Over 1,200 Hollywood Stars Oppose Israeli Film Boycott, Defend Artistic Freedom Amid Gaza Conflict

In response to a boycott initiated by nearly 4,000 global entertainment figures against Israeli film companies due to the conflict in Gaza, over 1,200 Hollywood professionals have signed a counter-letter opposing this boycott. The new letter, organized by Creative Community For Peace, argues that the boycott is discriminatory, promotes censorship, and risks silencing Israeli artists, including those critical of the Israeli government. Signatories, including Debra Messing, Liev Schreiber, Mayim Bialik, and Sharon Osbourne, emphasize that Israeli film institutions are not government entities and highlight collaborative efforts between Jewish and Palestinian artists. They warn that boycotting based on nationality amounts to discrimination and aligns with a history of antisemitism. The letter also notes that cultural engagement fosters understanding and peace, and that boycotts undermine these goals. This opposition has been supported by major industry voices and studios like Paramount, reinforcing the call for continued artistic dialogue rather than division.