Sarah Travers
In a pivotal decision, Meta’s Oversight Board has declared that the phrase “From the River to the Sea,” frequently seen at pro-Palestinian protests, does not breach Meta’s hate speech regulations. This ruling has sparked renewed discussions on the expression, with critics labeling it a call to eliminate Israel, while supporters maintain it represents a demand for Palestinian self-determination and human rights.
The slogan references the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, and its use has gained prominence in demonstrations advocating for Palestinian independence. Detractors, including organizations like the Anti-Defamation League, argue that the phrase is rooted in antisemitism and is linked to extremist groups like Hamas. The term appears in Hamas’ 2017 charter, and some critics claim it encourages violence against Israel.
However, after examining three specific cases, Meta’s Oversight Board found no evidence that the phrase incited violence in these instances. Meta initially removed the posts using automated systems, citing hate speech violations, but the decisions were overturned following user appeals to the Board. The Board found that the slogan was employed as a symbol of support for Palestinians and did not glorify violence or endorse Hamas, which is considered a dangerous group by Meta.
The Board’s ruling highlights the complexities of moderating content during politically sensitive periods, particularly on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. It emphasized that the slogan is often used in peaceful contexts, even though it has also been adopted by more extreme factions. The Oversight Board urged Meta to consider the specific context of posts before taking down content that uses politically charged language.
This ruling has reignited debate about the slogan, which has been at the center of controversy for years. Recent tensions have heightened the discussion, especially following the conflict that began on October 7th, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel. The war has since claimed over 40,000 Palestinian lives, with more than 1,200 Israelis killed and 250 taken hostage. The slogan “From the River to the Sea” has appeared in numerous protests calling for an end to the violence, both in the U.S. and internationally.
Several legal and political challenges have emerged over the slogan’s use. In Germany, authorities now deem the phrase a criminal offense, while in the U.S., a Maryland teacher faced repercussions after using it in her email signature, leading to a discrimination complaint by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Additionally, U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib was censured after publicly using the phrase, adding to its growing political sensitivity.
In a related move, Meta has expanded its moderation policies on hate speech, specifically addressing terms like “Zionist” when used in a derogatory or dehumanizing manner. This is part of Meta’s broader effort to manage content during times of conflict, and the Oversight Board stressed the importance of data access in assessing how effectively the company handles such critical moments.
Meta’s decision is likely to intensify ongoing debates about the role of social media platforms in regulating political speech. As Meta continues to navigate these challenges, it remains at the forefront of the complex balance between free speech and the prevention of harmful content during global conflicts.
