Esther Aweke Fights Racism With Her Own Style
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Esther Aweke, a TikTok influencer and performer, has become a prominent voice against racism in Israel. After experiencing racist remarks online and in person, she uses her platform to address prejudice through viral videos and personal advocacy. Aweke's content has led to real-world consequences for those exhibiting racism, including job loss and legal action, as she vows to fight discrimination in her own way.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Esther Aweke uses TikTok to combat racism after experiencing hateful comments and discrimination.
- A viral video of Aweke confronting a store clerk led to the clerk's dismissal and a lawsuit.
- Aweke's initial viral moment involved a parking ticket dispute that garnered two million views.
- She collaborates with major brands and has appeared in TV series and children's shows.
- Aweke admires influencer Shirley Levy for her authentic self-presentation.
Esther Aweke, a 30-year-old content creator, actress, and singer from Kiryat Gat, has gained a significant following on TikTok, amassing 396,000 followers. Her online journey began unexpectedly when a video of her interacting with a municipal inspector over a parking ticket went viral, attracting two million views.
Aweke began actively combating racism after posting an innocent video with her family and receiving hateful comments, such as "Go back to Ethiopia." In response, she created a satirical video of herself and her family packing suitcases to leave for Ethiopia, highlighting the absurdity of such remarks. She stated her commitment to fighting racism, not through shouting, but through her own methods.
Her career has seen her participate in children's shows and two television series, and she has collaborated with major brands like Nestle, McDonald's, and Yellow. While being a police officer was a lifelong dream, her current work on TikTok serves as her livelihood.
One particularly emotional incident involved a store clerk telling her, "You don't belong in our country." Aweke filmed a video at the location while visibly upset. The video went viral, leading to the clerk's dismissal the next day after store cameras confirmed the incident. Aweke also pursued legal action against the clerk, emphasizing her refusal to remain silent about such experiences.
Aweke dedicates her entire day to her online activities, viewing everyday life as potential content, with only weekends offering a break. She admires fellow influencer Shirley Levy for her confidence in presenting herself authentically, without makeup or in swimwear, seeing it as an important message for young women.