What is it about?
Jewish-American actor Ben Stiller posted a tweet mentioning “RAFA,” referring to tennis star Rafael Nadal after his match. This led to confusion among pro-Palestinian supporters who misinterpreted the tweet.
Why it matters?
This incident highlights how quickly misinformation can spread on social media and underscores the importance of context in communication. It also shows the momentum of Israeli supporters to clarify and uphold the truth.
Driving the news
On Monday, Rafael Nadal lost to Alexander Zverev in the first round of Roland Garros. Following his defeat, Nadal contemplated stepping away from the tournament for good, prompting Ben Stiller to post “RAFA” with three fist emojis.
The confusion
Some pro-Palestinian commentators mistook “RAFA” for “RAFAH,” assuming that Stiller was expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. This quickly went viral among supporters who praised Stiller erroneously for his supposed stance on human rights.
Clearing the air
Israeli users, however, swiftly corrected the narrative. They pointed out that Stiller’s tweet referred to Rafael Nadal and not to the Gaza-based city of Rafah. Various users expressed their relief and humor over the situation, making it clear that Stiller, a known supporter of Israel, was indeed referencing Nadal.
The reality check
Hamza Jaber, who initially believed Stiller was supporting Palestinians, clarified in a tweet that he realized Stiller’s post was about Nadal. This episode underscores the necessity of verifying information before drawing conclusions.
Background
Ben Stiller has previously voiced support for Israel, especially during times of conflict, thanking U.S. President Biden in an Instagram post for efforts concerning the release of American hostages held by Hamas.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.