Case Description
Due to a technical glitch, our public comments portal for cases related to the "From the River to the Sea" phrase closed earlier than planned. To ensure everyone has a chance to share their input, we've reopened it for 24 hours. The portal will now close at 12pm BST on May 23rd.
These three cases concern content decisions made by Meta, all on Facebook, which the Oversight Board intends to address together.
The three posts were shared by different users in November 2023, following the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7 and the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Each post contains the phrase “From the river to the sea.” All three were reported by users for violating Meta’s Community Standards. The company decided to leave all three posts on Facebook. For each case, the Board will decide whether the content should be removed under Meta’s policies and according to its human rights responsibilities. Numbers of views and reports are correct as of the end of February 2024.
The first case concerns a comment from a Facebook user on another user’s video. The video has a caption encouraging others to “speak up” with numerous hashtags including “#ceasefire” and “#freepalestine.” The comment on the post contains the phrase “FromTheRiverToTheSea” in hashtag form, as well as several additional hashtags including “#DefundIsrael.” The comment had about 3,000 views and was reported seven times by four users. The reports were closed after Meta’s automated systems did not send them for human review within 48 hours.
In the second case, a Facebook user posted what appears to be a generated image of fruit floating on the sea that form the words from the phrase, along with “Palestine will be free.” The post had about 8 million views and was reported 951 times by 937 users. The first report on the post was closed, again because Meta’s automated systems did not send it for human review within 48 hours. Subsequent reports by users were reviewed and assessed as non-violating by human moderators.
In the third case, a Facebook page reshared a post from the page of a community organization in Canada in which a statement from the “founding members” of the organization declared support for “the Palestinian people,” condemning their “senseless slaughter” by the “Zionist State of Israel” and “Zionist Israeli occupiers.” The post ends with the phrase “From The River To The Sea.” This post had less than 1,000 views and was reported by one user. The report was automatically closed.
The Facebook users who reported the content, and subsequently appealed Meta’s decisions to leave up the content to the Board, claimed the phrase was breaking Meta’s rules on Hate Speech, Violence and Incitement or Dangerous Organizations and Individuals. The user who reported the content in the first case stated that the phrase violates Meta’s policies prohibiting content that promotes violence or supports terrorism. The users who reported the content in the second and third cases stated that the phrase constitutes hate speech, is antisemitic and is a call to abolish the state of Israel.
After the Board selected these cases for review, Meta confirmed its original decisions were correct. Meta informed the Board that it analyzed the content under three policies – Violence and Incitement, Hate Speech and Dangerous Organizations and Individuals – and found the posts did not violate any of these policies. Meta explained the company is aware that “From the river to the sea” has a long history and that it had reviewed use of the phrase on its platform after October 7, 2023. After that review, Meta determined that, without additional context, it cannot conclude that “From the river to the sea” constitutes a call to violence or a call for exclusion of any particular group, nor that it is linked exclusively to support for Hamas.
The Board selected these cases to consider how Meta should moderate the use of the phrase given the resurgence in its use after October 7, 2023, and controversies around the phrase’s meaning. On the one hand, the phrase has been used to advocate for the dignity and human rights of Palestinians. On the other hand, it could have antisemitic implications, as claimed by the users who submitted the cases to the Board. This case falls within the Board’s strategic priority of Crisis and Conflict Situations.
The Board would appreciate public comments that address:
- The origin and current uses of the phrase: “From the river to the sea.”
- Research into online trends in content using the phrase.
- Research into any associated online and offline harms from the use of the phrase.
- Meta’s human rights responsibilities in relation to content using the phrase including freedom of expression, freedom of association, and equality and non-discrimination.
- State and institutional (e.g., university) responses to the use of the phrase (e.g., during protests) and the human rights impacts of those responses.
As part of its decisions, the Board can issue policy recommendations to Meta. While recommendations are not binding, Meta must respond to them within 60 days. As such, the Board welcomes public comments proposing recommendations that are relevant to these cases.
Comments
The phrase from the river to the see calls for the destruction of Israel. It calls for the entire geographic region between the Jordan River and the midteranian Sea to be overtaken by a different entity. That region is the recognized country of Israel.
I object to the phrase “from the river to the sea” as it refers to the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea which is the land of the State of Israel. This hence implies that Palestine should replace the State of Israel and supports the annihilation of the only Jewish state in the world.
From the river to the sea is absolutely a hateful chant, calling for the genocidal destruction of the Jewish state and should completely be banned.
By the way, the original Arabic phrase is way more accurate, saying; “Min al maya fil maya - Falastin arabia" literal translation: "From the water to the water - Palestine is Arab"”
You can see people chanting that here;
https://twitter.com/__jacker__/status/1738553377548632364
Please do the right thing and forbid the use of this horrifying chant i posts
As a Jewish person the phrase “from the river to the sea” is scary, hostile and intimidating. The phrase advocates for eradicating the only Jewish country in the world, and the only country that prioritizes defending the safety of the Jewish people. 50% of the world’s Jewish population lives in Israel along with 2 million others and calling for the destruction of Israel means calling for the death and displacement of half of the world's Jewish people and 2 million others. Hamas and similar groups have demanded in no uncertain terms that the Jewish state and it’s people be annihilated while promising to kill as many Jews as possible, while paying people to kill Jews and while openly calling for Jews around the world to be attacked and persecuted. The only thing stopping them from annihilating the Jewish people from this earth is the country of Israel. Jews are indigenous to the land ‘from the river to the sea’ with thousands of years of history on that land, and have every right and reason to continue to live there in safety and with sovereignty. Chanting for that to end is a genocidal promise, not a call for human rights or freedom.
From the river (Jordan) to the sea (the Mediterranean sea) means that Jews will be expelled from their only land- Israel. There are 50!! Muslims countries and only one Jewish country which was established after the Holocaust.
Expelling Jews from their only land is simply a second Holocaust.
“From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free” is an open call for the complete annihilation of the State of Israel and its citizens. This is 100% genocidal hate speech that advocates for the destruction of the one and only Jewish state and the mass murder of its Jewish population. -Copied and shared from "United With Israel"; unitedwithisrael.org
I am sharing this statement from United With Israel as it is the most accurate statement of fact when it comes to the increasing hatred being voiced by people in support of the Hamas terrorist regime, in addition to many people from neighboring non-Israeli countries. Israel was viciously attacked on Oct. 7, 2023, and their mission to eradicate the terrorists responsible is as valid as any other country trying to defend itself from the same. The intention of the statement is to say that they wish for the annihilation of an entire race of people and their legitimate country, and any denial of that fact is pure hatred and propaganda. The violence around the globe perpetrated against any race or religious belief is clearly based in pure hatred and evil. “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free” is highly inflammatory, genocidal, and racist. It should be banned on all platforms as hate speech as it supports extreme violence and terroristic rhetoric.
Recent controversies at Meta have underscored the ongoing tension between content moderation practices and the protection of human rights, particularly in the context of political and social expression. Notably, Meta has faced criticism for its inconsistent application of community standards, especially when dealing with content related to political conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian issue. These inconsistencies not only undermine trust in the platform's commitment to fairness but also raise serious concerns about the suppression of essential political discourse under the guise of policy enforcement. This is particularly egregious given the platform's global influence on public opinion and political engagement. The potential banning of the phrase "from the river to the sea" is emblematic of a broader issue where the voices of marginalised communities are at risk of being silenced due to overly broad and ambiguously applied rules. This not only infringes on the right to freedom of expression but also impedes the critical dialogue necessary for the resolution of long-standing conflicts and the promotion of global solidarity.
The potential suppression of this phrase under Meta's content policies is particularly alarming given the platform's inconsistent enforcement of these rules, which has previously led to accusations of bias and censorship of marginalised voices. This inconsistency not only undermines Meta's credibility as a neutral platform but also poses a significant threat to the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression and access to information. The phrase "from the river to the sea," while associated with the Palestinian cause, also resonates with broader struggles for liberation and self-determination, akin to those championed by Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Mandela himself recognised the parallels between the South African apartheid struggle and the Palestinian quest for statehood, emphasising solidarity among oppressed peoples. By censoring such expressions, Meta risks aligning itself with oppressive regimes that seek to suppress dissent and control narrative, thereby betraying the very principles of human rights and freedom that it claims to uphold.
In light of these ongoing controversies, it is imperative that Meta reevaluates its approach to content moderation with a genuine commitment to human rights principles. This includes ensuring that political expressions, particularly those emanating from conflict zones or relating to issues of national identity and self-determination, are not unjustly censored. Meta must implement clearer guidelines, improve the transparency of its decision-making processes, and provide users with accessible avenues for appeal and redress. The global community must hold Meta accountable for its impact on public discourse and insist on reforms that prioritise human rights over vague, inconsistently applied policies. The fight for a fair, transparent, and equitable platform is not just about one phrase or one post; it is about defending the fundamental rights that are crucial for a free and democratic society, echoing the enduring legacy of Mandela's fight against oppression.
I was born in Israel (in 1972) 75% of my family vanished in the holocaust. 3 out of my 4 grandparents lost their whole family and came to Israel as refugees because it was the only place for jews to be safe. With hard work and grit they built beautiful family and overcame their trauma.
"From the river to the sea" isn't a new rhetoric. In 1948 the neighboring countries have said they will attack Israel from all sides and push the jews into the Mediterranean sea, that's what from the River to the Sea meant than and that's what they mean now. it represent the demise of the land of Israel, nothing less.
I grew up on values of peace, dialog and coexistence and believed in two states solution. But it's clear to me now that the people chanting such slogans have no interest in dialog, coexistence or my people well being and my family have nowhere to go!
“From the river to the sea” is a call for eliminating Israel. This is to be accomplished by any and all means necessary with examples of violent and merciless attacks on citizens of all backgrounds and creeds, as evidenced by attacks over time, as well as statements and threats by Hamas and others in leadership and mobilization, by any and all means necessary. This is not a plea for peace - no, evidence and experience demonstratesit is for ongoing terror, warfare (ceasefires ended and war incited by terrorist groups each time). Those using this phrase may not be aware they are parroting terrorists and inciting violence and obstruction of peace efforts. Those who use this phrase may not be aware that this phrase triggers fear and terror in many people who are the proposed enemies of the terrorists. This includes people if Jewish descrnt and/or Jewish religion, people with any relationship to Israel regardless of background, and other citizens of the world who have witnessed these horrors at any point in their lives. This is hate speech and has inspired more hate speech and understandably fear and further grief upon grief. This is meant to be intimidating language by those who originally voiced it even if Westerners do not understand this or understand the hate and fear this sorasfs. Please do not allow this hate speech any further. If at all possible, blocking such speech allows many to participate in social media without harming personal health and wellness and sense of safety. Many of us have pulled back to avoid such alarming language and triggers that are spread throughout Meta and can surprise and shock you popping up completely out of context. It also further foments hate speech and group think that leads to more intimidation and fear and even harassment and violence. Many of these people posting or using this language are truly unaware of the history and meaning behind this phrase and may blindly trust others posting this, and have no personal experience with terrorism. Still they are adding to the harm blinding reading this and the repeated use of these phrases sprinkled throughout social media.Social media has a large impact on ideas and ideology - please use this platform responsibly and please block this hate speech. Thank you for asking and listening to the public thoughts on this critical matter.
The expression “from the river to the sea” relates to the Jordan River on the East and Mediterranean Sea on the West. Roughly parallel lines that encapsulate the State of Israel and the West Bank - Palestinian Authority. Eliminating Israel between these parallel lines means that there will be no place for 8 million Jewish citizens who were survivors of holocaust of WW2 and deportation from Arab countries following pogroms. It is an antisemitic declaration, racial and murderous.
The phrase is calling for genocide, violence and to destroy a whole country -Israel
Posts that include “From the river to the sea” must be banned
Please, ban the "from the river to the sea" phrase" since it is being used as a hate speech, racist and terrorist slogan.
Ban the use of From the River to the sea
From River to the Sea is and was the demand of Arab countries to take over Israel and send all the Israelis to the ocean to die. Just because now it’s a slogan for the youth with Kafiahs, who pretend to be peaceful and calm, does not make peaceful or calm. They were brainwashed from early childhood to hate the Jews and From River To The Sea is what their parents told them they should do to all Jews. It is NOT a playful, or a happy slogan, or a cute say. It is designed to tell all people to throw the Israelis to the ocean.
Please remove Hate Speech from pro-palestian groups! From the River to the Sea cry from some Palestinians to annihilate Israel, all Jews & followers of Jesus‼️‼️‼️
From the river to sea Palestine will be free is a modified version of the actual phrase in Arabic :
From the river to sea Palestine will be Arab. Meaning the genocide of all Jews living in Israel. The phrase is a, call for genocide.
Israel will always stay on the map!
Let's break down the phrase and whom are stating they are threatened.
From the River to the Sea: is Israel.
Palestine: is Palestine.
Will be free: how? By not having Israel exist, obviously.
It calls for the annihilation of a place and people called Israel.
If that isn't hate, I don't know what is.
I feel scared and threatened every time I read it. I fear for my and my family's life including those in Israel.
How do you think Israeli's feel? How is this so hard to understand that it is a debate?
Why would you ban the phrase 'from the river to the sea' ? The only reason I could see is if you are anti palestinian and pro-zionist. The origins and meanings of the phrase are disputed.
I urge you not to bow to pressure and instead fully explore the history behind the phrase, the apartheid that Israel has subjected palestinians to.