Disclaimer: Please note that I have written this piece in the hopes of informing people how they can help the Palestinian cause, with the hopes of a ceasefire and the prevention of further murders of civilians. This is by no means a holistic report of the history between Palestine and Israel, and I have attempted – instead – to provide brief background information for those who may not be aware of the true gravity of the situation as it stands.
Every TikTok user will, at this stage, be aware of the ongoing genocide in Palestine. As of 3 days ago, the number of Palestinian civilians killed by Israeli troops surpassed 15,000. A spokesperson of the Palestinian authority confirmed that among the murdered include over 6,000 children and 4,000 women. A truce between Israel and Hamas was imposed on Friday 24th November, whereby there was an agreed pause in fighting and a release of prisoners on both sides; Hamas had taken 240 captives, while approximately 10,000 Palestinians were being kept in Israeli prisons. The truce has been extended, but there is still fear among those living in the Gaza Strip as attacks continue.
The majority of the above is well-known across social media, particularly among those relying less on traditional news outlets and tabloid papers. Users are met with horrifying statistics and terrifying images of Palestinian suffering and may feel at a loss as to how they can help.
In the wake of the atrocities, several TikTok creators have introduced filters to raise money for aid in Gaza. Many pro-Palestinian creators have used watermelons in these filters; as a result of Israel’s oppression, several restrictions have been imposed on flying the Palestinian flag. and the watermelon has been used, instead, as a stand-in – as stated in the Washington Post, the watermelon is a symbol of ‘’resistance and persistence’’, presenting what it means to be Palestinian.
I have listed below some filters that have, at this stage, not reached the maximum limit for donations; all creators are also in the creator fund and have promised to donate all proceeds to Palestinian aid. These filters can be used on private accounts, also, and will still generate revenue. For more effects, you can search #FreePalestine followed by ‘effects’ – just remember to check that the creator is in the creator fund and that the filter hasn’t reached its maximum!
- Donate for Palestine, Created by @mzfl
This creator has chosen to incorporate key phrases for the Palestinian cause and created a match-making game which people can complete and post to help generate revenue.
Link: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGedWo7kV/
2. Palestine filter for good – Created by @ali_tiktokisla
This creator has used a wheel-spinning feature; it takes two seconds to complete and, as always, they have promised proceeds will be donated towards Palestinian aid.
Link: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGed7Jce7/
3. Freedom Leap! Created by @jabaylamade
This filter follows the same format as the popular Minecraft filter and can be completed (and posted) in a matter of seconds.
Link: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGedWKRya/
4. The Good Filter 2 created by @therealloverloadcomedy
This creator has created two filters for the Palestinian cause, however, one appears to have reached its maximum; they also share facts about the ongoing genocide, helping people stay informed.
Link: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGed7jbdg/
5. Collect For Good created by @camsdonuts
This is the newest filter on the list and, as such, the furthest away from reaching its maximum. Again, the creator has promised that ALL proceeds will be going to Palestinian aid!
Link: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGed7LNF9/