine is Free, All Are Free' Slogan Faces Scrutiny Over Interpretive Shift

Journalist Katya Sedgwick recently sparked discussion on social media by critiquing the slogan, "When the people of Palestine are free, all of us are going to be free." In a tweet, Sedgwick argued that the phrase deviates from the broader principle of universal liberation, suggesting it implies an exclusive focus on Palestinian freedom. She asserted, > "it’s no longer 'no one is free unless everyone is free'. 'The people of Palestine' are the only ones whose freedom counts. It’s nice to be on top of the intersectional totem pole." This statement highlights a growing debate over the interpretation and implications of pro-Palestinian solidarity chants.

The slogan cited by Sedgwick is a variation of the widely used and highly controversial phrase, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." This more common chant refers to the geographical area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing present-day Israel and the Palestinian territories. Historically, its meaning has been subject to diverse interpretations, stemming from its origins within Palestinian nationalist movements like the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

Supporters of "From the river to the sea" and its variants often assert that the phrase expresses a desire for freedom, equality, and self-determination for all inhabitants of the land, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. They view it as a call for a single, democratic, and secular state where Palestinians are liberated from occupation and systemic oppression. Some activists, such as an Egyptian quoted in a Bella Caledonia article, even suggest that the Palestinian struggle itself "is freeing us," implying a broader liberation movement that extends beyond Palestine's borders.

Conversely, critics, including many Jewish organizations and individuals, interpret the slogan as an antisemitic call for the destruction of the State of Israel and the displacement or subjugation of its Jewish population. They argue that the phrase, particularly in its original Arabic forms like "Palestine will be Arab" or "Palestine will be Muslim," historically aimed at eliminating Jewish self-determination in the region. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) categorizes "From the river to the sea" as an antisemitic slogan that denies the Jewish right to self-determination.

The intense interpretive divide surrounding such slogans underscores the deep-seated sensitivities and historical grievances within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Sedgwick's tweet illustrates, the language used in advocacy can be perceived in vastly different ways, leading to accusations of exclusivity or existential threat. This ongoing semantic battle reflects the broader struggle over narratives, identity, and the future of the region, emphasizing the urgent need for clarity and mutual understanding in a highly polarized global discourse.