Kentuckians urge community to take action for Palestine

LOUISVILLE — “From Kentucky to Palestine, occupation is a crime,” echoed around Waterfront Park by over a hundred Kentuckians of all ages at a rally held on Oct. 5.

The community gathered in solidarity for the support of an end to genocide and occupation in Palestine.  Accompanied by banners, signs and Palestinian flag kites, the community listened to speakers from several Kentucky organizations.

Leilah Brown spoke at the event for the University of Louisville’s Student Justice for Palestine chapter.

“This is just as much America’s genocide as it is Israel’s,” Brown said.

Brown shared that an estimated $28.5 million in Kentucky taxes are sent directly to Israel, according to U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights.  USCPR calculated the estimations for each state based on the average of $3.8 billion the United States has pledged to send Israel every year until 2028.

The 2016 Memorandum of Understanding totaled $38 billion that the U.S. would provide in military assistance over 10 years.

Israel ranks at number 26 among international export receivers from Kentucky, with exports totaling $101.7 million in 2024 and all trade totaling $376.9 million, according to Kentucky Export Initiative.

The largest Kentucky exports to Israel include pharmaceutical products ($29.7 million); aircraft, spacecraft and parts ($25.3 million); arms, ammunition, parts and accessories ($9.2 million).

The state’s largest imports from Israel include pharmaceutical products ($141.1 million); nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and parts ($41 million); optic, photo, medic/surgical instruments ($26.7 million)

Additionally, Brown noted that since the University of Louisville is a public institution, it also receives tax funds.  She said it is the taxpayer's responsibility to see what that money is invested in. 

A QR code for an online petition was circulated at the rally.  The petition calls for the University of Louisville to fully disclose its investments and divest from Israel, which would include ending partnerships with groups like Remington Arms and The Boeing Company.

Lexington native Mohammad Ahmad of the Northern Kentucky for Palestine Coalition spoke on the national perception and understanding of international crises. The American population’s focus on hyperindividualism, consumerism and materialism encourages narcissism, Ahmad said, whether it’s intentional or not.

“Society tells you to just worry about yourself; worry about your own. But when we worry about ourselves, we forget about each other, where we come from,” Ahmad said.

Ahmad explained that while some people may look at the genocide and occupation and realize it’s an atrocity, they might think there is nothing they can do or be scared and unwilling to sacrifice the comforts of their own lives.

The question “Well, what can I do?” comes from the unintentional dehumanization of Palestinians as a result of excessive individualism, according to Ahmad.

Ahmad posed his own question to people who are able to attend events in support of Palestine but choose not to: “What are you afraid of? What are you really worried about?” Ahmad asked, continuing to say that fear holds people back.

“We're here to say everyone plays a role, whether you boycott, whether you divest, whether you protest, whether you create content or just amplify content on social media,” Ahmad said.

The idea is that everyone can find a way to utilize their talents to take part in voice amplification and resistance, be it through cooking, art, music, writing, or any other form.

While the impact might not be seen directly, Ahmad encouraged the actions as they will push public opinion, create a narrative, and get into the heads of politicians.

“We may not see it and feel it, but it will happen. It just takes time, and it takes sustained effort,” Ahmad said.