In a busy McDonald’s, at Birmingham – an activist was seen releasing a box of painted rats and shouting “Free Palestine.” Customers at the McDonald’s appear shocked as a man empties the box onto the floor.
A man was seen loading three boxes of red, white, and green mice into the back of a car in a video that has gone viral on social media. The word “Palestine” has been replaced on the vehicle’s license plates. This occurred in the midst of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, raising concerns about the escalation of tensions. The video was captioned as “enjoy your rat-burgers.”
Source: Birmingham Live
The activist can then be seen approaching a McDonald’s location, believed to be Birmingham’s Star City, before throwing the mice onto the floor and shouting “Free Palestine.” He then shows the mice to a group of teenagers before releasing them on the floor, causing customers to panic. After the rats were thrown into the branch, customers at the restaurant were screaming and jumping in shock. Two women at the service desk were seen jolting out of the way as rats rushed near their feet.
The activist concludes the video by urging people to boycott “McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Disney” because of their alleged support for Israel. McDonald’s Israel was chastised after announcing free meals for Israeli soldiers in the midst of the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Wording in the video then shared this statement “Start by boycotting these brands that are directly involved in supporting Israeli apartheid.”
According to foreign media reports, the man’s actions were in response to the fast-food chain’s alleged support for the Israeli military. Birmingham McDonald’s has also confirmed that several mice were released inside the restaurant in response to the incident.
A McDonald’s spokesperson stated, “We are aware of an incident in our Birmingham Star City restaurant where a number of mice were released by a member of the public.” It is because of the conflict in Gaza, tensions between pro-Palestinian activists and British Jews remain high. Since the attack occurred three weeks ago, police have reported an increase in anti-Semitism and Islam-phobia.
More than 8,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Hamas’s atrocities, which sued the lives of 1,400 Israelis. Protests have erupted in cities across the United Kingdom, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Belfast.
The restaurant responded very quickly, exterminating the rats and thoroughly sanitizing the area. Pest control specialists were also called in for a thorough inspection. The incident has highlighted the importance of peaceful and constructive ways of expressing grievances.
An Israeli McDonald’s franchise announced earlier this month that it would provide free food to members of the Israeli military, which sparked outrage and caused other franchises to distance themselves from the move.
A McDonald’s spokesman also said that the company has donated $1 million, split between The World Food Program and the Red Cross, to support people in the region. Meanwhile, the Walt Disney Co. announced that they are donating $2 million to humanitarian relief efforts in Israel, while Starbucks said they are suing their workers union after they expressed solidarity with Palestinians on X (formerly Twitter).
Source: BNN
Pro-Palestinian started these kind of activities around the world after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Protesters had also surrounded a Marks and Spencer store in Scotland which was also noted recently.
This act of releasing rats into the restaurant is considered as provocative and inflammatory, causing discomfort to both customers and the animals involved. It also highlights the difficulties that businesses face when caught in the crossfire of political conflicts, which are frequently targeted by activists on both sides. The incident is noted as a reminder of the value of peaceful and respectful dialogue in resolving conflicts and fostering understanding among diverse groups.
