‘Our Hearts Break’: Hollywood Speaks Out Against Hamas
By Movieguide® Contributor
Major voices in Hollywood are speaking out against Hamas and their actions in Israel, from studios and CEOs to actors and comedians.
Paramount is the first major studio to officially comment on the situation, stating, “Paramount Global condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas. We stand with the people of Israel and the global Jewish community. We stand with all the innocent lives impacted. We stand with the children who deserve to be children. We stand united against all acts of terror and hate.”
Variety reported that Disney CEO Bob Iger sent a message to the company’s Shalom BERG group, made up of Jewish Disney employees.
“I’ve had the chance to speak with a number of our Jewish colleagues over the past few days about the horrific terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel, and I want to reach out to this group directly to express my shock and sadness,” Iger’s message read.
He continued, “My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and all of the innocent people whose lives have been torn apart by this unspeakable violence. I speak for myself and for the entire company in condemning these attacks, the hate that motivated them, and all acts of terrorism.”
“I know that in times like these it can be easy to be overcome with despair. I feel it too, along with a profound sense of outrage, but please know that you are not alone. May the memories of loved ones lost be a comfort to us all, and may peace and love always triumph over violence and hate,” Iger concluded. “Sending strength to you all and please take care of yourselves.”
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav also sent a staff memo about the attacks, saying, “Our hearts break for all those whose lives have been irrevocably and senselessly impacted by these vile acts of terror.”
Stars are speaking up as well. Over 100 celebrities signed a letter calling for the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas.
The letter denounced the actions of Hamas and “calls on our friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry to speak out forcefully against Hamas and do whatever is in their power to urge the terrorist organization to return the innocent hostages to their families.”
Stars like Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Michael Douglas, Greg Berlanti, Mayim Bialik, Jerry Seinfeld, Jamie Lee Curtis, Mark Hamill, Howie Mandel, Debra Messing, Liev Schreiber and Amy Schumer were among the many names signed to the letter.
Movieguide® previously reported on the response to the Israel-Hamas war:
Israeli actress Gal Gadot stands with her country as it faces war with Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group.
“At least 250 Israeli have been murdered and dozens of women children and elders held as hostages in Gaza, by Palestinian military group Hamas,” Gadot wrote on Instagram two days ago.
“Starting early morning more than 3,000 rockets were fired. Hamas is holding hostages, controlling bases and settlements in Israel. There have been more than 1,500 injured and heavy fighting is still ongoing.”
“My heart is aching,” she added. “Praying for those in pain.”
- Content: +4Share:
- Content: +4