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Comedian Dave Chappelle described Israel’s war on Gaza as “genocide”

Source: TRT World | Facebook

Award-winning American comedian Dave Chappelle described Israel’s war on Gaza as “genocide” to cheers during his performance in the capital of the United Arab Emirates while urging Americans to fight anti-Semitism in the US so Jews don’t feel like they need to be protected by Israel.

Performing in Abu Dhabi on May 23, Dave Chappelle was met with a cheering crowd at Etihad Arena as DJ Trauma, who accompanied him on the tour, played “My Blood is Palestinian” by Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf before he came on stage.

Image: TRT World

About halfway through a wide-ranging comedy set, Chappelle initially said his friends had told him to either discuss the war or not. A woman from the audience screamed “Free Palestine!,” to cheers from the crowd.

Chappelle then referred to the war as a “genocide” and said that making Jews feel safer in America amid rising cases of anti-Semitism would make them realise they don’t need Israel as the protector.

But when touching on the upcoming US election, Chappelle’s mention of President Joe Biden — who has promised “ironclad support for Israel” — drew widespread boos throughout the arena.

Now on its 231st day, Israel’s war on Gaza has ravaged the besieged enclave, killing 35,800 Palestinians — mostly innocent babies, children, and women — and leaving over 80,200 wounded, while a further 10,000+ are feared dead beneath the rubble of their shattered homes.

“If we do not know how to meaningfully talk about racism, our actions will move in misleading directions.”
― Angela Y. Davis, Freedom is a Constant Struggle

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