Canadian poet Rupi Kaur rejected the invitation from White House for a Diwali event following the American government’s support in Israel amid its conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas.

“I’m surprised this administration finds it acceptable to celebrate Diwali, when their support of the current atrocities against Palestinians represent the exact opposite of what his holiday means to many of us,” Kaur wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

She added that Diwali is the “celebration of righteousness over falsehood and knowledge over ignorance,” and has always used this holiday to “reflect on what it means to fight for freedom against oppression.”

“Today, the American government is not only funding the bombardment of Gaza, they continue to justify this genocide against Palestinians—regardless of how many refugee camps, health facilities, and places of worship are blown to bits,” Kaur said.

The Canadian poet noted that she will not let her likeness be used in whitewashing the American administration’s actions and implored the South Asian community to hold them accountable.

“When a government’s actions dehumanize people anywhere in the world, it is our moral imperative to call for justice. Do not be afraid,” Kaur said.

“Stand with the world and demand a humanitarian ceasefire. Many voices will join you when you speak. Let us sign petitions. Attend protests. Boycott. Call our reps and say—stop the genocide,” she added.

Biden earlier declared his support for Israel, stating that “Israel has the right to defend itself, and its people, full stop.”

More than 10,000 Palestinians have died since Hamas’ unprecedented attack that killed 1,405 in Israel since October 7.

The United Nations (UN) has called an “immediate humanitarian truce” in Gaza, but Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected it.