We've compiled a list of some of the BEST activists on Social Media who have advocated for the liberation of Palestine, and the fair treatment for under-represented communities.
Dima Khatib
A Syrian-Palestinian born in Damascus. Khatib started her career at Al Jazeera as a broadcast journalism junior editor. She first gained notoriety when she covered the Iraq War, managing the broadcasts as a news producer. A few years later she was able to open multiple bureaus for the Al Jazeera group, making her the first female to do so. This feat alone is quite impressive but Dima does not stop there, for the next two decades her reporting garnered her fame from across the world. Leading her to be recognized as one of the “Most Influential Arabs on Social Media” in 2017. Khatib is currently the managing director of AJ+, one of social media's best news outlets. AJ+ is best known for their unbiased worldwide coverage on breaking news stories; marketed to keep the younger generations who do not consume mainstream media informed. The videos AJ+ release tend to be shared all over social media, spreading news and pushing people to take up some form of activism. AJ+ has a strong following and a platform that reaches millions around the world and they inspire many, but it is also good to note that Khatib herself has an influential voice on social media. Her Instagram has over 30K followers as of June 2020, and her Twitter has over 350K followers. Her posts are comprised of news updates, life as a mother, her heritage, and spreading positivity. She is a role model to many and is definitely at the top of our list when it comes to the BEST activists on social media.
Janna Jihad
When it comes down to it, Janna Jihad (born Janna Tamimi) is one of the most aspirational people we know of on social media. Known as one of “the Youngest Journalists in the World”, Tamimi was born in the West Bank to an “activist family. Notable family members include her cousin Ahed Tamimi, her mother Nawal Tamimi, and her uncle Bassem al-Tamimi. She was only nine years old when she covered her first news story after two of her family members were killed. She took a brave stance, at only nine years old, against a tyrannical government and spread news of the atrocities happening in her homeland. Since then she has gained a massive following on Facebook and Instagram, and at just 14 years old, she is one of the faces of Palestinian perseverance.
Laila El-Haddad
Born in 1978, Haddad has had to deal with a fair share of injustice. She was raised in Saudia Arabia but spent summers in Gaza, which opened her eyes to the unjust treatment of Palestinians. Over the course of a few decades she made a name for herself as a journalist in Palestine, and was praised for her in-depth coverage during the 2005 Gaza Disengagement. Her most notable work though has to be her award winning blog “Gaza Mom”, which gave readers an insight to raising kids under the occupation and her own tips and tricks to do so. Her blog then led her to publish a book titled “Gaza Mom: Palestine, Politics, Parenting, and Everything In Between”. Between her blog, her book, and her numerous tv appearances; Haddad is able to give a positive insight to life as a Palestinian immigrant, which is very praise worthy.
Isra Chaker
Isra Chaker, more commonly known as “@israspeaks”, is a force to be reckoned with. A Syrian-American activist, CEO, and public speaker with a long history of helping the “voiceless” find their voice. She uses social media in hopes to reach every person wanting to make change in dealing with current social justice issues. Her Instagram following is just over 213K, and she is able to inspire and be a source of motivation for every single follower. Chaker has stated that her major goal is that her platform “serves as a reminder that your voice matters, and that in this world filled with adversity and oppression from humanitarian crises to islamophobia we need YOUR voice to stand for justice and amplify the voices of those directly impacted by these problems.”*. Isra is able to use social media in a positive way and that is worthy of applause.
Mohammad Jamal Deen
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, public speaker, humanitarian, and social media influencer, Mohammad Jamal Dean is an awe inspiring figure for many. He has spent some time in the Mediterranean Sea, where worked as a medic and a rescue swimmer for refugees crossing the border. He has given TED Talks and University presentations to inform the younger generations of the refugee crisis. His life revolves around how he, the individual, can help people in need; a very selfless and commendable pursuit. Deen has a passion for Humanitarian work and makes sure to take advantage of his platform to evoke more change in how the world perceives refugees. His page gives us hope for a future built on love, compassion, and kindness (the anchors of life so they say). The least we can do is drop a like.
Ahed Tamimi
Ahed has proven herself to be a very resilient young woman. She comes from a family of activists (cousins with Janna Jihad) and has been known to stand her ground against injustice. She has gained worldwide attention multiple times throughout her childhood. At just the age of 12 Ahed was photographed fearlessly waving her fists at an IDF soldier for arresting her older brother, which went viral. As well as in 2017, when she heroically slapped an IDF soldier for firing a rubber bullet at her cousin's head. This story not only went viral, but garnered support from people all over the globe leading to pro-Palestine rallies in North America and Europe. Since then she has become major figure in the Palestinian fight for liberation. Artwork depicting her face has popped up all over, including on the separation wall, inspiring the younger generation to keep fighting. Currently, she is studying to become “a famous lawyer to defend [her] country”. She is a leading light for many.
Miko Peled
Miko Peled was born to a well known Zionist family in Jerusalem. His grandfather signed Israel’s Declaration of Independence, and his father has served multiple wars fighting on Israel's side (though changed his stance on the occupation after “The Six Day War”). Peled followed the path he believed was set out for him and joined the Israel Special Forces after high school, even earning himself a red beret. But he would soon turn to regret that decision. He surrendered his status to become a medic and did not really take up activism until 1997, when his niece was tragically killed in a suicide bomb attack. This tragedy made him rethink his approach to dealing with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. A majority of Peled’s beliefs are approached in a way that leads to peace for both nations to live harmoniously, in opposition for a two-state solution. This makes him quite popular but controversial among Palestinian and Israeli activists. He uses his time to fight for the removal of the separation wall, to teach young refugee kids karate and non-violent activism, and publish blog posts/books about his experiences as an Israeli peace activist.
Ahmed Eldin
Miko Peled was born to a wellknown Zionist family in Jerusalem. His grandfather signed Israel’s Declaration of Independence, and his father has served multiple wars fighting on Israel's side (though changed his stance on the occupation after “The Six Day War”). Peled followed the path he believed was set out for him and joined the Israel Special Forces after high school, even earning himself a red beret. But he would soon turn to regret that decision. He surrendered his status to become a medic and did not really take up activism until 1997, when his niece was tragically killed in a suicide bomb attack. This tragedy made him rethink his approach to dealing with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. A majority of Peled’s beliefs are approached in a way that leads to peace for both nations to live harmoniously, in opposition for a two-state solution. This makes him quite popular but controversial among Palestinian and Israeli activists. He uses his time to fight for the removal of the separation wall, to teach young refugee kids karate and non-violent activism, and publish blog posts/books about his experiences as an Israeli peace activist.
The Hadid Family
Mohamed Hadid is the epitome of proud Palestinian dad. Born in Nazareth in 1948, his family could not stay in Palestine for long. He lived in Syria, Tunisia, and Greece before his family settled in Washington D.C. Currently he lives in Los Angeles as a real estate developer, as well as a social media influencer. He has almost 1 million followers on Instagram, were he frequently posts about his kids and his Palestinian heritage. He teaches his followers about the history of Palestine and sometimes even shows recipes that make our mouth water. He has also taught his children the same appreciation and love for Palestine which we see on their social media pages as well.
Anwar Hadid is the youngest of the Hadid clan. He is only 21 years old, and has done a large amount or work for the Palestinian people. He shares his fathers charm and is very vocal about issues on his Instagram page. He makes informative posts about Palestine, posts petitions, and shares his own experiences in Palestine to his 3.4 million followers.
Bella and Gigi Hadid are both considered some of the most famous supermodels in the world with a combined following of 85.7 million. Both are very proud of their heritage, Dutch and Palestinian, and have been very vocal to their followers.
Lina Hadid is another member of the Hadid family, though she keeps a lot of her personal life private. She is a lawyer and a very big advocate from Palestinian freedom, and her Instagram is definitely a page you want to follow if you want to stay up to date with everything Palestine.
Noura Erakat
Noura Erakat was born in Alameda County, California to a Palestinian American family. She attended the University of California, Berkeley for her Undergraduate and Doctor of Law degrees, then she attended Georgetown for her Masters of Law, proving herself to be quite the scholar. She spends a majority of her time working as a human rights attorney, as well as being an assistant professor at Rutgers University. Being Palestinian, Noura has always been outspoken about the injustices in Palestine, earning her awards such as “2014 Activist of the Year” and “2016 Al Quds Award for Activism”. It is quite remarkable, the things she has been able to accomplish, and it proves her to be quite a powerful woman. Last year, she even published a book titled “Justice for Some: Law and the Question of Palestine”, which has also been recognized for being a great source for educating oneself on the conflict. Her socials are filled with current news updates of human rights violations across the world, which keeps her followers informed and educated. She uses her social media for good, and that is worthy of applause.
(Bonus fact: She is the sister of popular youtuber and social media star FouseyTube)