Part of the Series
Struggle and Solidarity: Writing Toward Palestinian Liberation
Delta Airlines faced backlash for demanding a passenger, Louie Siegel, to remove his pro-ceasefire T-shirt. This incident highlights the rising suppression of anti-Zionist speech following Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza in 2023. Similar incidents with American Airlines and JetBlue have put a spotlight on the silencing of pro-Palestinian voices.
Louie Siegel’s experience shed light on how corporations attempt to suppress antiwar movements advocating for Palestinian rights. His refusal to comply led to threats of removal from the flight. Siegel’s decision to stand in solidarity with Palestinians reflects a growing sentiment among Jewish Americans who reject Zionist ideologies.
The incident sparked a larger conversation about the intersection of Judaism, Zionism, and activism. Siegel’s unwavering stance on his beliefs exemplifies the ongoing struggle within the Jewish community to redefine Jewish identity and speak out against injustices in Palestine.
This exclusive interview with Louie Siegel delves into his experience on Delta Airlines and how it shaped his positionality within the Palestine solidarity movement. Siegel’s refusal to back down signifies a larger push for justice and solidarity in the face of suppression.