by Hannah Saunders, with reporting by Gray Trammel
Pro-Palestinian activists in Seattle unveiled an “ISRAEL KILLS” banner and Palestinian flag at the Nov. 7 Kraken game in Climate Pledge Arena as part of the Freedom Convoy USA’s nationwide effort to raise awareness at NHL games about the genocide, demand accountability, and cease funding to Israel.
“Pro-Palestinian Seattle activists want to send a message that thoughtful people everywhere need to double down on the public pressure to stop sending billions of dollars to support Israel when we have critical needs at home. In addition to weapons, Israel and its U.S. allies spend millions of US taxpayer money to silence critics,” Freedom Convoy USA stated. “On Friday, Climate Pledge Arena refused to host its own award-winning hometown performing artist, Macklemore, because his Free Palestine tour specifically donates all proceeds to Palestinian humanitarian aid and advocacy organizations. The demand for divestment from Israel and support for a Free Palestine is louder and clearer than ever before.”
The Kraken played the New York Rangers, which won by 4-3, with the Kraken finally waking up in the third period to score all of its goals. About halfway through the second period, two activists showcased the “ISRAEL KILLS” banner, bringing it down the aisle of the arena and placing it against the rink glass. Shortly after, one activist presented a Palestinian flag. All were escorted out by security.
Those there to watch the match told activists to “Get the fuck out of the way!” and that they “Can’t see!”
Several of the activists are involved with Bellevue Bannering, a group that holds weekly chalking and bannering events to bring awareness to the horrors Israel is inflicting upon Palestinians. One told TtS that a security officer informed them that flags are not allowed; the Climate Pledge Arena’s guide states that guests are authorized to bring small signs, banners, and posters but that they cannot be “derogatory, insulting, obscene, or culturally disrespectful.”
That match was military appreciation day, with the U.S. military being complicit in the genocide. The activists passed out flyers that highlighted how the U.S. pays Israel $3.8 billion in military aid annually, even receiving an additional $12.4 million in 2024. The flyer highlighted how pro-Israel groups funnel millions of dollars to pro-Israel candidates during elections, and how 38 states have laws against the boycotting of Israel.
“While our government and elected officials claim they can’t fund housing, jobs, healthcare, and children, American public funds and taxes are paying for free and subsidized services for Israelis— while we foot the bill. How is this ok?” according to the flyer.
These exact same flyers were passed out at NHL banner drops that took place across the country on Nov. 7 that took place in Buffalo, Washington D.C, Nashville, and Los Angeles.
Macklemore’s benefit concert gets turned down
This action comes as the Climate Pledge Arena denied Macklemore to perform a benefit concert for Palestine, in addition to eight other U.S. venues. Back in Sept., the musician was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour due to his pro-Palestinian remarks.
Macklemore is a Seattle native that has been outspoken about Palestine for several years, even releasing the track, “HIND’S HALL,” in 2024 to honor Hind Rajab, a five-year-old girl murdered by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) as her family was evacuating Gaza City. IOF soldiers shot at their car, and her 15-year-old cousin, Layan Hamda, called the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. While on the phone, 64 gunshots rang out as Hamda screamed, and two paramedics were deployed to rescue Hind. The paramedics died in an explosion and Rajab was found deceased.
In a Nov. 6 social media announcement, when the nine venues discovered Macklemore’s concert would be a benefit for Palestine, they cancelled, which was unlike any experience in his 20 years of touring.
“I’d rather lose every opportunity in this industry than spend another day protecting people who value their business and relationships with Israel more than they value Palestinian life,” Macklemore said. “To these owners, the words Free Palestine represent a threat. Not because they endanger anyone, but because those words challenge the systems of power they have built their fortunes on.”
Meanwhile in Europe, the artist recently performed benefit concerts in Dublin, Paris, and London. Macklemore said he’s committed to raising funds and standing in solidarity with Palestinians.
In a Nov. 7 social media post, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, issued a joint statement in response to Climate Pledge Arena denying the benefit concert, and noted how they support Macklemore’s efforts to raise funds for Palestinians.
“Across Seattle and King County, we can stand against anti-Semitism, Islamaphobia, and all forms of hate while also standing up for Palestinian dignity and the human rights of all people. Those commitments belong together,” they said. “Fundraising to help families access food, medical care and other essential support is a cause our community should embrace. Our region has a long tradition of using music to support causes that matter. Let’s carry that tradition forward.”
The elected officials provided no meaningful way of supporting Macklemore when it comes to getting this Free Palestine benefit concert in his hometown up and running, nor did they denounce the arena or demand answers for its decision.
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