Pro-Israel organizations have expressed disappointment over a recent ruling by Meta’s independent oversight body, which stated that social media posts containing the phrase “from the river to the sea” should not be automatically removed. The Oversight Board, comprised of experts and legal professionals, determined that the phrase can be used as a form of solidarity with Palestinians, as long as it does not incite violence, support dangerous groups, or promote hate speech.
According to the board’s ruling, the context in which the phrase is used must be considered, as it can have multiple interpretations. While some view it as promoting antisemitism and violence against Israel, others see it as a call for Palestinian rights, equality, and an end to conflict in Gaza.
The slogan “from the river to the sea” refers to the region encompassing Israel and the Palestinian territories. It has gained popularity in pro-Palestinian messaging, both online and at demonstrations. Following a period of conflict, there was a significant increase in its use on Facebook, according to the Oversight Board.
However, many Jewish groups have strongly opposed the use of this phrase, especially in light of rising antisemitism on social media. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) considers it inherently antisemitic and a denial of Israel’s right to exist. The ADL criticized the Oversight Board’s decision, stating that the phrase makes Jewish and pro-Israel individuals feel unsafe and marginalized.
The Combat Antisemitism Movement also condemned the ruling, arguing that the phrase is a “violent call to genocide.” The group criticized the board for what it perceived as biased logic in protecting antisemitic content.
Despite dissenting opinions, the Oversight Board upheld its decision, noting that the phrase’s presence in Hamas’s charter raised concerns. The majority of the board determined that posts containing the phrase did not violate hate speech rules, as they did not incite violence or target specific groups.
Meta has acknowledged removing posts featuring the slogan in some cases, particularly at the request of the German government, which associates the phrase with Hamas. In the United States, the House of Representatives has labeled the phrase as antisemitic. The ongoing debate surrounding the use of “from the river to the sea” underscores the complexities of balancing free expression with preventing harm and hate speech on social media platforms.