Disruption: Pro-Palestinian Protests in High Places

posted on: Aug 20, 2025

By: Ramsey Zeidan / Arab America Contributing Writer

Pro-Palestinian sentiment has reached an all time high globally as of 2025, and it’s reflected everywhere you look. Whether it’s speaking events, fashion shows, political forums, or concerts, people are making their voices heard. In particular, there’s been a growing trend in the last two years focusing on protesting at these events. Activists purposefully interrupt the proceedings, often holding Palestinian flags or strongly worded messages about Gaza. This form of activism isn’t novel, but with the rise of social media, it has massive newfound success.

At the crux of these disruptions is the idea that protests in “high places” can make influential people uncomfortable, forcing them to reconsider their position. Politicians, musicians, moguls, and rich people in general are able to move for meaningful change using their wealth and influence. For example, organizations like CODEPINK have made a point of interrupting lawmakers at work to confront them on their stance on Gaza. 

The World of Fashion

In the fashion world, big names like Gucci and Vogue have remained completely silent on the Palestinian issue. Even worse is the corporations that actively invest in Israeli companies. Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, the luxury conglomerate that houses Louis Vuitton, Dior, and other brands, invested in Israeli cybersecurity firm Wiz.

Berlin-based fashion label GmbH is looking to change that. Founded by Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Isik, the label made a big statement at Paris Fashion Week last year. As the duo puts it, “We have called for a ceasefire, a release of all hostages, a free Palestine and an end to the occupation, all demands we think should be uncontroversial.” The speech Isik and Huseby delivered in the French capital brought some audience members—and Huseby himself—to tears.

Sadly, not everyone can afford to speak out like GmbH. In an email to Middle East Eye, the two explained that a large base of their allies are terrified. Many fear losing their livelihood or reputation, and others simply don’t want to face the backlash. Yet, in the wake of “deafening silence”, Huseby and Isik say they have no choice but to speak the truth.

Despite the repression and silence from the fashion world, models and designers continue to speak out. At Copenhagen Fashion Week, musician and model Jura pulled a Palestinian flag from her pocket on the catwalk. The flag read “ACT NOW AGAINST GENOCIDE” and was met with moderate applause from the audience. Amidst a wave of backlash online, Jura posted an official statement on Instagram condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The Political Sphere

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) was escorted off stage at a news forum following an interruption by pro-Palestine protesters. One protester boldly exclaimed, “Josh Hawley cannot possibly care about people in this country…because he is supporting a war of starvation.” Senator Hawley has voted in favor of supplying Israel with funding and weapons without regard for their use. After the demonstrators calmed down, he came back out onto the stage without addressing any of their concerns.

Another notable incident in politics occurred last year in the Senate during the Biden administration. In testimony, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken denounced the international arrest warrant of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He disagreed with the International Criminal Court’s evaluation of war crimes, labeling the jury “extremely wrong-headed”. Throughout his opening statements, Blinken was repeatedly interrupted by demonstrators who accused him of being a war criminal himself. Further, several silent protestors stood still with their hands painted blood red.

Why Disruption is Important

Amnesty International, the United Nations, and many others declared the Gaza Strip has reached the final stage of famine. Nothing is going in or out of Gaza, and aid is heavily restricted. Regardless of when the genocide ends, there will be severe and permanent damage to Gaza’s entire population. For this reason, demonstrators are correct to name and shame those with influence who sit idly by.

The importance of untimely disruption that targets people complicit in Gaza’s suffering cannot be understated. Arguably, protest has never worked without discomfort and disruption. The people of Gaza have lost their voice to the violence; it’s up to everyone else to use theirs.

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