Meta Oversight Panel Rules ‘From the River to the Sea’ Not Discriminatory

Meta Platforms’ Oversight Board stated that the phrase “From the river to the sea” has multiple interpretations and cannot be considered inherently harmful, violent, or discriminatory.

The board, which functions independently though it is funded by the US social media company, recommended that Facebook’s parent company should not automatically remove the phrase. While some view it as a sign of solidarity with Palestinians, others perceive it as an endorsement of violence against Jews.

The Oversight Board in its decision announced on Wednesday, Sep 4,  stated that it concluded after it had reviewed three cases involving content posted on Facebook by different users containing the phrase.

“In upholding Meta’s decisions to keep up the content, the majority of the board notes the phrase has multiple meanings and is used by people in various ways and with different intentions,” the panel said, according to Al Jazeera.

“Specifically, the three pieces of content contain contextual signs of solidarity with Palestinians – but no language calling for violence or exclusion,” it added.

The phrase ‘From the River to the Sea’ refers to the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea, between which lie Israel and the Palestinian territories. It is often chanted at pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Pro-Palestinian groups view the phrase as a call for solidarity and self-determination, while Jews and pro-Israel groups see it as antisemitic, supportive of Hamas, and advocating for the destruction of the Jewish state, given that the borders of Israel fall within the territory mentioned.

Meta’s Oversight Board was asked to make a ruling on the matter after the company chose to keep three instances of the slogan on its platforms despite requests for their removal.

“Context is crucial,” said Oversight Board co-chair Pamela San Martin.

“Simply removing political speech is not a solution. There needs to be room for debate, especially during times of crisis and conflict.”

Reactions to the decision: 

“We welcome the board’s review of our guidance on this matter,” Meta said in a statement.

“While all of our policies are developed with safety in mind, we know they come with global challenges and we regularly seek input from experts outside Meta, including the Oversight Board.”

Meanwhile, Alex Abdo, litigation director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University which promotes free speech, called the decision by the board “thoughtful (and in my opinion, correct).”

On the other hand, the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish advocacy group, said the decision was “short-sighted.”

“Usage of this phrase has the effect of making members of the Jewish and pro-Israel community feel unsafe and ostracized,” it said.