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Israel’s Eurovision Star Eden Golan Remains Hopeful

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Eden Golan definitely by no means imagined she could be a logo of hate. However that’s precisely what she turned when she was chosen to symbolize Israel on the 2024 Eurovision Music Contest, held in Might in Malmö, Sweden, amid the horrors of the Israel-Hamas battle. Regardless of requires Israel to be banned from the competition, the Eurovision organizers allowed Golan to sing for the nation — solely after demanding that her track entry be “de-politicized” by eradicating all references to the Oct. 7 bloodbath that murdered 1,200 Israelis and began the battle.

She was met all over the place she glided by hordes of offended protestors; sneered at and insulted by her fellow contestants; and finally needed to carry out in an area of boos so loud, she couldn’t hear herself sing. Protecting her composure all through, Golan — who turned 21 simply 4 days in the past — managed to make all of it the way in which to the finals, touchdown second place within the viewers vote and fifth general. She has launched a brand new single, “Older,” and spoke to The Hollywood Reporter from Israel, nonetheless jet-lagged from per week in New York Metropolis the place she helped acknowledge the somber Oct. 7 anniversary.

Hello, Eden. I perceive you carried out on the United Nations as a part of your New York tour. The UN has been extraordinarily important of Israel and lots of representatives walked out on Netanyahu’s speech. How did they greet you there?

I had an amazing expertise. I wasn’t strolling round there and assembly folks. I got here to carry out. I did my job. I got here out sang, I received handled nicely. So I’ve nothing else to say.

Sounds prefer it was a constructive expertise general, although it was a somber anniversary.

It doesn’t make sense as a result of we’re going by way of horrible occasions. Every thing went nice, however it was emotionally exhausting.

And that’s kind of come to outline your profession now. I’m certain if you had been beginning out in music, you had been simply desirous to sing and do constructive artwork and have enjoyable, after which abruptly all this received thrust in your shoulders. I ponder the way you take care of that?

I simply take care of it. I’ll inform you, it’s not straightforward. It impacts each side of my life. It impacts each side of music. It modified every little thing. And it additionally affected my profession, as a result of on one hand, every little thing’s blowing up. And I did Eurovision. I received this enormous quantity of hatred, but in addition an enormous quantity of affection. It’s very ironic. I actually wish to consider that issues will change. And as issues change, the music modifications as nicely. And on the finish of the day, I’m right here to heal.

Let’s return to Eurovision for those who don’t thoughts. How had been you chosen as Israel’s consultant?

In Israel, the consultant is often chosen by way of a TV present known as HaKokhav HaBa, which interprets to The Subsequent Star. I really received into the competition earlier than Oct. 7. After which Oct. 7 occurred, and I didn’t know in any respect if the present would occur. But it surely occurred, and I’m glad it did. I felt like I did one thing good and let folks have this escapism for a couple of minutes. From that, I used to be chosen because the consultant for Israel at Eurovision. We had 5 days to arrange the track and submit it to the EBU [the European Broadcasting Union, the body that puts on Eurovision]. After which the craziness occurred. EBU not accepting the track [“October Rain”] and having to rewrite the lyrics. [The EBU objected to what it deemed “political” content in the song’s direct referencing of the Oct. 7 massacre, including the line, “They were all good children, every one of them.” The rewritten song was retitled “Hurricane.”]

So, what was their objection? The track was a tribute to the victims?

I don’t know if I’d say a tribute to the victims. “October Rain” was only a track of what we’re feeling. And, for my part, “Hurricane” says the identical factor. That’s what we really feel. However folks can connect with the track on totally different ranges. Folks undergo inner hurricanes inside themselves, by way of breakups, various things. So folks can take it wherever. However I took it from having to undergo Oct. 7.

Talking of hurricanes, might you give some impression of simply how insane it was to expertise Eurovision this 12 months?

I felt like I used to be in a film. Let me inform you, the safety a part of this journey was loopy. I’m nonetheless making an attempt to course of some issues, like having helicopters within the air and snipers on the rooftops, and never having the ability to go outdoors with out having to disguise my id and put a wig on. However I’m actually grateful for the Israeli safety and the Swedish safety pressure for simply protecting me secure and your complete delegation secure, and letting me deal with what I needed to deal with, which was to present an amazing efficiency and symbolize my nation with pleasure. They usually did their job.

May you see all of the protestors and other people screaming your identify and all of the hate coming at you?

I noticed the hate, after all. It’s one thing like you may’t actually absolutely block out, however they knew preserve me away from it. Every thing was closed. I attempted to avoid information and tv.

Have been you informed that Greta Thunberg, the local weather activist, was outdoors?

I do know that occurred. I used to be conscious of every little thing that’s taking place, however they’d simply preserve me away from it.

I keep in mind seeing a video of you getting a name from Gal Gadot.

Oh yeah, a second earlier than the finals. That was loopy. I used to be pinching myself. The lady herself, Gal Godot, known as me to want me good luck. That was wonderful.

She was telling you to attempt to tune out all of the hate, proper?

Yeah. I imply, we simply talked coronary heart to coronary heart, the women. She despatched me numerous love and assist to maintain doing what I used to be doing. Yeah, she was beautiful. After which I received to satisfy her not lengthy after that in LA.

I perceive inside the sector the booing throughout your efficiency was loads louder than it was on TV.

Sure. They’ve an anti-booing system, which mutes the boos and turns it into cheers. However yeah, it was intense. You can not hear me. You possibly can search movies on YouTube, and I’m singing, and also you actually can not hear me. Moving into, I used to be satisfied I received’t hear the boos. However I positively couldn’t hear myself. I heard the boos solely. So I simply needed to sing on autopilot. It simply lit a fireplace up in me. A beast was in me. I’d do this and get booed 1,000,000 extra occasions if I needed to. I feel I drove some folks loopy that they didn’t have an effect on me with the boos.

The viewers voting landed you close to the highest.

Second place.

That was an astounding second for me.

Persons are quiet. I really feel like individuals are scared. And right here that they had an opportunity to point out their assist and present their love and be nameless with out folks realizing. And I really feel just like the televote mentioned a lot with out saying something. It simply introduced a lot hope. It even introduced hope in me that there are individuals who see the fact, and individuals who see the reality, and individuals who assist us.

A few of your opponents weren’t precisely fashions of excellent sportsmanship. I keep in mind one from Greece was rolling her eyes throughout the press convention, after which the one from Eire was crying on the purple carpet and threw some type of tantrum over your placement. What do you say to these opponents?

Good luck. Might all of your desires come true. I’m praying. Praying for you. I pray for them that they’ve a very good life and that they’re comfortable.

Are you allowed to have enjoyable? Are you able to write a enjoyable, comfortable track? Otherwise you’d have to get farther away from the battle?

I can do no matter I need, however once I get into the studio, I can not disconnect from what we’re going by way of. It’s nonetheless what I’m feeling, what I’m going by way of, what I’m seeing on daily basis, and what I’m listening to. I’ve family members, pals, up north, actually in Lebanon. You possibly can’t disconnect from it. I don’t really feel prefer it’s proper. I don’t wish to write one thing enjoyable proper now. It’s simply not one thing that comes out of me. So I write what I really feel. I’m actually hoping and praying for higher days and praying as we go on issues get higher, and our hostages come again residence as quickly as doable as a result of it’s been method too rattling lengthy. I’m praying for peace and for higher days. And as issues hopefully get higher, the music will change as nicely.

Have you ever ever met Netta who received Eurovision in 2018?

Oh, after all. So she’s beautiful. She’s such an incredible human being. So inspiring.

Her track was such an amazing, enjoyable track. It was actually known as “Toy.” And now every little thing’s so darkish.

We may have enjoyable once more. We’ll dance once more. My new track, “Older,” just isn’t totally a ballad. It positively has this sense that we nonetheless attempt to stand up, we nonetheless attempt to dance. There’s this beat. We are attempting to dwell our lives. We’re looking for gentle once more and discover love and discover every little thing. However, on the finish of the day, there’s nonetheless this ache, this scar that in our soul that can take time to heal. And we will certainly dance once more. Our folks, our nation. We’re robust, loving folks, and we’re united, and we’ll get by way of this. We simply want our hostages residence, and it’ll get higher.

Eden Golan - Older (Official Video)

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13 Activists for Israel Speak Out

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13 influential voices are talking out in a tribute to the 13 girls who’ve been held in captivity by Hamas for three hundred and sixty five days.

Timed to the one-year anniversary of Israel‘s deadliest day because the Holocaust, Oct. 7, when about 1,200 folks had been killed and round one other 250 had been taken hostage by the phobia group, The Hostages and Lacking Households Discussion board has gathered 13 recognizable activists to talk out on the ladies who stay hostages amid the continuing Israel-Gaza Warfare.

Posted to its social channels with their #BringThemHomeNow motion, the coalition that shaped after the Oct. 7, 2023 assault shared the video and tagged every participant. (The Hollywood Reporter has additionally reached out to the discussion board. Watch the video right here.)

“13 girls have been held in captivity for three hundred and sixty five days. 13 highly effective voices have joined us in talking out on every of the ladies being held hostage,” learn the submit, because the contributors learn their names and shared their tales.

The activists within the video are Bravo producer/host Andy Cohen; actresses Ginnifer Goodwin, Mayim Bialik, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Patricia Heaton and Debra Messing; Saturday Night time Reside comic Chloe Fineman; artist Zoe Buckman; dressmaker Rebecca Minkoff; Iranian Princess Noor Pahlavi; and influencers Emily Austin, Adela Cojab Moadeb and Child Ariel.

The 13 girls who stay hostages are Romi Gonen, 24; Naama Levy, 20; Liri Albag, 19; Ofra Keider, 70; Shiri Bibas, 33; Inbar Hayman, 27; Emily Damari, 27; Karina Ariev, 20; Agam Berger, 20; Doron Steinbrecher, 31; Arbel Yehoud, 29; Daniella Gilboa, 20; and Judy Weinstein Haggai, 70.

The video follows a number of organized actions from voices in Hollywood urging the return of the 101 Israeli hostages nonetheless being held by Hamas, in addition to the discharge of We Will Dance Once more, Paramount+’s harrowing Nova pageant bloodbath documentary that lately united a number of households of the hostages at its premiere. Most lately, 62 performers and artists — from throughout tv, movie, trend, actuality TV and social media — signed their names in a letter directed to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris asking for “sustainable peace within the Center East and recogniz[ing] that the primary important step in direction of that peace is Hamas returning the 101 remaining hostages.”

Among the many hostages are seven Individuals; 4 of these hostages are presumed to be alive and three are believed to have been murdered, in response to the American Jewish Committee. Six Israeli hostages, together with Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, had been lately killed by Hamas shortly earlier than Israel Protection Forces (IDF) recovered their our bodies in a Hamas-run tunnel underneath the town of Rafah.

Each Biden and Harris launched statements on Monday’s anniversary. “I’ll always remember the horror of October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists brutally attacked Israel,” wrote Harris. In her full assertion, posted to social media, she named American hostages Omer Neutra, 22; Edan Alexander, 20; Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36; Keith Siegel, 65, Gadi Haggai, 73; Itay Chen, 19; and Weinstein Haggai, 70, (talked about above), saying, “I’ll by no means cease combating for the discharge of all of the hostages, together with the seven Americans, residing and deceased, nonetheless held.” Including, “My dedication to Israel is unwavering.”

In his full assertion, Biden stated, “We are going to by no means hand over till we deliver all of the remaining hostages residence safely.” He additionally “strongly condemned the vicious surge in antisemitism in America and all over the world” as he remembered the “unspeakable brutality” of the Oct. 7 assault. “We is not going to cease working to realize a ceasefire deal in Gaza that brings the hostages residence, permits for a surge in humanitarian support to ease the struggling on the bottom, assures Israel’s safety and ends this battle,” he wrote.

Israel’s retaliatory battle in Gaza has left a dying toll of greater than 40,000 Palestinians, in response to the Hamas-run well being ministry.

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Survivors on Oct. 7 Nova Music Festival Doc

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We Will Dance Once more, a 90-minute documentary concerning the victims and survivors of the bloodbath on the Nova Music Pageant, one of many websites in Israel that was attacked by Hamas a 12 months in the past, received a particular preview screening in London on Tuesday night courtesy of the BBC, whose Storyville doc strand is debuting this system within the U.Okay. on Wednesday night time.

Utilizing the testimony of survivors, CCTV and cell phone footage, the movie tells the non-public tales of a number of the individuals who lived and lots of who died. It reveals partygoers hiding below the stage, in a fridge, bogs and trash containers and performs recordings of a number of the emergency calls made to the Israeli military, police and ambulance service. The social gathering, which started as a celebration for round 3,500 Israelis and different nationals, ended with 364 individuals being killed and 44 being taken hostage.

After Tuesday’s screening on the Jewish Neighborhood Heart JW3 in North London, journalist Emma Barnett hosted a Q&A panel dialogue with the doc’s author and director Yariv Mozer (The Satan’s Confession: The Misplaced Eichmann Tapes, Ben Gurion: Epilogue, My First Battle), in addition to pageant survivors Noam, Kfir and Ziv, whose fiancé Eliya stays a hostage in Gaza, and Moshe Shapiro, the daddy of sufferer Aner. The doc airs on BBC Two on Wednesday night, and turns into out there on the U.Okay. public broadcaster’s iPlayer streaming service on Thursday. Paramount+ premiered it on Tuesday.

Aner’s father was requested about watching part of the doc that explains how his son picked up one dwell Hamas hand grenade after one other and threw them away to guard a bunch of individuals searching for security in a small bomb shelter. “You noticed the merciless factor and the worst sight conceivable. Individuals got here with the intention of bloodbath, of raping, of killing, slaughtering, burning individuals of all religions. They killed Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists. They killed all of them. And it was, initially, a celebration of affection and peace. That is what unites all of the individuals within the social gathering.”

He continued: “What Aner did, that’s an act of goodness. … I believe it’s virtually a biblical message that confirmed us that if you’re ethical in your values and you’ve got the love of individuals — as a result of he knew solely two mates that got here with him at first, however he knew that he needed to stand and shield them and others, no matter they’re, Jews or Muslims. And he succeeded for 44 minutes to face towards 20 totally armed terrorists with machine weapons, with grenades, with RPGs. He didn’t achieve saving his life, however he succeeded in saving others’ lives. And it is a message: If you’re standing on an ethical base, you possibly can combat evil. And that’s one thing common. It’s not [only] related to the Israeli-Palestinian battle. It’s one thing that could be a lesson for humanity.”

Ziv, who was hiding in the identical shelter as Aner, was visibly overcome by emotion when she shared: “Due to Aner and due to his bravery, I’m right here. He saved my life.” Sporting a T-shirt along with her fiancé’s face and title on it, she emphasised: “There are nonetheless 101 hostages in Gaza, and it’s not over. This isn’t a narrative for the previous. We’re [still] dwelling this nightmare.”

Noam, who earned applause for strolling and standing after a stunning second within the doc that reveals her in a wheelchair, introduced stickers in reminiscence of David, telling the London viewers: “I would like you all to seize one and stick it all around the world.” She added: “David was my hero from the start till the tip, till now. The truth that I’m on my ft is as a result of I’ve David in my head, in my coronary heart, in my physique. … Now I do know that vitality doesn’t die, and other people that you simply love [are] nonetheless right here with you. I can speak to David each single day. I get so many indicators from him.”

Kfir mentioned dwelling with the information that mates and lots of others died: “I’ve one take a look at the sky, and I can really feel them. It’s very arduous, but it surely offers me plenty of which means. Now I really feel that I’m dwelling not just for myself. I really feel them.”

He added about taking part within the doc: “I wished individuals to grasp that I had mates who got here with me to rejoice love who didn’t come again. And I’ll do my finest each day to make this message undergo.”

How are the Oct. 7 survivors coping with the trauma? “We even have the Nova neighborhood, and as a Nova survivor, we’ve this course, and we discover ways to cope with the trauma, and the way to have the ability to assist others sooner or later,” shared Noam. “Truly, mates of David and I raised donations and [created this] NGO. We constructed a home in Thailand for younger people who had been serving within the Military in the course of the seventh of October or are survivors. And in the event that they wish to go and depart Israel for a little bit bit to get their minds [off of things], they will come.” She stated the concept happened as a result of after the bloodbath, “I wished to get psychological well being assist, they usually didn’t actually have a solution for that. So I wished to construct one thing so others can have this therapy. And, in fact, the Nova individuals, we’ve this lovely neighborhood. We’re there for one another, which is essentially the most superb factor.”

Produced by Michal Weitz, We Will Dance Once more was govt produced by Ariel Weisbrod, Emilio Schenker, Sheldon Lazarus, Leo Pearlman, Ben Turner, Gabe Turner, Ben Winston, Michael Peter Schmidt, Gideon Tadmor, Dari Shay, Rinat Klein and Dorit Hessel.

Lucie Kon, commissioning editor at BBC Storyville, beforehand stated: “I’m grateful to the younger survivors of the Nova Music Pageant who’ve trusted us to share their experiences of that horrible day in order that BBC viewers can get a way of a few of what they skilled. This is a vital movie.”

Mozer beforehand stated: “I see it as my obligation as a documentary filmmaker to deliver to the world the testimonies and horrific tales of the survivors of this slaughter, those that are not with us, and the numerous who’re nonetheless captured hostages in Gaza, with their destiny remaining unknown. These are younger men and women whose solely sin was their want for music and the fervour to rejoice free love, spirit, and freedom.”

Of their post-screening panel in London, the survivors had been additionally requested how they felt about audiences world wide seeing a number of the horror they needed to witness. “I heard plenty of occasions that individuals denied and other people can’t actually think about the entire thing,” Kfir shared. “So I’m very pleased with Yariv. I couldn’t see the film. It took me plenty of time to see the film as a result of he makes the message very clear: The place is the evil and the place is the love?”

Mozer shared that past Paramount+ within the U.S. and the BBC within the U.Okay., the doc can even be seen in Israel on doc channel Sizzling 8, on Germany’s RTL, together with Spain, Australia and extra. He stated it may well assist individuals perceive “the place to begin of the place we’re right this moment,” including “the fear, the disaster, the whole lot — this movie is an proof.”

Noam shared: “I don’t assume anybody has ever seen one thing like this, apart from [in] films, so the human thoughts can not even think about one thing like this. So yeah, you possibly can select if you wish to take a look at it or not, however it’s my mission to let it out so everybody can perceive and have it of their thoughts. As a result of that is one thing that you’ll always remember.” She concluded: “I’ll always remember, and it’s important for everybody to see that. I would like the entire world to see it.”

We Will Dance Once more is now streaming on Paramount+.

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Javier Bardem Speaks Out on Gaza at San Sebastian Film Festival

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Palestinian flags flank the pink carpet on the San Sebastian Movie Pageant. Demonstrators have taken to the streets as town celebrates Spain’s most prestigious movie fest, protesting the 40,000-plus males, girls, and kids who’ve been killed in Gaza for the reason that warfare with Israel started, in line with the Hamas-run well being ministry. Amongst these taking a pro-Gaza stance in the course of the movie occasion on the Spanish coast is Spanish nationwide treasure Javier Bardem, who was in San Sebastian receiving its Donostia Award.

On the press convention, he took the chance to name for a ceasefire in Gaza and denounce the actions of the Israeli authorities of Benjamin Netanyahu, who’ve continued air strikes in Gaza following the Hamas assault on Oct. 7, 2023, the place over 1,200 folks Israelis had been murdered.

“I welcome [the award] with nice pleasure however I’m not within the temper for celebrations,” a translation of Bardem’s assertion within the Spanish press stated. “What has occurred in Gaza is unacceptable, dehumanizing.”

Bardem stated he believes the Israeli authorities is “essentially the most radical authorities” the nation has ever seen and has dedicated warfare crimes in Gaza. “The atrocious and reprehensible assaults by Hamas in October don’t justify the large international punishment that the Palestinian inhabitants is struggling,” he continued. “I consider that the impunity with which the Israeli authorities enjoys its actions in Gaza and the West Financial institution has to alter,” he added, imploring the U.S. and U.Okay. specifically to rethink their “unconditional assist” for Benjamin Netanyahu.

On San Sebastian’s most well-known seashore, La Concha, protestors wrote pro-Gaza messages within the sand for all on the promenade to learn over the weekend.

Bardem accepted his Donostia Award Friday night time, gushing over his spouse Penélope Cruz. The actor, who has had starring roles in Dune: Half Two, No Nation for Outdated Males — which bagged him an Academy Award — and Skyfall, amongst myriad celebrated Spanish tasks like Huevos de Oro and El detective y la muerte, accepted the award from his siblings, Monica and Carlos Bardem.

The 72nd San Sebastian Movie Pageant runs by means of Sept. 28.

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Why Pro-Israel Hollywood Turns to Hen Mazzig For Advice

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Amid the cacophony of debate surrounding the Israel-Hamas Battle, it’s grown just about not possible to keep away from the ideas of Hen Mazzig.

Because the face of the Israeli trigger, one may argue that he’s an unlikely candidate: The 34-year-old influencer is homosexual (he was out all through his tour of service within the IDF) and spends his time between Tel Aviv and London. It’s within the latter metropolis, the place anti-Israel sentiment has swelled to all-time highs — alongside incidents of antisemitism — that Mazzig is usually focused within the streets for his views.

Nonetheless, his consistency, stridency and level-headedness in advocating for his nation have turned him into some of the recognizable pro-Israel activists on the planet. Mazzig was already a thought-leader within the area earlier than the Oct. 7 bloodbath by Hamas and Israel’s brutal retaliatory struggle in Gaza. Since then, his profile has solely skyrocketed, together with his content material being shared over 100 million occasions and his face showing usually on cable information, significantly within the U.Okay.

It’s no shock, then, that Hollywood has turned to Mazzig for recommendation on methods to navigate the extremely fraught matter of the struggle. By way of his Tel Aviv Institute, Mazzig leads seminars advising on greatest practices for celebrities when talking out in protection of Israel. Among the many leisure figures to attend Mazzig’s Jews Discuss Justice Laboratories are Debra Messing, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Drew Brown of the band One Republic, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jonah Platt and Mandana Dayani, former president of Prince Harry and Meghan’s media firm, Archewell.

Mazzig spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about his path to Israeli advocacy, his work advising Hollywood and his ideas on the proliferation of Jewish WhatsApp teams in Hollywood which have gotten some members in hassle.

Hello, Hen. I’ve seen individuals say you’re employed for the Israeli authorities. Is that true?

No, I by no means labored for the federal government. I had a social media firm and I had one contract with an Israeli governmental physique on very small challenge for $5,000.

And the place is dwelling base?

London and Tel Aviv. I spent 50 p.c of my time in each locations. I used to be born and raised in Israel, in Petah Tikva, about half-hour out of Tel Aviv.

When did you start advocating for Israel?

I served for 5 years within the Israeli military as a humanitarian officer. I labored with Palestinian civilians within the West Financial institution and in Gaza for a short time, serving to them with constructing hospitals and infrastructure. After my navy service, I moved to Seattle. And I bumped into this anti-Israel motion on faculty campuses in progressive areas. I used to be shocked. I believed as a homosexual man I’d be accepted. I checked all of the containers: My household is from Iraq and Tunisia, I’m the son of refugee indigenous individuals in North Africa. However I used to be the improper form of Jewish — that Jewish individual that isn’t prepared to sentence Israel on a regular basis, or to say that Israel has no proper to exist.

This all predates Oct. 7, however since you then’ve develop into a key determine in advocating for Israel amid its struggle with Hamas. How do you deal with being a lightning rod for a lot anti-Israel vitality?

It’s loads when it’s on-line, but in addition in individual — individuals assault me on the street, in London, in America. Antisemitism is politically right right here [in the U.K.] And simply since you’re talking about Israel, it’s OK. Synagogues are being torched. Jewish persons are being attacked on the street. A 12-year-old Jewish woman was raped in Paris a number of months in the past due to Palestine — that’s what the rapist stated. Horrible issues are occurring to Jews around the globe.

Do you’ve got safety now?

I’m actually not going out that a lot. And after I do, I put on a cap and attempt to keep away from confrontation, which occurs possibly as soon as every week. I’m prepared to pay the worth as a result of I really feel like my trigger is righteous.

It’s been attention-grabbing to see how Hollywood has interfaced with this problem. Most not too long ago there have been 400 SAG members who signed a letter urging the guild to guard pro-Palestinian members from profession retribution — what they describe as a “McCarthyist repression of members.” It’s a really strategic wording that infers there exists a cabal of Jews in Hollywood plotting revenge.

The letter spoke very movingly concerning the Palestinians civilians misplaced to this struggle however stated nothing of any Jewish losses. Not the 1,200 murdered on Oct. 7 — not even the six hostages shot level clean, together with American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, earlier this month. These celebrities will not be standing up for those that are being oppressed. They’re becoming a member of a large mob. And if you happen to want any proof on how sinister it’s, you see individuals like Lizzo, canceled for alleged sexual harassment and horrific habits to her group, making a comeback on the again of Palestine, saying that she stands with Palestine. That’s how she is exonerated from being canceled. Jews are at all times cautious and really vigilant once we see a populist trigger gaining traction — as a result of we are sometimes those which can be being scapegoated.

What’s the Tel Aviv Institute?

We began about six years in the past, myself and Dr. Ron Katz, an professional on rhetoric and propaganda from UC Berkeley. It’s a 501(c) [nonprofit]. It’s an American group, however we name it Tel Aviv Institute as a result of we really feel like Tel Aviv is a metropolis that represents lots of our values. The very first thing we’ve executed is analysis antisemitism on-line, working with Dr. Matthias Becker, a researcher from Berlin College. He had a group of 9 linguists and information scientists analyze messaging on social media. Backside line is that folks actually hate Jews on-line. I believe they discovered that the 2 prime focused communities are the homosexual group and Jews, with Jews coming first. We realized that now we have to do one thing to alter it. 

And about three years in the past we began the Jews Discuss Justice Laboratories. We deliver collectively social media content material creators, Jewish ones which have huge platforms, and in addition influencers exterior of social media. Most of them have been held in Tel Aviv in Israel. We did a pair in New York. We had one in LA only a couple months in the past. It was a brief one, a one-day lab with Debra Messing, Jennifer Goodwin and Emmanuelle Chriqui was there.

In addition to you, who’s talking out on behalf of Israel most successfully?

Amy Schumer. She’s been on her Instagram. She reposted lots of my content material which was actually superb, and we direct message one another.

Let’s speak about her. I believe she’s an excellent case examine. She was, out of the gate after October seventh, one of many loudest and most constant pro-Israel celebrities — nevertheless it backfired on her. I ponder now what the longterm impact on her profession that’s going to have. One other one is Jerry Seinfeld coping with hecklers in his audiences. Steven Spielberg is now being attacked as a “Zionist.”

The definition of Zionism has been modified and there have been so many issues added to it. Zionism simply means supporting Israel’s proper to exist as a Jewish state. It simply signifies that Jews ought to have this one place on this planet that’s theirs. There are 57 Arab and Muslim international locations within the Center East and there are numerous international locations with a Christian majority in Europe. There ought to be a rustic that’s Jewish, it ought to be OK.

However Zionism has been reframed and rebranded so poorly that now for anybody from the leisure trade that has spoken up, there may be actual backlash. You shouldn’t need to face penalties for talking about your Jewish id. Lots of people assist the trigger and ship me direct messages on social media saying thanks, however they don’t really feel snug talking up. I’m speaking about huge names, very huge entertainers. A serious singer advised me, “It’s a large enterprise round me, and if I jeopardize this, it’s not simply me, it’s my complete manufacturing and crew which can be going to be damage.”

What about Michael Rappaport? He’s very excessive in his pro-Israel views. Do you assume he’s too excessive? Is he hurting the trigger?

I believe that as many Jews as attainable within the leisure trade and folks with affect ought to converse up. I don’t assume it’s harming the trigger. I believe that it’s simply his opinions and he can say what he desires to say. After all, I don’t agree with all the pieces he says. And generally I believe now we have completely different kinds, however at the least he’s doing it. Not less than he speaks up. So I give him credit score for being outspoken. Realizing personally what it takes and the way a lot hate you get on daily basis, it’s very onerous to withstand being extra aggressive while you face that.

Lately an agent at WME, Brandt Joel, was on the heart of an argument for typing, “Screw the left kill all,” in a Jewish work WhatsApp group. I’m curious what your ideas are about these WhatsApp teams which have popped up in Hollywood since Oct. 7.

I’m a part of a number of WhatsApp teams, together with leisure teams, and I see individuals being very indignant in them. As a result of I’ve been doing it for over a decade, I’m not as emotionally triggered, however I see how one can be and how one can get so pushed to the purpose that you just say issues that you just remorse. I converse in personal with many celebrities and leisure trade people who’re sharing that these teams will not be doing properly for his or her psychological well being. My recommendation is to take a step again and go exterior and contact grass, as a result of it’s essential. It’s true, the state of affairs is admittedly dangerous. And the Anti-Defamation League has recorded the best quantity of antisemitic crimes within the final 12 months since they began recording such crimes. With all of that being stated, we’ve been by way of wars as a group, and I nonetheless have religion on this planet.

I’m remembering at Eurovision, when Israel obtained a lot of the favored vote. Is social media giving us a skewed sense of what the general public actually thinks?

Sure. The reply is a convincing sure.

This interview was edited for size and readability.

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Stars Wear Red Pin in Support of Israel-Hamas Ceasefire at 2024 Emmys

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A number of stars introduced Israel–Hamas ceasefire advocacy to the 2024 Emmys on Sunday.

Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), Dallas Goldtooth (Reservation Canine), Devery Jacobs (Reservation Canine), Brittani Nichols (Abbott Elementary author) and Caroline Joyner had been amongst these seen on the purple carpet sporting a pin that featured a purple background, orange hand and black coronary heart. The pin symbolizes assist for a everlasting ceasefire, launch of all hostages and speedy supply of humanitarian assist to Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in response to Artists4Ceasefire.

Coughlan has beforehand been open about her assist for Palestine, writing on social media in Could, “You might need seen me put on a purple pin on the purple carpet and press occasions over the last whereas and I assumed it will be a great time to share some details about Artists for Ceasefire and what we stand for.”

Because the starting of the lethal Israel-Hamas conflict on Oct. 7, 2023, when terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel, a whole bunch of Hollywood notables have referred to as for a ceasefire, even signing a letter written to President Joe Biden by Artists4Ceasefire.

On Sunday, the arrivals of some Emmys attendees had been additionally delayed resulting from a gaggle of pro-Palestinian protesters chanting and waving flags exterior the Los Angeles venue. “No justifying the homicide of youngsters,” one signal held by a demonstrator learn. Comparable protests precipitated the Oscars telecast to start out a couple of minutes late earlier this yr.

The 2024 Emmy Awards, co-hosted by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, had been held Sunday evening on the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles.

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Biden Condemns Pro-Palestine Protest Violence at L.A. Synagogue Event

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A closely Jewish Los Angeles neighborhood turned a flashpoint of shock over the Israel-Gaza battle when a violent demonstration exterior a synagogue over the weekend between pro-Palestine demonstrations and counterprotesters supportive of Israel ended with the deployment of dozens of law enforcement officials, one arrest and the condemnation of town’s mayor and President Joe Biden.

“I’m appalled by the scenes exterior of Adas Torah synagogue in Los Angeles,” Biden wrote in X.com on Monday. “Intimidating Jewish congregants is harmful, unconscionable, antisemitic, and un-American. Individuals have a proper to peaceable protest. However blocking entry to a home of worship — and fascinating in violence — is rarely acceptable.”

Punches had been thrown, protesters had been seen being wrestled to the bottom, and what seems to be bear spray doused a number of individuals in footage of the battle, which got here to a head after the roughly 150 demonstrators arrived Sunday morning round 11 a.m. at Adas Torah synagogue within the Pico-Robertson space.

The gathering of demonstrators started with a gaggle of Palestine supporters arriving to protest an actual property occasion from the corporate My Dwelling in Israel pitching “housing tasks in all the perfect Anglo neighborhoods in Israel.” 

Phrase of the advert, which appeared within the June 21 concern of the Jewish Journal, unfold on-line and shortly flyers appeared on-line saying the occasion at Adas Torah synagogue.

Israeli actual property agent Avi Nefoussi informed newspaper Israel Hyom that protestors “focused our occasion as a result of they assume we’re exhibiting Palestinian land on the market,” including that his firm needed to shortly name for further safety. “Even a helicopter confirmed up.”

Studies point out that the group of protesters arrived to disrupt the actual property occasion and had at one level tried to dam the doorway to the synagogue. The Hollywood Reporter reached out to the Southern California chapter of the Palestinian Youth Motion to make clear the aim of their demonstration however didn’t hear again on Monday. 

Roughly 60 law enforcement officials arrived on the scene at Adas Torah, the Los Angeles Police Division informed the LA Occasions, including {that a} latest, comparable protest at a North Hollywood synagogue introduced 25 protesters — a fraction of the quantity at Sunday’s violent kerfuffle in Pico-Robertson. 

“The Los Angeles Police Division responded to a protest within the Pico-Robertson space yesterday afternoon. There have been a number of bodily altercations between the 2 teams protesting, which resulted in two studies of battery,” the LAPD wrote in an official assertion on Monday that was obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. “Additionally, one arrest was made for having [sic] spiked put up at a protest. This particular person was cited at West Los Angeles station and launched.”

The LAPD added that it is going to be investigating the 2 reported batteries additional and that extra patrols will probably be carried out round delicate spiritual websites to make sure the security “of all.”

“We’ll all the time shield the First Modification rights of these desirous to protest. Violence and crime, nonetheless, is not going to be tolerated,” the assertion from the LAPD reads. 

A message despatched Monday to the Los Angeles Police Division’s public info officer by The Hollywood Reporter in search of additional particulars on the incident and arrests at Adas Torah synagogue was not instantly returned. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote in a put up that “the violent clashes exterior the Adas Torah synagogue in Los Angeles are appalling. There isn’t any excuse for concentrating on a home of worship. Such antisemitic hatred has no place in California.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass launched a damning assertion Sunday evening following the incident, saying that she is not going to enable town to turn out to be a spot of antisemitism.

“Right now’s violence within the Pico-Robertson neighborhood was abhorrent, and blocking entry to a spot of worship is unacceptable,” Bass mentioned. “I’ve known as on LAPD to supply extra patrols within the Pico-Robertson group in addition to exterior of homes of worship all through town. I’ll be assembly with [interim] Chief [Dominic] Choi tomorrow to additional talk about the security of Angelenos.

“I need to be clear that Los Angeles is not going to be a harbor for antisemitism and violence. These answerable for both will probably be discovered and held accountable. I will probably be becoming a member of Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, the chief government officer of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles Rabbi Noah Farkas and different legislation enforcement and religion leaders in a group assembly as we speak about steps ahead, collectively.”

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Ben Stiller Speaks Out on the Israel-Hamas War, Need for Peace

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Ben Stiller is talking out concerning the Israel–Hamas struggle, greater than 9 months after the Hamas-led terrorist assault on Israel on Oct. 7.

In an opinion essay printed Thursday by Time journal, the Emmy-winning actor defined why he felt obligated to share his stance on the continued battle, the rise of antisemitism and the necessity for world peace, saying he “can’t ignore the disaster that’s entrance and middle on the planet proper now.”

“Saying nothing at this level looks like I’m betraying my very own conscience,” Stiller, who’s Jewish, wrote. “However what do you say? How does one specific the difficult and really actual emotions on this scary world of social media, the place it appears any sentiment opens you to on-line vitriol from one aspect or one other? The problems we’re coping with are so nuanced and sophisticated that quick statements can’t in any method specific totally what I wish to say from my coronary heart.”

Serving as a public advocate for refugees for a number of years, the Zoolander star admitted that he’s been “struggling to reconcile” his silence on the matter with that work.

“I grieve for many who suffered within the barbaric Hamas assault on October 7 and for many who have suffered on account of these atrocities,” Stiller wrote. “My coronary heart aches for the households who misplaced family members to this heinous act of terrorism and for these anxiously ready these lengthy months for the return of the hostages nonetheless in captivity. It’s a nightmare. I additionally grieve for the harmless individuals in Gaza who’ve misplaced their lives on this battle and people struggling by means of that terrible actuality now.”

He continued, “I detest struggle, however what Hamas did was unconscionable and reprehensible. The hostages must be freed. Terrorism have to be named and fought by all individuals of conscience on the planet. There isn’t a excuse for it below any circumstances.”

The Tropic Thunder actor added that whereas he stands with “the Israeli individuals and their proper to stay in peace and security,” he doesn’t agree with all of the Israeli authorities’s selections on how they’re dealing with the struggle.

“I need the violence to finish, and the harmless Palestinian individuals affected by the humanitarian disaster that has resulted to obtain the lifesaving support they want. And I do know that many in Israel share this sentiment,” Stiller wrote. “I imagine, as many individuals in Israel and world wide do, within the want for a two-state resolution, one which ensures that the Israeli individuals can stay in peace and security alongside a homeland for the Palestinian individuals that gives them the identical advantages.”

The Evening on the Museum actor went on to denounce antisemitism, which has elevated for the reason that begin of the Israel-Hamas struggle. Stiller stated he’s witnessed a “troubling conflation in criticism of the actions of the Israeli authorities with denunciations of all Israelis and Jewish individuals,” and in consequence, it’s led to an “plain rise in world antisemitism.”

“I’m seeing it myself, on the streets of town [New York City] I grew up in. It isn’t proper and have to be denounced,” Stiller continued in his essay. “Antisemitism have to be condemned each time it occurs and wherever it exists. As ought to Islamophobia and bigotry of every kind. There’s a horrifying amnesia for historical past within the air. We should remind ourselves that we are able to solely manifest a extra hopeful, simply, and peaceable future by studying from the previous.”

He concluded, “Clearly I’m no politician or diplomat. I’ve no options for these world conflicts and declare to supply none. I feel I, like so many individuals, am scuffling with tips on how to course of this all. However as an advocate for displaced individuals, I do imagine this struggle should finish. As I write this, there are about 120 million individuals everywhere in the world who’ve been displaced by conflicts. Within the Center East, in Ukraine, Sudan, and lots of different international locations. All of them need to stay in security and peace. The human struggling should finish. We should demand this of our leaders. Peace is the one path.”

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Jerry Seinfeld Roasts Pro-Palestinian Heckler Who Disrupts Comedy Show

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Jerry Seinfeld roasted a pro-Palestine heckler who interrupted his comedy present over the weekend in Sydney, Australia.

In a video shared on X (previously Twitter) by the Australian Jewish Affiliation, the individual could possibly be heard shouting “From the river to the ocean, Palestine can be free” on the Seinfeld creator and star throughout his stand-up set on the Qudos Financial institution Enviornment Sunday.

“We’ve got a genius, girls and gents. He solved the Center East!” Seinfeld quipped because the heckler was escorted out of the venue by safety. “It’s the Jewish comedians, that’s who we have now to get! They’re those doing every thing.”

Because the individual continued to chant “Palestine can be free” throughout their exit, the comic added, “Go forward, hold going! They’re going to begin punching you in about three seconds so I might attempt to get your whole genius out so we are able to all study from you. It’s a comedy present, you moron! Get out of right here.”

“You’re actually influencing everybody right here. We’re all in your facet now, since you’ve made your level so properly, and in the fitting venue, you’ve come to the fitting place for a political dialog,” Seinfeld joked. “Tomorrow we’ll learn within the paper, ‘Center East 100% solved due to man on the Qudos Enviornment stopping the Jew comic.’”

The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Seinfeld’s rep for remark.

The Unfrosted director-writer-star has been outspoken about his assist for Israel following the Oct. 7 Hamas assaults. In December, he visited Tel Aviv to fulfill with the households of hostages. He has additionally been met with pro-Palestine protests in latest months, together with at his Duke College graduation speech and his comedy set at Chrysler Corridor in Norfolk, Virginia in Might.

Final month, Seinfeld additionally addressed protesters on the Truthfully with Bari Weiss podcast. “It’s so dumb,” he mentioned. “In reality, after we get protesters often, I like to say to the viewers, ‘, I really like that these younger folks, they’re attempting to get engaged with politics … we have now to simply appropriate their goal a bit bit.’ , they don’t appear to know that as comedians we actually don’t management something.”

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Switzerland’s Nemo Wins; Israel 5th

Swiss performer Nemo has gained the 68th Eurovision Tune Contest, beating Croatian artist Child Lasagna, who completed second, in what was maybe essentially the most divisive competitors in its historical past.

The nonbinary singer, representing Switzerland, gained with their observe “The Code” accumulating 591 factors from a mix of music trade juries in every collaborating nation and the worldwide public. Croatia positioned second with 547 factors on the occasion in Malmö, Sweden and Ukraine third with 453 factors. Rounding out the highest 5 have been France and Israel with 445 and 375 factors, respectively.

Eurovision was again and provided every little thing followers are used to seeing on Europe’s most eccentric music night time of the 12 months: corset-clad dancers in knee-high leather-based boots puckering up for the Spanish “Kylie Minogue,” Eire‘s horned goth gremlin scream-singing a darkish story of witchcraft and a few artful camerawork masking the genitals of Finnish entrant Windows95Man (his denim shorts have been swiftly delivered onstage by rope).

Hosted by Swedish-American actress Malin Akerman (27 Clothes, The Proposal) and presenter Petra Mede, the four-hour spectacle featured performances from 25 totally different nations and even shocked the viewers with digital avatars of the legendary ABBA performing 1974’s profitable hit “Waterloo.”

Regardless of essentially the most tumultuous build-up the competition has ever seen, it was a comparatively uneventful present (nudity-heavy, maybe, however as energetic and colourful as anticipated).

Eurovision organizers got here below hearth for his or her dealing with of the competition up till the Grand Ultimate. Studies of unrest among the many contestants and nation delegations ran amok on social media. Rumors of entrants lacking rehearsals, flags being pulled down and claims of misconduct backstage vastly disrupted the normally peppy Eurovision build-up. It was not helped by the disqualification of Dutch participant Joost Klein on Saturday, after an allegation of intimidation was made to Swedish police by a feminine member of the manufacturing crew.

Eurovision bosses have lengthy believed their occasion to be nonpolitical, however in recent times the competitors is extra sharply reflecting geopolitical opinion throughout Europe. Russia, for instance, was barred from 2022’s contest after it invaded Ukraine. In a present of solidarity, Ukraine’s contributors Kalush Orchestra have been voted winners that 12 months (regardless of, as many critics identified, not placing on the strongest efficiency).

Nevertheless, the contestant on the heart of this 12 months’s controversy, Israel’s Eden Golan, ended up receiving a strong public backing. Golan’s participation got here with widespread criticism together with being booed whereas rehearsing this week, however votes from the general public positioned her a really spectacular fifth, indicating a extra optimistic impression amongst voters than exterior reception over the previous week could have led observers to consider.

The one tangible proof of an unwelcome reception for Golan was a notably much less enthusiastic crowd response on the closing — for Israel’s spokesperson, too. Attendees reported a sea of jeers that tv microphones won’t have picked up; the chief supervisor of the Eurovision Tune Contest, Martin Österdahl, obtained a refrain of arena-wide booing as he spoke, presumably following Klein’s exclusion.

Golan has turn into a lightning rod for mass condemnation of Israel’s conflict on Gaza, which has left almost 35,000 Palestinians useless, largely ladies and kids, because the Oct. 7 Hamas assault on Israel that killed about 1,200 folks.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog ordered “essential changes” to Golan’s preliminary entry to make sure his nation may compete — the lyrics to “October Rain” seemingly referenced the Hamas assault. As a substitute, the 20-year-old carried out a romantic ballad referred to as “Hurricane.” However even essentially the most fervent of Eurovision followers pledged to boycott the occasion this 12 months, objecting to the barrage of missile strikes on Gaza.

Nevertheless, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) repeatedly defended its resolution to incorporate Israel, winners of Eurovision in 1978, 1979, 1998 and 2018. It launched an announcement demanding viewers don’t abuse Golan. The younger singer was below police safety this week.

“We want to stress that any selections concerning participation are the accountability of the EBU’s governing our bodies, not the person artists,” the EBU mentioned. “We’re firmly towards any type of abuse or harassment directed at contributors, on-line or offline, and are dedicated to fostering a protected, respectful and inclusive atmosphere.”

U.Ok. entrant Olly Alexander, as soon as the frontman of British pop band Years & Years earlier than he started performing below his personal title, additionally confronted strain to give up. Greater than 450 queer artists, people and organizations referred to as on him to not carry out amid the battle in Gaza. He refused, posting an announcement explaining that whereas he “wholeheartedly” helps a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of all hostages, “it’s my present perception that eradicating myself from the competition wouldn’t convey us any nearer to our shared purpose.”

Outdoors the Eurovision venue, ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations passed off. On Thursday, native police reported that over 10,000 folks, together with Swedish local weather activist Greta Thunberg, marched by town in a protest that straight referred to as on Eurovision organizers to drop Israel from the competition. One other 15,000 folks gathered earlier than Saturday’s finale.

Eire entrant Bambie Thug at Eurovision 2024.

Courtesy of Getty Pictures

People from sure delegations refused to participate within the Eurovision finale. Simply hours earlier than the present started, former Eurovision entrant Käärijä pulled out because the spokesperson for the Finnish jury, saying that distributing factors “doesn’t really feel proper.” He didn’t elaborate additional.

Dutch broadcaster Avrotros quickly adopted swimsuit, citing Klein’s disqualification. The corporate wrote on X after consulting with their spokesperson Nikkie de Jagge: “Similar to Nikkie, we imagined this night very in a different way.”

Because the competitors now turns to its new host, Switzerland, the political turbulence has actually left a bitter style within the mouths of spectators and organizers this 12 months; a style which can linger, maybe, lengthy after Malmö de-Eurovisions and returns to regular.