Over the past two years, millions have voiced their solidarity with Palestine, many of whom had never done so before. This support has helped Palestinians, especially those going through genocide in Gaza, feel that they are not alone. However, it has not stopped the genocide, nor does it seem capable of standing up to the U.S. administration’s so-called “peace plan.” There are a number of reasons for this, one of the key ones being the shortcomings of the concept of solidarity with Palestine itself.

Solidarity as sympathy

Oxford Languages defines “solidarity” as “unity or agreement of feeling or action.” However, there is a fundamental difference between unity of feeling and unity of action. In most cases, solidarity seems to have been reduced to feelings of sympathy. Even when expressed through actions, such as tweets or protests, these are usually undertaken locally with little to no coordination with Palestinians in Gaza. The global solidarity scene is more accurately described as “agreement of feeling, fragmentation of action.”

Although well-intentioned, this sentimental aspect has sometimes been detrimental to the cause. It has become susceptible to social media trends determined by algorithms and media owners. This gives empire a measure of control over those in solidarity, as demonstrated by the United States’ ban on TikTok and its subsequent deal with the company. It also erodes solidarity movements because we can only feel compassion for victims of genocide for so long before we burn out.

Focusing on the suffering of those we support, although well-intentioned, may shift the focus away from the political program causing that suffering. This traps us in a cycle of reacting to Zionism instead of taking the initiative to dismantle it, a problem that could be exacerbated by social media’s encouragement of performative solidarity.

Focusing on the suffering of those we support, although well-intentioned, may........

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