Speak Out

Whether it’s athletes, actors, comedians or politicians, anyone who holds a mic, has a fan following or a platform of influence in the public eye must understand the importance and potential danger of their associations. Several influential entertainment icons at the top of their industries are using their social platforms and traditional media to perpetuate age-old stereotypes against Jews to millions of impressionable followers. An influencer in any capacity has a solemn responsibility to carefully consider the impact of their words and actions. At a time when anti-Jewish hate is spreading virally both online and offline, influencers must speak out against hatred quickly and effectively.

Baseless and harmful narratives, often rooted in age-old prejudices and stereotypes, fuel hatred and sow the seeds of violence. Conspiracy theories have historically been used to scapegoat and dehumanize Jews. Tragically, these dangerous beliefs have inspired acts of terrorism, such as the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue and the Poway, CA, synagogue. It is essential to recognize the corrosive nature of these conspiracy theories and combat them through education, dialogue and the promotion of interfaith understanding. By addressing the root causes of anti-Jewish hatred and debunking these unfounded theories, we can strive to create a world where everyone can live in safety.

Rapidly rising anti-Jewish bigotry in the streets and on campuses is a frightening reminder that antisemitism still abounds in our modern world. This growth also reveals that anti-Zionism is clearly antisemitism. Germany in the 1920s was considered the most tolerant culture in Europe, and Jews were integrated into society. In less than a decade, Germans became increasingly brainwashed to hate their fellow citizens who were different from them. Condemnation alone is insufficient to combat anti-Jewish hatred and bigotry. A multifaceted approach is necessary: education to reject stereotypes, awareness campaigns and the reinforcement of laws that combat discrimination.

October 7 is a date etched into the collective Jewish memory, bearing deep significance for the State of Israel and Jews worldwide. Just as the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Pearl Harbor marked a turning point for America, 10/7 signifies a crucial moment in Jewish history. From surviving historical horrors – including the Catholic Inquisition, countless pogroms and the Holocaust – to defending Israel, 10/7 underscores the unwavering commitment to safeguarding the future of the Jewish state. This date represents the memories and challenges endured in the Jewish people’s relentless pursuit of self-determination and security. This is another war of independence against the evil forces that pursue the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people.

Some individuals and organizations responded to the Oct. 7 attack with, ‘Yeah, but what about…?’ Everyone should be unequivocally outraged by the brutal rape and slaughter of innocent civilians. If not, then what values do we possess as a society? The premeditated Hamas attack intentionally targeted innocent Jews in their homes celebrating a Jewish holiday and the weekly Sabbath. No matter where you are from, what tribe you belong to or what you believe in, these barbaric acts can never be tolerated, let alone supported and celebrated.

What would you do if terrorists armed with machine guns invaded your community and home, searching for people to murder, rape and abduct? Would Americans tolerate attacks from Canada against Michigan? What would you expect your government to do? Those who insist Israel should do nothing in the face of terror are holding the Jewish state to a dangerous double standard. No other country – including our own – would ever accept that. Just as Americans would refuse to accept such a threat to their citizens, the international community must recognize the urgency of protecting Israeli lives and ensuring their safety.

Hamas is not a freedom fighting resistance movement: the founding covenant of Hamas explicitly calls for killing all Jews and eliminating the Jewish state. Its control of Gaza is marked by authoritarianism, human rights abuses and a disregard for the welfare of Palestinians. Hamas is incapable of making Gaza thrive because it dedicates its resources to the destruction of Israel and not the construction of Gaza, nor the betterment of its citizens. Calls to “free Gaza” should be directed at Hamas. Nothing about the horrific 10/7 massacres promotes peace or coexistence. The dehumanizing and grotesque assaults were presumably launched to prevent a normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel –designed to bring peace to the region and offer a better life for all Palestinians.

Israel is a democratic nation committed to the protection of human rights. Iran’s radical Islamist leaders and its proxies are dedicated to the extermination of all Israelis – especially Jews. Democratic societies uphold the principles of due process, justice and proportionality in their efforts to safeguard citizens. In stark contrast, Iran-backed Hamas barbarians show blatant disregard for these principles by deliberately targeting innocent civilians, launching rockets from densely populated areas and using human shields as part of their strategy. Such actions are fundamentally immoral and run counter to the most basic values of humanity. Intentionally harming its own civilians is morally indefensible.

As lead sponsors that fund and supply resources to Hamas, Iran’s radical religious leaders are clearly supporting the terrorist atrocities. Iran and its proxies do not seek peace or coexistence, and are not concerned about the plight of the Palestinian people – they use them as pawns in their war against Israel. The state-sponsored propaganda spewed by the Iranian death merchants demands that Israel be wiped off the map. The Iranian regime is dangerously close to perfecting a launch-ready nuclear capability. Iran funds, trains and provides weapons to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza and the West Bank, to Hezbollah in Lebanon, to the Houthis in Yemen, to militias in Iraq and supports the enemy Syrian government – all united in their hatred and aim to eradicate Israel.

Americans don’t need to choose a side in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. In an interview with Bill Maher, Israel’s then Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism and Delegitimization Noa Tishby, stated: “I’m pro-Israeli and I’m also pro-Palestinian.” It is important to recognize that supporting both communities is necessary to promote stability and peace in the region. Encouraging leaders to engage in constructive dialogue and negotiations can help bridge the divide and find common ground. Supporting initiatives that promote education and bring together Palestinian and Israeli youth to learn about each other’s cultures and histories can help break down barriers and foster understanding, essential for building a foundation of trust and cooperation.

Just as Americans of other ethnic and religious groups have laid the foundation for today’s America, Jews also contributed their share – from before the Revolutionary War to today. While there are famous Jews who are household names, many everyday Jews also contribute to American success. There are Jewish teachers and construction workers who contributed to educating future generations of Americans and built the nation’s skyscrapers. U.S. Jews served proudly for the Union in the Civil War, founded businesses and entertained America on stage, on screen and in concert halls. Jews are one of the many ethnic groups that helped build America – pursuing and protecting the American dream. They should be celebrated like all other ethnicities – not persecuted.

Reality: These hyperbolic accusations fuel misinformation and hinder constructive dialogue. The Palestinian population in Gaza and the West Bank has grown exponentially over the years. Population growth is the exact opposite of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Israel’s war against Iran-backed terrorists, such as Hamas, is intended only to eliminate threats to the Jewish state. Palestinian terrorists in Gaza have launched thousands of rockets into Israel – with many also falling short and killing Palestinian civilians. Terrorists in the West Bank also continue to murder Israelis. If the individuals and groups making these false genocide and ethnic cleansing claims truly cared about the lives of Palestinians and Israelis, they would encourage dialogue and co-existence to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Reality: Jews have lived in the Land of Israel for more than 3,000 years. The Kingdom of Israel existed around 1000 BCE and was succeeded by the Kingdom of Judah until the Babylonians besieged and destroyed the capital of Jerusalem in 587 BCE. Jews are named after Judah. Many empires ruled this land, including the Romans who renamed the area Palestine as an insult to the Jewish people. The regional names Judea (Judah) and Samaria (Israel) were changed to the West Bank in the 1950s. There were not any independent states during the time between the Kingdom of Judah and the State of Israel. The founding of the modern State of Israel in 1948 marked the rebirth of a Jewish national home that once again allowed Jews to have autonomy in their own homeland.

Reality: Israel’s declaration of independence in 1948 was the culmination of a centuries-old desire to ‘return home’ for many Jews. Archaeological findings and historical records affirm the deep, ancient roots of Jews in the region long before the re-establishment of Jewish independence in 1948. From Biblical times to the Kingdom of Israel to the State of Israel, Jews always have maintained a presence in their ancestral homeland. Many Jews were forced to live in exile, but Jewish communities around the world maintained a strong connection to the land through cultural, religious and historical ties. The notion that Jews arrived in Israel only in 1948 overlooks this rich history, discounting centuries of heritage and resilience integral to the identity of the Jewish people.

Reality: Israel is a complex nation with a diverse population comprised of different ethnicities, religions and cultures. While Israel was established as a homeland for the Jewish people, the country is a democratic state that grants equal rights to all its citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. While debates continue over the government’s policies – even by Israelis – the assertion that Israel should not exist disregards the legitimate aspirations of the Jewish people for self-determination. There are more than 150 Christian countries, about 50 Islamic countries – including the Islamic Republic of Iran, five Buddhist countries, two Hindu countries and the only Jewish country. The only one forced to defend its legitimacy: Israel.

Reality: The stories of the Hamas massacre have been proven through many videos filmed by Hamas terrorists themselves, who gleefully recorded their atrocities, as well autopsies of the brutalized victims, many of them burned beyond recognition. There are Americans who are mirroring the rhetoric of Holocaust deniers – rejecting evidence about how Hamas butchered Jews. You can see for yourself on this site.

Reality: The Hamas charter specifically calls for the complete destruction of the Jewish state and has stated that proudly in its speeches and writings. Hamas also wants to murder all Jews. The Iran-backed terror group’s supporters march in the streets around the world, chanting: “We don’t want no two states, we want all of it.” Some carry Hamas flags and glorify violence against Jews in Israel and America. Hamas has no intention of ever living in peace with Israel.

Reality: Gaza has been an independent territory governed by Iran-backed Hamas since 2005. Israel uprooted all of its settlements from Gaza and withdrew all of its civilians and soldiers 20 years ago. Israel left behind greenhouses and other infrastructure, which Palestinian extremists destroyed. Israel and Egypt both share a border with Gaza, yet Israel was the only country attacked on 10/7.

Reality: The Israeli communities attacked by Hamas are legally established towns and cities in the sovereign State of Israel. Hamas sees ALL of Israel in its entirely as occupied territory that must be destroyed. Also, Hamas intentionally targets civilians – both Israelis and Palestinian. Terrorists and their supporters claim that the group does not harm civilians and treats them humanely. This is part of their propaganda war. Freed Israeli hostages testified that they were sexually abused and psychologically tortured.

Reality: Israel is recognized by the world’s best militaries for the care it takes to avoid civilian casualties. The New York Times published an investigation chronicling the sophistication of how Hamas hides among its own citizens to maximize civilian casualties: “They hide under residential neighborhoods, storing their weapons in miles of tunnels and in houses, mosques, sofas – even a child’s bedroom – blurring the boundary between civilians and combatants. They emerge from hiding in plainclothes, sometimes wearing sandals or tracksuits before firing rockets from launchers in civilian areas. They rig abandoned homes with explosives and tripwires.”

Reality: Israelis have been protesting against the current Israeli government for more than a year, and since its statehood in 1948, have openly challenged government policies. It would be absurd to consider this antisemitism. The widely accepted International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism is clear that criticisms of the Israeli government that are just like any other government, are not antisemitic. Criticism of the Jewish state that crosses the line into anti-Jewish hate includes denying Jews self-determination, stating Israel’s existence is racist, applying double standards, characterizing Israelis using blood libels and ludicrous comparisons between Israeli policies and the Nazis.

Reality: The Hamas-run Health Ministry is fully controlled by the Hamas terrorist organization. There is no way to verify its claims. Minutes after false news reports on a ‘hospital’ bombing, the Hamas-run Health Ministry immediately published the claim that 500 Palestinians were killed. How could the number of deaths have been determined in mere minutes? A parking lot adjacent to the hospital was hit by a Palestinian rocket. There are an increasing number of reports debunking the Hamas data, including How the Gaza Ministry of Health Fakes Casualty Numbers.

Reality: Israel coordinates daily humanitarian aid – including food, water and medical supplies – into Gaza with several countries. The main obstacle to Gazans receiving aid is Hamas. The terrorist group steals a large part of the aid before it ever reaches Gaza civilians. An Israeli expert asserted that Hamas has earned $500 million since the start of the war by raiding aid trucks entering Gaza and reselling the supplies to its own citizens. Reuters reported that 70% of humanitarian aid was stolen from a U.S.-built pier before reaching a UN warehouse. Israel has facilitated aid into Gaza by land, air and sea.