Disney to donate $2 million to Israeli aid groups amid Gaza war, stirring fury online

The Walt Disney Company said it will donate $2 million to "humanitarian efforts" in Israel, following the outbreak of the war in Gaza, ongoing since last Saturday.

The company, renowned for its animated films, said it will give $1 million to Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom, with the rest to be donated to non-profit organisations in the country, US website Variety reported on Friday.

"In the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks targeting Jews in Israel this past weekend, we must all do what we can to support the innocent people experiencing so much pain, violence, and uncertainty — particularly children," said Bob Iger, CEO of the company.

Iger went on to condemn Hamas’ unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel, which occurred last week.

I have canceled my subscription to the Disney+ platform. I cannot pay for a platform that supports the k-illing of civilians and children.
I forgot to mention the murders, it's Israel. https://t.co/TU7TsSbZO0

— Ahmad M. Yassine | أحمد م. ياسين (@Lobnene_Blog) October 14, 2023

Israel has gone to relentlessly bombard the Gaza Strip, killing over 2,200 people, and wounding over 8,000 Palestinians. More than 400,000 people have been displaced since, with 1 million people ordered to evacuate southwards from the Strip’s north following Israel’s threats of a ground invasion.

Israeli shelling has destroyed key infrastructure in the besieged enclave, with hospitals on the verge of collapse amid evacuations.

At least 1,300 Israelis have been killed, with thousands injured.

Disney further said that the company will be matching donations from its employees up to $25,000.

Disney’s move has been criticised by pro-Palestinian activists online.

One user, Ahmed, said: "I am cancelling my subscription to Disney+ platform. I cannot pay for a platform that supports the killing of civilians and children."

"I forgot to mention, the murders, it’s Israel," he added.

Another user, Nahla, said: "Let me make a correction for you! Disney is participating in war crimes with Israel by pledging $2 million."

Others have urged subscribers to the Disney+ platform to end their subscription.

Disney’s move comes as several corporations have revealed that they will donate to Israel, amid its war with Hamas. The Israeli branch of the fast-food chain McDonald's said it would provide free meals to Israeli soldiers, according to Newsweek, and other reports.

The decision, like Disney’s, was met with backlash online.