Canadian Poet Rupi Kaur Declines White House Diwali Invite Over US Support for Gaza Bombardment
Canadian poet Rupi Kaur has made the decision to decline an invitation to attend a Diwali celebration at the United States White House. The event, which will be hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday evening, was turned down by Kaur due to the Biden administration’s ongoing support for Israel and its bombardment of Gaza.
In a statement posted on social media, Kaur expressed her refusal to accept any invitation from an institution that endorses the collective punishment of a civilian population, with a notable portion being children. As Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world prepare to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, she highlighted the festival’s significance of justice and light triumphing over darkness.
Kaur’s letter emphasized the importance of fighting against oppression in the pursuit of freedom, urging her followers to take action against the continuing assault on Gaza. She called on the South Asian community to hold the administration accountable, stating that remaining silent or agreeable in order to secure a seat at the table comes at too high a cost to human life.
Emphasizing that it is our moral responsibility to demand justice when a government’s actions dehumanize people anywhere in the world, Kaur implored her readers to join the global push for a humanitarian ceasefire. She encouraged signing petitions, attending protests, boycotting, contacting representatives, and speaking out against what she described as genocide.
Last year, Vice President Harris, who shares Indian descent with Kaur, hosted the largest-ever White House Diwali event in her own home, welcoming around 200 guests from the South Asian community, including prominent figures.
President Biden’s celebratory statement last year praised the triumph of light over darkness in American history, particularly highlighting the experiences of minority communities in the US.
As Kaur’s decision gains attention and sparks conversations, it highlights the divisions and differing viewpoints surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the Biden administration maintains its support for Israel, critics argue that the situation in Gaza requires urgent action to prevent further suffering of innocent civilians.
It remains to be seen how Kaur’s refusal of the White House invitation will impact the ongoing discussions around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the call for a humanitarian ceasefire. As Diwali approaches, it serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for justice and fighting against oppression, both on a global scale and within our own communities.
