During an escalating conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants, celebrities like Gal Gadot, Josh Gad, Kylie Jenner, and Nina Dobrev have lent their voices to support Israel. This unexpected surge in violence has drawn widespread attention and emotional responses from these public figures.
Gal Gadot, renowned for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, took to Instagram to express her solidarity with Israel, stating, “I stand with Israel, you should too. The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific terror acts happen”. As an Israeli herself, Gal Gadot emphasized the urgency of addressing the ongoing violence.
Gal Gadot
The recent escalation of hostilities in Israel began with a series of stunning and deadly surprise attacks by Hamas. These attacks coincided with a major Jewish holiday and marked the 50th anniversary of the start of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The scale and audacity of these attacks were unprecedented, with militants infiltrating 22 towns and army bases. Tragically, more than 600 Israelis have lost their lives since the onset of the Hamas militants’ assault.
In response to these attacks, Israel swiftly mobilized its troops to the border area near Palestine’s Gaza City. Additionally, Israel launched airstrikes throughout the blockaded territory. Palestinian authorities report that over 300 Gazans have been killed due to the conflict.
Josh Gad, widely recognized for his roles in various films, expressed profound sadness for the lives lost in Israel. He described the attacks as cowardly and highlighted the unprecedented nature of the conflict since the Yom Kippur war. Gad also conveyed his heartfelt sympathy for the families of those who had lost loved ones and the hostages taken during the attacks.
Josh Gad
However, Gad’s expression of sympathy for Israeli citizens killed in the Hamas attack led to a backlash. He revealed that he had been “personally attacked, shamed, unfollowed, and threatened” for his stance. Gad decried the divisive approach to the conflict, emphasizing the human cost rather than treating it as a competition.
Kylie Jenner, Ashley Tisdale, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Sofia Richie are among the celebrities who shared a graphic from the pro-Israel nonprofit organization Stand With Us on their Instagram Stories. The representation boldly declares, “Now and always, we stand with the people of Israel!” However, Jenner faced criticism on social media for her post, with some challenging her knowledge of the complex political and territorial conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Nina Dobrev and Amy Schumer also supported Israel by reposting videos related to the conflict. Schumer, in particular, added commentary to her Instagram post, emphasizing that the issue goes beyond the occupation. She contended that Hamas seeks to eradicate Israel and is funded by Iran, which aims to disrupt peace efforts.
Bruno Mars, who had planned two concerts in Israel as part of his world tour, canceled his Saturday performance due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Live Nation Israel announced the cancellation and offered refunds to ticket holders, expressing solidarity with Israel and its security forces during these challenging times.
Bruno Mars
Sara Foster, known for her role in “90210”, used her Instagram story to address Palestinian influencers who remained silent about the violence instigated by Hamas in Israel. She called for accountability and urged individuals to denounce violence while expressing pride in their heritage. Foster stressed the importance of holding both sides accountable for the conflict’s consequences.
Sara Foster
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the world’s enduring and complex, rooted in historical, religious, and territorial issues. Decades of competing claims to land, borders, and rights have created a deep-seated conflict. While celebrities express their support and concern, the broader international community grapples with potential paths to peace in the region.
