A growing debate among progressive voters has erupted online, with some influencers urging others to withhold support for Kamala Harris due to her perceived Zionist views. This controversy has particularly targeted Black Americans, accusing them of complicity in what some activists see as oppressive policies.
On TikTok, the conversation has intensified. One TikTok user, Rosol.s, who identifies as “half Iraqi and half Palestinian,” posted an emotional video criticizing the idea of supporting Harris, especially among Black Americans. “A Black woman presidency is not gonna save us,” she said, expressing her frustration with what she sees as continued oppression by various groups, including Black Americans. “Every f–king race in f–king America has oppressed us,” she continued, adding that Black people also participate in violence abroad.
Her comments sparked a backlash from Black TikTok users, who felt unfairly blamed. TikTokker Tori Grier responded, “These are people who feel that they are entitled to the support of Black people no matter what… as if that means we’re just not supposed to give a damn about ourselves.” Another user, Jortyunofficial, also fired back, questioning why Black people were being blamed for broader geopolitical issues.
Many Black content creators expressed feelings of betrayal, particularly by pro-Palestine activists who were previously seen as allies. One user commented, “This is why Black people do not believe in allyship. Because as soon as we do something you don’t like, your anti-blackness comes out.” For some, like TikTok user Tabitha Speaks, this rhetoric marked a breaking point, leading them to withdraw support from the pro-Palestine movement altogether.
The controversy stems from Harris’s nomination and her perceived stance on Israel, which has divided activists. While Harris has condemned civilian deaths in Gaza and shown support for Israel, her position has led to a splintering among voters who prioritize a staunchly pro-Palestine candidate. Some activists argue that Harris’s vague positions on Israel have fueled the current discord between the Palestinian movement and the Black community.
Pro-Palestine activist @notyourlawyermd criticized the idea that Harris is better for Palestine than Donald Trump, arguing on TikTok, “Kamala Harris is 100% more culpable for this [genocide] than Donald Trump is.”
This rift highlights a deeper divide within progressive circles, as some voters reconsider their alliances and priorities. As Mazzig, a commentator on the issue, noted, “Now that many Black Americans believe [Kamala Harris] represents their concerns and their priorities, I think some people are realizing the pro-Palestine movement is not the allies they thought they were.”
The ongoing debate underscores the challenges of navigating complex political identities and the tension between solidarity and individual priorities within progressive movements.