Leanne Mohamad: Defying Labour with Gaza's Spirit
"I am Palestinian, and I am human. I shouldn't have to remind the world of that."
In the bustling streets of Ilford North, amidst the vibrant tapestry of multiculturalism that defines London's East End, a young girl's journey of Palestinian human rights activism began to take shape. With her luminous eyes sparkling with passion and infectious smile, Leanne Mohammad carries herself with courage far beyond her years.
In the pages of history, Leanne's story unfolds a testament to the horrific legacy of the Nakba—a pivotal chapter in the Palestinian narrative. Born into a Palestinian family, Leanne shares a deep personal connection to this tumultuous period, as her grandparents were among the countless families expelled from their ancestral homes in Haifa, Palestine, in 1948 by the Zionist Israeli occupiers. Like many, they became refugees in Lebanon, clinging to the elusive hope of a return that never materialised. For 75 years, the Nakba has remained a poignant symbol of displacement and dispossession, echoing through generations, etching itself into Leanne's consciousness and shaping her quest for justice.
Leanne Mohammad grew up in Ilford, attending Beal and Wanstead High School and forming meaningful friendships within its vibrant community. Ilford was the backdrop for many of her major life experiences, shaping her identity and values. At the tender age of 15, Leanne found her voice. A moment that changed her life forever: the Redbridge borough final of the Jack Petchey "Speak Out" Challenge. Dressed in her school uniform, with tousled hair framing her determined face, Leanne stood before the audience, defying expectations with her unassuming presence. Yet, as she spoke, her words carried a weight far beyond her years.
"Discrimination is wrong," she declared, her voice unwavering. "Palestinians should not be discriminated against for who they are." Her words cut through the silence, exposing the unreported injustices faced by Palestinians. "Every day, their homes, schools, and hospitals are destroyed, and they are left with nothing, not even their basic human rights".
In that moment, Leanne challenged the status quo with courage and clarity. She questioned the world's priorities, asking, "What madness is it that a dog is more protected by animal rights than a Palestinian child is by Human Rights?" Her words were a call to action, a plea for justice in a world often plagued by indifference. Leanne's speech resonated deeply, transcending the confines of the competition hall. With passion and conviction, she dared to address truths that many adults dared not speak. The hall erupted with applause when she finished, moved by her sincerity and inspired by her courage. Leanne proved that age was no barrier to making a difference, inspiring all who listened. It comes as no surprise that she won the competition.
Leanne's speech showcased her remarkable oratory skills and underscored her unwavering commitment to amplifying the injustice of apartheid in Israel. Drawing parallels to iconic high school activists like Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg, Mohammad's fearless advocacy serves as a beacon of hope in a world plagued by injustice and inequality.
In the aftermath of Leanne's victory, a concerning narrative emerged. Footage of her speech circulated online, triggering a barrage of online abuse from Zionists. The discourse surrounding Leanne's speech delved into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, freedom of expression, and the portrayal of sensitive geopolitical matters in public discourse. However, instead of fostering constructive dialogue, the online sphere descended into a cesspool of vitriol and harassment directed squarely at Leanne.
Leanne faced harsh criticism from the Zionist propaganda website Israellycool, which, instead of engaging with the essence of her statements, likened her speech to an "Isis recruiting video" and accused her of perpetuating "blood libel." This unfounded attack attempted to paint Leanne as a supporter of terrorism simply because she was brave enough to criticise the Israeli state's targeting of innocent civilians and infants. Such Machiavellian tactics, employed to silence dissent and unjustly equate legitimate criticism with terrorism, not only lack any factual basis but also reveal the deceptive strategies utilised by Israelis.
In the face of intimidation, Leanne took a stand against the onslaught of hate, publicly denouncing the Islamophobic messages and reporting them to the authorities. "Absolutely appalled to receive such hateful messages from adults on Twitter," she wrote. "I'm 15 years old; you should be ashamed."
With every hardship, there is ease; this came in the form of support from Twitter. The negative experience did not deter her from being involved in community initiatives. It's why she says she worked as a local youth worker, chairing the Youth Committee at her local Ilford Youth Centre. Together with the team, she helped local children flourish and use their talents best. Among personal milestones, she considers wearing the hijab one of the best decisions of her life. "I am proud to be identifiably and unapologetically Muslim. I am grateful for the hijab, and I continue to let it empower me every day. My hijab represents my strength, my obedience and most importantly, my way of showing devotion to my religion and to Allah". In July 2022, she achieved another milestone as she graduated from Kings College London.
Today, Leanne Mohammed faces her most significant challenge to date. As the world bore witness to the genocide unfolding in Gaza, with Israel's relentless assault receiving implicit support from the UK government and Labour Party under Keir Starmer's leadership, Muslim communities across the UK mobilised. Fed up with being taken for granted by Labour, they rallied behind supporting independent candidates in key constituencies where their votes could sway the outcome. With four million Muslim voters standing as a potent, unified force, Leanne stepped up as a candidate. The Redbridge community selected her to challenge Wes Streeting for the Ilford North seat in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Since 2015, Wes Streeting, a vocal advocate for the colonial state of Israel, has maintained his hold on the Ilford North constituency with a majority of 5,218. With the Muslim electorate comprising 27.3% of the population, the potential for an independent candidate to unseat him is palpable. Leanne's candidacy emerged as a direct response to Labour's failure to denounce the violence in Gaza promptly. Streeting's stance, aligning closely with Keir Starmer's leadership, drew sharp criticism, sparking outrage among local constituents. Pro-Palestine demonstrations and Beal High School student protests further underscored the discontent brewing within the community, with hundreds rallying against Labour's pro-Israel stance outside Streeting's office.
Leanne told The National why she was running, emphasising her determination to challenge the entrenched Labour establishment. "It's taken five months before they've even considered calling for an immediate ceasefire [which] shows just how untenable their position has been," she said. "But it's too little, too late. People tell me they won't support Labour until Palestine is free, but for many more, even that will not suffice, and their support for Labour is lost for good. They want fundamental change in our political system, and that's the message I'm hearing at doorsteps across Ilford North. It's why I'm challenging Wes Streeting, and it's why Labour can never be trusted when it comes to justice for Palestinians."
In the face of daunting odds, Leanne Mohamad is a beacon of courage and conviction, ready to take on the formidable Labour machine in the upcoming election. Backed by the unwavering support of the establishment, her opponent, Wes Streeting, is armed with big money and abundant resources. But Leanne's mission transcends mere protest – a burning desire for justice drives her. With your support, she can defy the odds and emerge victorious, bringing fresh energy and moral leadership to Ilford North.
If you have felt helpless as you've watched babies being starved and families being bombed, all with the tacit support of the Labour Party, now is your time to step up and make a difference. Let's rally behind Leanne, knowing that every donation, every volunteer, and every share of her campaign brings us one step closer to a Free Palestine. Helping Leanne beat Wes Streeting will not only send a powerful message of accountability to all politicians but also teach them that they will not go unpunished at the ballot box for supporting genocide. Visit www.leannemohamad.co.uk today to join the movement and stand on the right side of history.