Olivia Lynch from Brooklyn, NY was caught on camera tearing down posters of hostages currently being held by Hamas. Amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, anti-semitism is constantly rising across the world and resulting in hate crimes. Her video removing posters has gone viral on Twitter.
Who is Olivia Lynch?
Olivia Lynch is an artist and educator at Brooklyn, New York from Portland, Oregon, and is in her fourth year of teaching in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Lynch is a native of Portland, Oregon. On asking why she was ripping down posters, she responded with “F–k your propaganda.”
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According to the Wild Ferns Nature Program website, her fusion of art and teaching allows children at Wild Ferns to explore their creativity.
Nearly half of New York City’s Jewish population lives in Brooklyn. Lynch’s act of removing posters has sparked controversy, seen as a form of protest. This action occurred against the backdrop of the enduring Israel-Hamas conflict, which has resulted in a staggering loss of lives. According to the Gaza Health Ministry’s recent announcement, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 9,061 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, with over 32,000 individuals sustaining injuries.
Conversely, on the Israeli side, approximately 1,400 people have lost their lives, predominantly non-combatants, during Hamas’ initial assault. Consequently, the United States has witnessed a notable uptick in antisemitism, particularly following the Israel-Gaza hostilities. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted that around 60% of religious-based hate crimes in the country target Jewish individuals. Similarly, the UK and France have reported an escalation in antisemitic incidents.
As the crisis continues to unfold, discussions on the delicate balance between free speech and hate speech have gained significance. Simultaneously, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and communities has become an increasingly pressing concern.
