The Actual Meaning of  “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free”

​The slogan “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free” has become a rallying cry at various events, including those organized by groups like the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Originating from Yasser Arafat’s Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), this phrase encapsulates a vision where a Palestinian state replaces Israel in its entirety, spanning from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. Such a perspective inherently calls for the dissolution of the State of Israel.​

The PLO, throughout its history, has been associated with numerous terrorist activities targeting Israeli civilians. Notable incidents include:​

• 1970 Avivim school bus massacre: Carried out by the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), resulting in the deaths of nine children and three adults, with 19 others injured.​
• 1972 Munich massacre: Executed by the Black September Organization, leading to the murder of 11 Israeli Olympic athletes.​
• 1978 Coastal Road massacre: Conducted by Fatah, resulting in 37 Israeli fatalities and 76 injuries.​

In an effort to distance itself from its violent past, the PLO rebranded as the Palestinian Authority (PA), now led by Mahmoud Abbas.​

The slogan’s implication is further emphasized through visual propaganda that depicts the entire map of Israel overlaid with the Palestinian flag, symbolizing the replacement of Israel with a Palestinian state. Such imagery underscores the intent behind the slogan, advocating for the complete eradication of Israel as a sovereign nation. ​medium.com

The acceptance of this slogan within certain political circles, including some factions of the Democratic Party,  raises concerns about the normalization of antisemitic sentiments. The infiltration of far-left ideologies into mainstream politics, as seen with groups like the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and the DSA, has led to a shift in discourse that often marginalizes pro-Israel perspectives.​ Notably, figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib have affiliations with these groups, sparking debates about the party’s stance on Israel and antisemitism.

This ideological shift poses a challenge for American Jews, who have traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party. As the party’s stance on Israel becomes increasingly critical, many within the Jewish community may find themselves reevaluating their political affiliations.​

The propagation of slogans like “From the River to the Sea” not only undermines the legitimacy of the State of Israel but also perpetuates a narrative that negates the Jewish historical and cultural connection to the land. It is imperative for those who support Israel’s right to exist to challenge such rhetoric and advocate for a balanced and informed discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

So why are the Democrats tolerating such antisemitism?

What we’re seeing happen is the infiltration of the Democratic Party by far leftists who affiliate themselves with new groups like the Boycott-Divest-Sanction (BDS) movement, the so-called ‘Progressive Democrats’ and ‘Democratic Socialists of America’ (DSA).  This rapid trend is expected to lead to some radical changes.  Many questions will only be answered in time.

Will American Jews, who have traditionally voted as Democrats, leave the party that is turning on them and their traditional values?

Only time will tell.