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Bear Grylls recently faced backlash for a simple, yet powerful statement: calling Jesus a “Palestinian refugee” in his holiday message.
His Instagram caption read:
“Merry Christmas to all. Remember, Jesus was a Palestinian refugee, born in Bethlehem. Let’s send love to all the refugees of the world, especially those who are suffering and displaced this holiday season.”
Following the backlash, Grylls edited the caption, replacing “Palestinian” with “Middle Eastern.” While some might see this as an attempt to smooth things over, it’s extremely disappointing.
This edit undermines the very point he was trying to make and shows a lack of conviction in standing by his words. By backtracking, Grylls didn’t just make himself look weak; he became part of the issue, further entrenching the very divisions he could have helped bridge.
It’s clear that he won’t win support from either side now, but that’s beside the point. The real issue lies in the fact that instead of using his platform to stand firm for what he believes is right, he folded under pressure, reinforcing the status quo rather than challenging it.
In most parts of the world, this message would be seen as a poignant reminder of the struggles refugees face.
But in the Western media and society? It was immediately deemed “misinformed” and “embarrassing.”
Why? Because it challenges a narrative that many would prefer to remain unquestioned, especially when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian genocide.
A Simple Truth: Jesus as a Palestinian Refugee
Grylls wasn’t making a political statement. He wasn’t calling for any radical shifts in policy or wading into the complexities of international diplomacy.
He was simply drawing attention to the fact that Jesus, who was actually a Palestinian refugee, the central figure of Christmas, was born into a world of hardship—just like millions of Palestinian refugees today.
The problem isn’t with what Grylls said—it’s with the fact that his message forces us to confront uncomfortable truths.
The Hypocrisy of “Free Speech” Defense
In the West, we love to champion free speech, but only when it suits our beliefs. The moment someone like Grylls calls attention to the suffering of Palestinians, even with a simple, historical fact, suddenly it’s “embarrassing” and “misinformed.” So much for defending free speech.
In reality, it’s a free speech that only applies when it doesn’t challenge entrenched ideas or the status quo.
The Real Issue: Acknowledging Palestinian Suffering
Why the backlash? Because acknowledging the Palestinian plight—especially when tied to the figure of Jesus, whose birthplace is in the heart of the conflict—forces us to reckon with the uncomfortable truth of modern-day displacement.
Zionism, which once prided itself on its vision of peace, is now a movement that has become increasingly one-sided, making it difficult for voices like Grylls’ to be heard without being attacked.
The Uncomfortable Truth: Empathy Should Be Universal
But what’s the real issue here? The issue isn’t that Grylls made a mistake—it’s that his message makes people uncomfortable. It reminds us that empathy should be universal.
That Jesus’ story, a tale of love, peace, and compassion, has been tragically echoed in the suffering of millions of Palestinians over the years.
The hypocrisy of those who are quick to condemn Grylls for simply pointing this out is staggering. It’s almost as if calling attention to suffering is more controversial than the suffering itself.
Challenging the Comfort of Our Beliefs
We are so quick to silence those who challenge our beliefs. If someone dares to speak out in favor of Palestinian rights or draws a parallel between the Jesus of the past and the refugees of today, they’re instantly accused of being “misinformed” or “embarrassing.”
We’re defending a narrative that overlooks the humanity of people in need—and for what?
The True Hypocrisy: Selective Defenses of Free Speech
At the end of the day, Grylls’ message was simple: love and empathy for refugees. Not just those in Syria or Gaza or Palestine, but all around the world.
So, why are we so quick to tear him down? The true hypocrisy lies not in his words, but in the selective way we choose to defend free speech—except when it challenges the comfort of our beliefs.
The Real Spirit of Christmas: Compassion for All
This Christmas, as we reflect on the story of Jesus, let’s remember that it’s a story of compassion and empathy, not one of division. Instead of condemning those who speak up for the marginalized, we should be thanking them for reminding us of what really matters.
The greatest story ever told is one of love, and it’s time we start practicing it, no matter how uncomfortable it may make us feel.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of El-Shai.com and the crazy cat lady your mother warned you not to become!
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