Palestinian youth pledge support to Gigi Hadid in a heartfelt letter

Gigi Hadid, the famous American fashion model recently received lot of support and love from Palestinian youth .  A group of Palestinian youngsters came together to write a letter to Gigi Hadid, who had recently received a lot of flak for taking a stand against attacks in Gaza, her own ancestral home.

The  American model had earlier posted, “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. For me, this is not about religion or one against the other – it’s about the greed”.

The letter which was posted in Teen Vogue  is urging the young American model to keep  voicing her opinions and concerns.

Here’s what the letter reads,

“Dear Gigi Hadid,

We, a group of young Palestinians across the globe, are writing to you today to express our love and solidarity. A recent article in People quotes you as saying that, after vicious attacks by Israeli troops at the Gaza fence, you desire to keep “your opinions to yourself”

Every single one of us knows the pushback and anxiety that comes with speaking out for our people and their basic rights. Many of us have been targeted in some way because of our activism or speaking out; from being blacklisted, to threatened with losing our jobs, to facing threats of violence, and much more.

Anti-Palestinian groups whose work it is to intimidate supporters of Palestinians use every tool to silence our voices. They count anyone who steps back from speaking truth to power as a victory for their defense of a brutally violent apartheid regime.

We are here to encourage and support you. Please don’t let anyone silence your voice and your truth. Like all Palestinians, you carry the weight of your family and the history of all of your people who are persecuted simply for existing.

We can’t imagine how stressful being in the public eye can be and, as individuals who deal with various forms of trauma, anxiety, and depression as a result of the struggles of our families, communities, and people back home, we understand if you decide to hold back.”

The long and so much detailed letter ends with a sweet note,

“Whenever you or your sister Bella comment on Palestine, Palestinians in the diaspora and in the region rejoice. When you speak on an issue that is close to your heart, it is inspiring to your following and the many young people who look up to you. Even if only a fraction of your fans were to better understand and support Palestinian justice as a result, your voice is incredibly impactful and meaningful.

Whether in the homeland or in diaspora, Palestinian voices have been silenced for far too long. We understand the difficult circumstances you are facing and send you our love and support whatever your choice. But if you decide to keep on and are uplifted by the growing solidarity with our people’s struggle for freedom, as we are, we are honored to raise our voices alongside yours.

As civil rights activist Ella Baker said, “We who believe in freedom cannot rest.” Gigi, you are a part of this beautiful struggle, and believe us when we tell you that we will be free and we will win.

Sincerely,

A group of Palestinian youth.

This letter is a proof that people do acknowledge and appreciate if you show them some support and love and will stand for their rights. And Gigi Hadid, for the number of followers she has and how she manages her position responsiblity, is loved and appreciated all around the world.