Fans of the internationally popular K-pop group BTS have once again shown a strong show of empathy and unity by contributing to humanitarian causes, this time focusing on helping Palestinians in the middle of Israel’s continuing war.
With more than a million Palestinian refugees fleeing Israel’s ceaseless assaults into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the situation is still grave and there are worries of impending disaster. Hindustan Times reports that in the midst of the chaos, BTS supporters, also referred to as the BTS ARMY, are striving to provide a ray of hope for Palestinians suffering from the atrocities of war.
Under the leadership of the fandom’s Indian branch, Team ARMY Projects India, supporters have proven their deep dedication to humanitarian causes and surpassed the prejudices usually associated with fandoms. The BTS ARMY from India shown their empathy and consciousness by contributing more than INR 300,000 for medical relief for Palestine. The gift, given on February 18, the day of band member J-Hope’s birthday, demonstrates the supporters’ persistent commitment to improving the lives of those impacted by the one-sided conflict.
This kind deed comes after a string of powerful actions taken by BTS supporters all over the world, such as online petitions and boycott campaigns, which called on BTS’s company, HYBE, to distance itself from organizations associated with Zionism. Supporters of the group from throughout the world started the #HYBEDivestFromZionism campaign, demanding that HYBE’s American unit’s CEO, Scooter Braun, be cut off in support of Palestine.
BTS fans’ combined efforts are not only raising awareness of international concerns but also serving as an example of the effectiveness of group action in bringing about good change. The BTS ARMY’s resolute support of Palestine’s ongoing tragedy is evidence of the transformational power of fandoms when they are organized for humanitarian reasons.
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