Pro-Palestine social media users are mobilizing to boycott the popular fundraising platform GoFundMe, accusing it of discriminatory practices against fundraisers for Gaza and putting the lives of Palestinians at risk by withholding funds from “genocide escape” campaigns.
Amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the Israeli regime has been using starvation as a “weapon of war”, individuals and groups seeking to support Palestinians are encountering significant obstacles when using GoFundMe.
Many say that the platform’s lengthy and intrusive procedures for Palestinian fundraisers amount to racial discrimination and psychological warfare.
The controversy has gained traction as social media users share stories of GoFundMe’s refusal to release funds intended for Palestinian families in Gaza, pending extensive investigations not typically required for other fundraisers.
This has led to accusations that the company is hindering vital aid efforts in Gaza while simultaneously boasting about its support for other crises, including in Ukraine.
Criticism peaked after GoFundMe outlined its approach to handling campaigns for Palestinian beneficiaries in a statement on March 4.
The statement, criticized by many as being unsympathetic and reflective of a Zionist stance, failed to acknowledge the dire situation of people in Gaza. Instead, it doubled down on the company’s strict compliance measures.
Campaign organizers have responded by launching the hashtag #ReleaseTheFunds and calling on GoFundMe to immediately release funds intended to aid Palestinians in Gaza.
Additionally, they are urging supporters to boycott the platform and advising against recommending GoFundMe for new fundraisers and encouraging existing campaign organizers to seek refunds or transfer their campaigns to alternative fundraising platforms.
Beyond social media advocacy, organizers are planning digital actions such as mass emailing and Twitter storms to pressure GoFundMe into releasing the withheld funds.
