Many Hollywood celebrities have been expressing their opinions on social media regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, and many are also suffering from immediate backlash from the public. Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon, for one, endured several criticism following her previous remarks.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Glazer’s speech at the Oscars evoked fierce reactions from people, especially the US Holocaust Survivors’ Foundation. According to the group, his message was “morally indefensible.”
Susan Sarandon Apologized For Controversial Remarks Involving Israel and Palestine
Susan Sarandon was heavily criticized for her statement about the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine. As a consequence, she has been dropped by her agency for making shocking comments during a rally in New York City (via Fox News):
“There are a lot of people that are afraid, that are afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence.”
The actress later issued an apology, claiming that her phrasing of the words was a terrible mistake and it was not her intention to hurt anyone. She wrote on her Instagram page:
“Intending to communicate my concern for an increase in hate crimes, I said that Jewish Americans, as the targets of rising antisemitic hate, ‘are getting a taste of what it is like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence.’ This phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true.”
Sarandon concluded her post by declaring that she will commit to advocating for “peace, truth, justice, and compassion for all people.” It is evident that the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and the ensuing Israel-Palestine war have created divisive opinions in Hollywood.
Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar Speech Slammed by Holocaust Survivors’ Foundation
Jonathan Glazer also faces public scrutiny after delivering a speech at the Oscars addressing the said conflict. The director stated during the event (via The Guardian):
“Right now we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people, whether the victims of October 7 in Israel or the ongoing attack in Gaza.”
The Holocaust Survivors’ Foundation USA responded to the filmmaker’s statement and slammed him for his “morally indefensible” Oscar acceptance speech. In an open letter posted on their website, chairman David Schaecter said:
“It is disgraceful for you to presume to speak for the six million Jews, including one and a half million children, who were murdered solely because of their Jewish identity. You should be ashamed of yourself for using Auschwitz to criticize Israel.”
Glazer and film producer James Wilson took home the Oscars for Best International Film for The Zone of Interest which followed the day-to-day life of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife, Hedwig.
Glazer and Susan Sarandon are just some of the popular celebrities who used their influence and platform to speak about the Israel-Palestine conflict.
