The Friends star called out those who “made their careers by leaning into their Jewish identity” or by playing Jewish people onscreen, in a passionate speech at the Anti-Defamation league’s Never is Now conference earlier this week
David Schwimmer, the iconic actor from ‘Friends’, has delivered a scathing critique of Hollywood celebrities for their silence on the rising tide of antisemitism worldwide. The 58 year old, famed for his role as Ross Gellar in the much-loved series, took to the podium at the Anti-Defamation League’s Never is Now conference earlier this week.
He implored his “heroes” in the entertainment industry to vocally denounce racist abuse rather than remain complicit through their silence.
Schwimmer specifically targeted those who have built their careers by embracing their Jewish identity or portraying Jewish characters on screen. His remarks come on the heels of a public appeal he made to Elon Musk, urging him to ban Kanye West from X after the artist unleashed a series of antisemitic tirades and self-identified as a Nazi.
In a heartfelt address, clad in a suit and tie, Schwimmer told attendees: “Plenty of people I respect, even some of my heroes in entertainment, music and sports, have chosen to keep a low profile and sit this one out, including some whose careers have been made by leaning into their Jewish identity, and others who have won acclaim for playing Jews onscreen,” reports the Express.
“Some of them are doing a lot behind the scenes, privately and in their own way, but so many have chosen not to say anything publicly at all. And if I can say something directly to them: I really wish you would.”
He went on to say: “I wish you would stand up. I wish you would speak out, because your voice would be so meaningful to your fans who love you, to your community members who need you, to folks who can use just a little solidarity right now.”
He stressed the importance of communal support, adding “No one’s asking you to solve the conflict of the Middle East. Just say that you stand with your Jewish friends, colleagues, and neighbours against hatred and what’s happening on our college campuses and in our schools and to Jewish-owned businesses is totally unacceptable.”
At the same gathering, ‘Wonder Woman’ star Gal Gadot was onstage accepting the Anti-Defamation League’s International Leadership Award. In her 12-minute address, the 39 year old actress echoed calls for urgent action, demanding the release of the many hostages still held captive in Gaza as part of the ongoing strife with Israel.
“With every hostage release we hear new testimonies of the horrors they’ve been through. Every minute for them is hell. Their lives are in danger and we need them home,” Gal told the audience.
Furthermore, she touched on the global surge in anti-Semitic incidents, declaring “None of us can ignore the explosion of Jew hatred around the world anymore. We have had enough of Jew hatred we will confront anti-Semitism. We will call it out, but but we will never let it, not only, defeat us but define us because our love is stronger than their hate.”
The alarming increase in anti-Semitism, particularly in the United States, has been linked to growing far-right sentiments and contentious political views regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict over recent years.
On 7 October 2023, Hamas launched a severe attack on Israel, claiming the lives of approximately 1200 individuals and taking 251 hostages. This harrowing act marked the beginning of a heightening conflict between Israel and Gaza, with a succession of bombings and several unsuccessful ceasefires over the past two years leading to more than 50,000 deaths.
The majority of these fatalities were Palestinian civilians who had fallen victim to IDF bombings, contributing to intensified global animosity towards Jewish people.
In recent developments, a tentative ceasefire has been in place since 19 January, managing so far to facilitate the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. However, the future of discussions aimed at releasing the remaining hostages and achieving an Israeli withdrawal remains uncertain, despite US President Trump exerting pressure.
He has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the return of all remaining hostages and an acknowledgment of those killed or else face severe repercussions.
Donald Trump directed a fierce message to the militant group on Truth Social a few days ago: “‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you.”
Continuing his ominous statement, he said: “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning!” He then warned with a grim tone: “For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”.
