In a strong show of solidarity with Israel, over 700 figures from the entertainment industry have signed an open letter condemning Hamas and demanding the safe return of hostages being held in Gaza. This letter, released by the nonprofit Creative Community for Peace, represents the first major response from Hollywood as Israel faces ongoing attacks.
Celebrities and Hollywood leaders including Gal Gadot, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Pine, Mayim Bialik, and Michael Douglas have all signed the letter. The letter calls on the entertainment community at large to speak out against Hamas, support Israel, refrain from sharing misinformation about the war, and do whatever is within their power to urge Hamas terrorists to release the hostages.
The letter comes at a time when Israel is under attack. Hamas launched a surprise ambush on October 7, firing thousands of rockets from Gaza. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Israel, including civilians and foreigners. Over 100 civilians have also been kidnapped and held hostage. The situation has been described as one of the worst instances of Jewish deaths in a single day since the Holocaust.
Leaders around the world, including President Joe Biden, have condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization and expressed support for Israel as it retaliates against the attacks. The nonprofit Creative Community for Peace notes that citizens from various countries, including the US, UK, Canada, France, Brazil, and Germany, have been identified as either missing or killed as a result of the conflict.
Signatories of the letter, such as Gal Gadot and Haim Saban, have expressed their solidarity with Israel and their concern for the lives lost and families affected by Hamas’ terrorism. Gadot stated that she hopes the world remains steadfast in its support of the Israeli people. Saban emphasized the need for the Hollywood community and the world to stand with Israel as it defends itself against a terrorist regime in Gaza.
The open letter also includes notable signatories from the entertainment industry, such as Bryan Lourd, Zachary Levi, Andy Garcia, and Diane Warren, among others.
In addition to the letter from the Creative Community for Peace, a separate letter has been published by the National Council of Jewish Women. This letter features additional celebrity signatories, including Gal Gadot, Debra Messing, Amy Schumer, and Mandy Moore. The letter calls for the immediate release of hostages from Hamas and urges governments, international organizations, and civil society groups to condemn these crimes and take action to secure the hostages’ release.
As the conflict continues, it is hoped that the support of the entertainment industry and influential figures will help bring attention to the situation and contribute to an eventual resolution. The open letter serves as a powerful statement of solidarity with Israel and a demand for the safe return of hostages held by Hamas.