CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: The Black Lives Matter chapter in Chicago, headed by Ariel Atkins, is at the center of a firestorm of controversy due to a social media post that appears to endorse Hamas's attacks on Israeli citizens.
The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), featured an image of a person paragliding with a Palestinian flag attached to their parachute, accompanied by the words "I stand with Palestine," adding, “That is all that is it!”
BLM Chicago's controversial post amidst Hamas attacks
The post was seemingly a reference to the recent attack by Hamas on Israel, where militants used parachutes and gliders to launch deadly surprise attacks. The assaults resulted in hundreds of casualties and the abduction of civilians.
It's important to note that Black Lives Matter Chicago is part of the '#BLM10,' a coalition of anti-racist organizations that is not formally affiliated with the primary parent organization, the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation.
In addition to the contentious paragliding image, BLM Chicago also posted a series of cartoons featuring individuals expressing outrage over the attacks on Israel, as well as another calmly listing talking points that blame Israel for the situation.
BLM Chicago faces backlash for pro-Palestine post
The post featuring the paraglider image sparked a strong backlash from social media users, intensifying the debate surrounding the relationship between social justice movements and international conflicts. A user tweeted, "Biggest con organization in recent history."
Another highlighted, "Utterly sickening from Black Lives Matter in Chicago. And they have used an image of a paraglider like the ones who swooped into an Israeli music festival and murdered, raped, mutilated, and paraded beaten civilians back to Gaza."
A third tweeted, "Also note that not a single BLM supporter would make it 1 day within Palestine or the Gaza Strip." "Black Lives Matter Chicago is one of the “#BLM10”, organizations that are not affiliated to the main parent organization, the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation. Condemn #BLM10 - their post was disgusting," read a tweet.
A user claimed, "BLM basically supporting terror." Another simply questioned, "How is this real People have no souls."
A tweet added, "BLM IS EVIL." "Taking into consideration how many Jews champion BLM and give them their unwavering support - this is extra insulting," a user stated.
