Veterans criticise Palestinian colours on remembrance poppy as divisive
Veterans have criticised a red, white, black and green “Palestine poppy”, saying it uses Britain’s remembrance symbol for a political cause and risks dividing people. Its supporters describe it as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians and remembrance of those affected by the conflict with Israel.
The poppies are listed on eBay for £1.74, with more than 1,200 sold, and are marketed on a not-for-profit basis, with donations going to charities working in the region. One named group, Friends of Al-Aqsa, has drawn scrutiny over its chairman’s past comments about Hamas; the article also notes the Royal British Legion’s description of remembrance as unifying and non-partisan.
- Veterans say the Palestine poppy politicises remembrance.
- More than 1,200 have sold for £1.74 each.
- Supporters say it expresses solidarity with Palestinians.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters may see the poppy’s colours as a way to remember Palestinians affected by the conflict and express solidarity with them, while directing donations to charities working in the region. They could argue that remembrance symbols can prompt compassion for people beyond Britain’s armed forces, and that using the design does not prevent others from observing the traditional poppy.
The case against
Critics may argue that the poppy is closely associated with remembrance of Britain’s war dead, so adding national colours linked to a current political conflict risks making a shared commemoration seem partisan. They may also worry that the design could divide people at remembrance events, and that scrutiny of a named recipient organisation’s chairman’s past comments makes the fundraising context more contentious.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘Palestine poppy’ sparks outrage among veterans who say it hijacks Britain’s national symbol of remembrance”.