Ariana Grande helps raise $801K for Palestine

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14 hours ago|

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14 hours ago|

Lifestyle

Pop superstar Ariana Grande has helped raise more than $801,000 for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) as of January 2026, demonstrating the power of celebrity influence on humanitarian causes.

The milestone has also reignited debate online over the responsibility of public figures to use their platforms for activism, with past comments from Selena Gomez resurfacing in the discussion.

The “Ariana Effect”

Grande first boosted the fundraiser in May 2024 by sharing a direct donation link on her Instagram story. Within minutes, PCRF reported a $40,000 surge in contributions.

Over the following two years, her continued advocacy turned that viral moment into nearly a million dollars in aid. According to PCRF, the funds are being used to provide:

Life-saving medical supplies for children in Gaza
Food and clean water for displaced families
Mental health support for children affected by aggression

Selena Gomez’s Comments Resurface

While Grande’s campaign drew praise, critics contrasted her impact with a 2016 tweet by Selena Gomez, in which she wrote:

"Oh lol so that means if I hashtag something I save lives?"

The tweet, long deleted, has reappeared in 2026 as critics argue that Gomez’s dismissal of online activism is “out of touch,” especially given her massive Instagram following and wealth.

History of Criticism

Gomez has faced repeated backlash for her approach to social issues:

2018: Criticized for using the hashtag #notjustahashtag during a gun control movement
2023–2025: Took social media breaks during humanitarian crises, claiming posts “won’t change the world”
2025: Released a video discussing immigration, which some called performative activism