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The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas says Zionists ‘talk like Black people during slavery’

From Jerusalem Post · (11h ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

- Rock musician Julian Casablancas stated that

The Jerusalem Post, an Israeli newspaper, reports on comments made by Julian Casablancas, frontman of the band The Strokes, during an interview on the web series "SubwayTakes." Casablancas alleged that "American Zionists" benefit from white privilege while portraying themselves as oppressed, comparing their rhetoric to that of Black people during slavery.

American Zionists get the benefits of white privileged people, but talk like they are Black people during slavery.

— Julian CasablancasCasablancas's controversial statement during an interview on the web series SubwayTakes.

The interview, posted on Tuesday, also featured host Kareem Rahma agreeing with Casablancas's statement. Rahma further elaborated on his view, expressing shock at the perceived sense of oppression among those he described as "Zionists," particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He contrasted this with the reality of the situation, noting the significant death toll, including women and children, while referencing Tel Aviv as a destination for such individuals.

100% agree.

— Kareem RahmaHost of SubwayTakes responding to Casablancas's comment.

Casablancas's remarks follow his band's earlier condemnation of the war at the Coachella music festival and his signing of a letter calling for a cultural boycott of Israel. The article notes that such criticisms of "Zionists" have become more common in youth-oriented and left-leaning circles, with some commenters on YouTube expressing support for Casablancas's stance against "American imperialism."

I’ve never seen something so shocking where they’re like, ‘I’m so oppressed. I’m an oppressed person.’

— Kareem RahmaRahma's reaction to the perceived victimhood narrative of some Zionists.

This incident highlights a growing divide in public discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with artists and public figures increasingly using their platforms to express strong opinions. The Jerusalem Post frames these comments within the context of broader criticisms of Israel and its supporters, noting the platform's reach and the nature of the online reactions.

I mean, just for the people that

— Julian CasablancasCasablancas beginning to explain his viewpoint further.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.