David Schwimmer, best known for his role on the sitcom “Friends,” recently made headlines for his heartfelt plea urging fellow celebrities to take a stand against antisemitism. Speaking at the Anti-Defamation League’s Never Is Now conference in New York City, Schwimmer emphasized the responsibility that comes with fame. He stated, “With my privilege comes a responsibility to use my voice in moments like this, especially during times of danger, bigotry, and violence.”
During his address, Schwimmer acknowledged that it’s often challenging for public figures to speak out against societal issues. “I understand that speaking out can be hard,” he admitted, highlighting a noticeable silence among many in the entertainment community. Despite the respect he holds for several figures in entertainment, music, and sports, he noted that many have chosen to remain quiet at a time when their voices could make a significant difference. “Some of them are doing a lot behind the scenes, but so many have chosen not to say anything publicly at all. If I could talk directly to them, I would say: I really wish you would.”
In a world where every word can spark debate, Schwimmer reminded his peers of the power their words hold. “Your voice would mean so much to your fans, your community, and those who need solidarity right now,” he said. His call to action isn’t just about expressing opinions; it’s about standing up for what is right and supporting those who are targeted by hate.
Schwimmer didn’t shy away from addressing controversial figures either. He has been vocal on social media, pointing out issues related to antisemitism, including criticisms aimed at Kanye West and urging influential platform owners like Elon Musk to take action against hate speech.
In his speech, Schwimmer made it clear that this isn’t merely about political conflict but a fundamental stand against hatred. “No one’s asking you to solve the conflict of the Middle East,” he asserted. He advocated for unity, asking his peers to simply express their support for Jewish communities experiencing hostility. He specifically mentioned the alarming incidents on college campuses and the troubling experiences faced by Jewish-owned businesses today.
In a related statement, Gal Gadot, famed for her role as “Wonder Woman,” also took to the stage to express her solidarity with those suffering from the recent conflict, particularly the families of hostages taken during the October 7 attack by Hamas. “We want the hostage families to know that we have their back,” Gadot declared, emphasizing the importance of community support and the endless love that should unite people during difficult times.
The event also brought attention to Hen Mazzig, a senior fellow at the Tel Aviv Institute, who has been pivotal in helping celebrities discuss sensitive issues regarding the Middle East. Mazzig noted that many in Hollywood still hesitate to voice their opinions about Jewish identity and support for Israel due to fear of backlash. “If you speak up for a minority community, it should be celebrated,” he argued, stressing that such support should extend to the Jewish community just like it does for others.
He further highlighted the misconception that Jewish identity should solely align with the Israeli government. “Being Jewish doesn’t equate to supporting every action of the Israeli government,” Mazzig explained. He asserted that just as Americans can disagree with their political leadership without losing their national identity, so too can Jews hold differing views on Israel while maintaining pride in their heritage.
In an effort to change the narrative surrounding Jewish identity, Mazzig is launching a YouTube show titled “And They’re Jewish” in April. The show aims to humanize Jewish experiences and remind audiences that, fundamentally, Jewish people share the same values, emotions, and aspirations as everyone else.
As conversations about antisemitism and identity continue to flourish, public figures like Schwimmer and Gadot play a pivotal role in shaping a narrative that acknowledges the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity. Their calls for action reflect a desire not only to confront hatred but also to foster a sense of community and understanding that transcends cultural boundaries.
