“The Palestinian civilian population must be protected,” says Gomez’s company.
Rare Beauty, Selena Gomez’s cosmetics company, announced on Instagram that it would donate money to a relief effort in the Gaza Strip. In addition to the announcement, the brand is making a statement saying it is against all forms of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. The donations will go to charities that help victims of the conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
“No situation justifies attacks on civilians”
In your Instagram post it says: “We are shocked by the images and reports coming from the Middle East. Thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and millions of civilians have been displaced and have no access to food, water, medicine or essential supplies. A large proportion of these victims are children. Palestinian civilians must be protected, period.”
They continue: “The horrific terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Israel on October 7th, many of them children, continues to break our hearts. There is no situation in which attacks on civilians are acceptable. We firmly reject any form of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.” Rare Beauty announces that it will also donate to the Red Cross, which provides humanitarian aid locally. UNICEF should also receive donations to help the children in Gaza.
The beauty brand explains: “The DNA of our company is based on inclusion. Our company is diverse and employs people from different backgrounds, including race, faith, sexuality, gender identity and religion – many of whom have been directly affected by the recent violence.” At the end of the post, the brand mentions a few points of contact for those experiencing mental health issues suffering from the conflict and seeking help.
“We have to protect ALL people”
Previously, Selena Gomez herself had also posted a statement about the conflict on her Instagram story, saying: “People being tortured and killed, or any act of hatred against a particular group is terrible. We must protect ALL people, especially children, and stop the violence forever. I’m sorry if my words will never be enough for everyone or a hashtag. I just can’t stand by and watch innocent people get hurt. That’s what makes me sick. I wish I could change the world. But it won’t be a posting.” At the same time, she announced a break from social media due to the omnipresent hatred.
Other celebrities speak out
In addition to Gomez, many other celebrities have also commented on the conflict between Israel and Gaza in recent weeks. Macklemore gave a speech at a pro-Palestine rally in which he called the conflict a “genocide.” Dua Lipa, Killer Mike, Michael Stipe and many others have penned an open letter to US President Joe Biden calling for “immediate de-escalation and a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.”