Comedian Michael Schirtzer Banned from Instagram for Criticizing Israel

Instagram Ban and Content Criticism

• 🎙️ Comedian and co-host of The Palestine Pod, Michael Schirtzer, had his Instagram account removed by Meta without warning or appeal.
• 🎯 The ban was reportedly due to content critical of Israel, which Schirtzer believes is a result of pressure from the Israel lobby.
• 💡 Schirtzer's content often blends comedy with discussions on Jewish identity, anti-Zionism, and Palestinian liberation.

Comedy Bit and Audience Reaction

• 🎤 A viral comedy bit, which included crowd work, featured Schirtzer stating "I'm Jewish and I support Palestine."
• 🚶‍♂️ The bit also included a joke about an Israeli soldier being eaten by a shark, with a punchline differentiating between children and soldiers.
• 😬 The audience reaction was mixed, with some leaving during the set, which Schirtzer leaned into by highlighting their discomfort and affiliation with companies like Sony.

Meta's Policy and Censorship

• 🕵️‍♀️ Jordana Cutler, Meta's policy chief for Israel and the diaspora, viewed Schirtzer's Instagram story, shortly before his account was removed.
• 📊 Meta platforms are accused of significant digital violations against Palestinian content, with over 23,000 documented cases in a year.
• 🚫 Organizations like Hamla have recorded numerous cases of pro-Palestinian censorship, particularly on Facebook and Instagram.

Social Media Platforms and Censorship

• ⚖️ Schirtzer notes that while Facebook and Instagram are the worst for censorship, X (formerly Twitter) is more lenient, though it has a prevalence of fascist bots.
• 🌐 Content critical of Israel that is suppressed on Meta platforms is often visible on X, despite Elon Musk's pro-Israel stance.
• 📉 Schirtzer views the wave of censorship as an indication that their message is gaining traction.

Industry Blacklisting and Comedy's Role

• 🚫 Zionists have allegedly contacted major comedy clubs in Los Angeles to prevent Schirtzer from being booked.
• 🎭 While not entirely blacklisted, Schirtzer acknowledges that speaking about Palestinian liberation makes it more difficult to get booked in the industry.
• 💡 Schirtzer argues that comedy should punch up, representing the underdog and speaking truth to power, rather than from the perspective of an oppressor.

Jewish Identity vs. Zionism

• ✡️ Schirtzer asserts that Judaism and Zionism are distinct, with Jews not killing or stealing, while Zionists will kill and steal.
• 🧠 He believes the Israeli government has conducted a massive brainwashing campaign, confusing many people about this distinction.
• 💬 The most vitriol and threats Schirtzer receives come from Zionists, whom he characterizes as the most vicious and anti-Semitic group he has encountered.