‘From the river to the sea’: Why a Palestinian rallying cry ignites dispute

The Washington Post: The phrase “from the river to the sea,” a Palestinian nationalist slogan, has sparked controversy. Originating in the 1960s among Palestinian refugees, it signifies aspirations for a “secular, democratic, free” Palestine, encompassing the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. While many Palestinians and supporters view it as a peaceful call for freedom and an end to Israeli occupation, Jewish organizations and others interpret it as antisemitic, perceiving it as a threat to Israel’s existence. This dichotomy reflects the deep complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The slogan has faced international criticism and legal challenges. In Vienna, authorities banned a pro-Palestinian protest citing the slogan as a “clear call to violence.” Similar actions have been taken in other European countries, where certain forms of speech are deemed antisemitic. Conversely, a Dutch court ruled the phrase as protected speech, distinguishing it as relating to the state of Israel rather than Jewish people in general. The differing perspectives on the slogan highlight the ongoing struggle for understanding and coexistence in the region.

The entire article can be read at the link https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/14/river-sea-free-palestine-meaning/