Novara Media Editor Apologises For Controversial Tweet During Hamas Attacks

Novara Media Contributing Editor Rivkah Brown apologised Wednesday for a controversial tweet, now deleted, that appeared to applaud Hamas’ actions on the day of their recent attacks on Israel.

Acknowledging that her remarks were made in haste and failed to reflect a balanced perspective amid the ongoing violence, Brown expressed regret over her social media post which received widespread backlash as the full extent of the atrocity was becoming known.

The original tweet, on the day of the attacks, read: “Today should be a day of celebration for supporters of democracy and human rights worldwide, as Gazans break out of their open-air prison and Hamas fighters cross into their colonisers’ territory. The struggle for freedom is rarely bloodless and we shouldn’t apologise for it.”

In her apology, Brown stated: “I’ve deleted this tweet. I responded too quickly and in a moment of heightened emotion. Witnessing Palestinians defy decades of oppression hardened me to the suffering of Israeli civilians, including my friends and family, and I regret that. I’m sorry.”

https://twitter.com/rivkahbrown/status/1712098398247985518

https://twitter.com/rivkahbrown/status/1712098403734155285

Reflecting on her initial reaction to the events, she continued: “Seeing fences torn down and military bases targeted, my instinct was to show unreserved solidarity with a Palestinian resistance I knew would be demonised.”

However, Brown noted that her interactions with Israeli friends who were taking shelter during the attacks reminded her of the importance of a balanced perspective.

She wrote: “Speaking to Israeli friends hiding in bunkers has reminded me it’s possible to care deeply about two things at once.”

“Being a passionate advocate of Palestinian self-determination should not preclude empathy – in fact, I think it demands it. My tweet did not express that,” Brown concluded. “I want to move forward differently.”

Brown’s apology was shared by her Novara colleagues, including editor Ash Sarkar and host Michael Walker, who were supportive of her decision.

Walker added: “Many of us rush to twitter too quickly at times like these. Its often better to wait, reflect, and let the facts emerge. A lesson I have learnt myself, more than once.”

While it has been accepted by some, others continue to dissect the implications of her initial stance and her justification of her remarks on the platform in the days that followed.