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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Could a peace wristband appeal to those feeling politically homeless?

112 replies

Whatnow777 · 28/06/2026 12:48

I think what happened on October 7th is disgusting and honestly my worst nightmare as a mother - if one of my children were captured and tortured like those hostages. I also hate the rise of anti-Semitism in this country. At the same time, I am pro-peace and do feel for those innocent people in Gaza. I’m also anti-Hamas and feel that the regime should be abolished, and I do not want Sharia law in this country.

I have met people wearing ‘Pro Palestine’ bracelets who are anti Istraeli/ anti Jew (I have spoken to said people) and that scares me. (I know it might not be all).

The reason why I am posting this now is I have noticed so many of these wristbands and nothing in support of the Jews, for everything they have gone through /are going through.

My thoughts are that there may be a vast number of people who share my views, who want Jews to be protected in this country, who do not want sharia law in our country, who oppose the extremist acts that have been perpetrated in this country against whoever, and who also wish for peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.

It feels like our voices are not heard because we are not ‘one-sided’ as such, but perhaps are one sided in terms of being against hate and terrorism.

AIBU to think a wristband centred on peace, humanity and opposition to extremism could resonate with people who feel politically homeless in the current debate.

OP posts:
CagedBirdInACage · 29/06/2026 08:07

Whatnow777 · 29/06/2026 07:39

I did say in my original post that I DO also care for all the innocent people in Gaza and am pro - peace! Why can’t someone also condemn what happened/ is happening to Jews? Why can’t someone be anti terror (whoever is committing the terror?)

Edited

Of course you can be concerned for both, your op makes it clear where your concern lies though. Read it back, equal concern for all is not shown, your post has a very definite focus of concern and that's fine, I haven't said that it isn't. Just that there are probably more recognisable symbols to use to display your support for Jewish people and Israelis than the peace symbol which isn't particularly associated with either.

Bellic · 29/06/2026 07:43

Whatnow777 · 29/06/2026 07:39

I did say in my original post that I DO also care for all the innocent people in Gaza and am pro - peace! Why can’t someone also condemn what happened/ is happening to Jews? Why can’t someone be anti terror (whoever is committing the terror?)

Edited

Who doesn’t care for people of Gaza? Who wants to see innocents being flattened? You’re just the average Joe OP. Why do you feel the need to show off that you’re so compassionate that seeing kids being killed in Gaza makes you sad? It makes everyone sad.

There is nothing our government can do about it. Nothing. So get over the whole pally virtue signalling and do something about things you CAN change. Things here in the UK!

MushMonster · 29/06/2026 07:42

OP, judging by the comments you get here, which are "priceless", ignore the whole thread.
Go with the peace pins that are mentioned by one of the posters.
MN will not through any meaningfull answer, as if you want to gather info on the opinion of the majority in UK.
MN is plagued with people who love throwing low punches to each other. Greatest waste of time.

Whatnow777 · 29/06/2026 07:39

CagedBirdInACage · 29/06/2026 06:45

You are 'one sided' though, very clearly. A week after Muslims suffered through a horrendous attack with a terrorist connection on the streets of Britain you don't show a scrap of concern for them rather you burble on about Sharia law. No mention of the mothers worst nightmare in Gaza where a baby on their mother's breast was targeted and killed with highly accurate quadcopters and their children are used in games of target practice by Israeli soldiers.

We all have our biases and you are no different. If you want to show support for Jewish people and Israelis as per your OP then I'm sure there is already a way to do that that is far more recognisable than a peace symbol.

I did say in my original post that I DO also care for all the innocent people in Gaza and am pro - peace! Why can’t someone also condemn what happened/ is happening to Jews? Why can’t someone be anti terror (whoever is committing the terror?)

OP posts:
Quackcow · 29/06/2026 07:33

This reply has been deleted

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Moonmelodies · 29/06/2026 07:20

How do you propose to abolish Hamas peacefully?

Phineyj · 29/06/2026 07:15

Whatnow777 · 28/06/2026 13:28

This is an interesting debate. Do all of you also feel the pro-Palestine bracelets are pointless and have not been effective for their cause?

It certainly gives you a tip to give the person a wide berth.

MushMonster · 29/06/2026 06:59

OP has said that she feels for the innocent in Gaza.
For both sides. Nothing wrong with that.
True that I do not get what the shariah law in UK has to do with any of it. Neither Christianity in UK.
But she has stated that she wants peace for all the civilians in the area. All of them, equally. I agree with that. No more innocent blood spilled.

CagedBirdInACage · 29/06/2026 06:45

You are 'one sided' though, very clearly. A week after Muslims suffered through a horrendous attack with a terrorist connection on the streets of Britain you don't show a scrap of concern for them rather you burble on about Sharia law. No mention of the mothers worst nightmare in Gaza where a baby on their mother's breast was targeted and killed with highly accurate quadcopters and their children are used in games of target practice by Israeli soldiers.

We all have our biases and you are no different. If you want to show support for Jewish people and Israelis as per your OP then I'm sure there is already a way to do that that is far more recognisable than a peace symbol.

MushMonster · 29/06/2026 06:40

Oh wow! I am surprised at the split in your vote!
I am with you, peace and freedom for both Israelis and Palestinians. Which sounds like an impossible dream due to how enrooted Hamas and Netanyahu are. But it will happen.

Corryvreckan · 29/06/2026 06:32

I think this childish need for badges etc is just that.
Fed up with tribalism, virtue signalling et al.
No more flags (except at sporting events) and no more lanyards.
All it does is breed even more division.

Bellic · 29/06/2026 05:46

Whatnow777 · 28/06/2026 12:55

People wear symbols all the time to express values, solidarity or support for causes. My question was simply whether there are others who feel politically homeless in this debate and would welcome a symbol centred on peace, opposition to terrorism and hatred, and support for the safety of both Jews and Palestinians.

The Conservative Party represent me perfectly in this debate:

Jew deserve to feel safe in the UK.
Gaza is not something the UK government can fix and time spent debating it is time wasted.
Defence is a legitimate, successful industry in the UK and we should be doing all we can to encourage their sales.

So many people feel the need to advertise their virtuousness by waving a pally flag while knowing or caring nothing for the complexities of the situation. It’s 100% about telling everyone that they’re more virtuous than you. It’s so incredibly shallow. Being virtuous in a manner that no one sees still counts.

CurlewKate · 29/06/2026 04:20

PetiteParakeet · 28/06/2026 20:13

I have a regular donation set up to Standing Together, “an Israeli grassroots movement that aims to bring together Arab Israeli and Jewish Israeli communities in the struggle for Israeli-Palestinian peace, equality and social justice.” They are anti-war and aim to bring communities together around practical issues. There are ‘Friends of Standing Together’ branches in the UK and I have a little purple badge I picked up at one of their events.
There are a lot of people on here who are mainly focused on UK antisemitism and who even support the current Israeli government, so this organisation may not appeal to them. But personally I think this movement, even if a very small minority right now, is the best hope for future peace in Israel/Palestine.

Thank you, I will look into that.

EmeraldRoulette · 29/06/2026 00:16

Whatnow777 · 28/06/2026 23:35

It just seems crazy to me. I would never have thought when I was a child growing up here that this is what it would become.

There's a lot to unpack here

I never thought this country would turn out the way it is at the moment

But I think some people are very loud and that maybe affects our judgement of what's really going on

We can't know 100% because we can't know what everyone is thinking!

Do you live in a place that has a very specific political leanings?

I don't think a bracelet is going to help basically.

HRTQueen · 29/06/2026 00:03

A show of solidarity is needed

Thought unfortunately wearing such a bracelet those that so oppose Isreal and the US and hold anti semitic views will step up their vitriol as so many are stupid they have no idea of the politics or what they are supporting it’s become like a cult they have no interest in discussion just proving their are right

HaveCreditWillShop · 28/06/2026 23:54

I also wish people could live in peace - but I have zero religious leaning. One is not a pre-requisite for the other, and virtually every religion has some lines in it about peace and harmony.

Bringing Christianity into it, as if it’s some saviour to sort it all out because ‘it’s the one based on peace’ gives me the major ick. And the pearl-clutching about what is it all coming to when British people couldn’t give two hoots about Christianity is outdated and naive. I can only imagine you’re a good bit older than me and I’m nearly 50.

Nutmuncher · 28/06/2026 23:41

Honestly? I wish all the religions would keep their gods and books out of our daily lives, keep the terrorism, war mongering and hatred in your places of worship and homes. How about everyone just gets on together instead of hating one another because of a god, deity or skin colour.

Whatnow777 · 28/06/2026 23:35

LuckyHazelFox · 28/06/2026 23:32

I wouldn't waste your time. Protecting and valuing Jews and Christianity? Filthy prospects on here. Sad but true.

It just seems crazy to me. I would never have thought when I was a child growing up here that this is what it would become.

OP posts:
LuckyHazelFox · 28/06/2026 23:32

Whatnow777 · 28/06/2026 23:28

Valuing the country’s Christian heritage doesn’t say I’m Christian. Britain has an established church, and Christianity has played a central role in shaping our national institutions, traditions and values. The values of which I care for and think are very important to hold on to - the right of all individuals to live peacefully together.

Edited

I wouldn't waste your time. Protecting and valuing Jews and Christianity? Filthy prospects on here. Sad but true.

Whatnow777 · 28/06/2026 23:28

HaveCreditWillShop · 28/06/2026 23:18

I’ve never seen one of these pro-Palestine bands that you seem to be making out are in wide distribution.
Also bringing your Christian beliefs into it is a total turn off. Not that was particularly interested before but that definitely killed it stone dead.

Valuing the country’s Christian heritage doesn’t say I’m Christian. Britain has an established church, and Christianity has played a central role in shaping our national institutions, traditions and values. The values of which I care for and think are very important to hold on to - the right of all individuals to live peacefully together.

OP posts:
HaveCreditWillShop · 28/06/2026 23:18

Whatnow777 · 28/06/2026 22:13

I support one secular legal system for everyone in the UK. I oppose any religious or ideological system, from any faith or tradition, that undermines equal rights, individual freedoms, or the rule of law. I also I value Britain’s Christian heritage and would like Christianity to continue to play an important role in our national culture, while ensuring people of all faiths and none are free to live here equally and peacefully... that's it really

I’ve never seen one of these pro-Palestine bands that you seem to be making out are in wide distribution.
Also bringing your Christian beliefs into it is a total turn off. Not that was particularly interested before but that definitely killed it stone dead.

Tomikka · 28/06/2026 23:02

Whatnow777 · 28/06/2026 22:13

I support one secular legal system for everyone in the UK. I oppose any religious or ideological system, from any faith or tradition, that undermines equal rights, individual freedoms, or the rule of law. I also I value Britain’s Christian heritage and would like Christianity to continue to play an important role in our national culture, while ensuring people of all faiths and none are free to live here equally and peacefully... that's it really

No religious arbitration impacts upon individual rights and freedoms in the UK

They have no bearing above anyone but those who chose to go through them …… actually one could but that is the position of the Christian ecleasiatical
court under the British legal system.

HeddaGarbled · 28/06/2026 23:00

Why the reference that you don’t want Sharia law in this country?

Dog whistle, was my assumption.

Noorandapples · 28/06/2026 22:18

And FYI the sharia courts here are legally non binding and operate to help muslims draw up wills, negotiate and facilitate divorce plans, advise on important matters they're asked about, but don't actually make rulings. One rule of islam is that muslims must abide by the law of the land they live in.

Whatnow777 · 28/06/2026 22:17

Noorandapples · 28/06/2026 22:14

Amnesty International have pins, so do Action Aid, One Nation, Mercy Corps, Kids for Peace, and countless more and buying them might be a bit more useful than making your own wristband

That wouldn't be quite the same thing as what I was suggesting, but thank you for your comment. Funnily enough, I have done work for one of those organisations in the past (which are all great organisations).

OP posts:
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