More than 450 Jewish figures in the entertainment industry have signed an open letter criticizing Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars speech for “The Zone of Interest,” challenging the comparison between Nazi Germany and Israel.
Over 450 Jewish figures from the entertainment industry, including creatives, executives, and professionals, have collectively voiced their disapproval through an open letter, targeting the Oscars speech delivered by Jonathan Glazer, the director of “The Zone of Interest.” This letter, which has been exclusively shared with Variety, features signatures from a diverse group within the industry, such as actors Debra Messing and Tovah Feldshuh, executives like Gary Barber and Gail Berman, alongside creators Amy Sherman-Palladino, directors Eli Roth, Rod Lurie, and many others. Since its initial release, the letter has seen an addition of approximately 50 more signatories.
The letter articulates a strong opposition, stating, “We refute our Jewishness being hijacked for the purpose of drawing a moral equivalence between a Nazi regime that sought to exterminate a race of people, and an Israeli nation that seeks to avert its own extermination.”
Glazer, when approached for a comment, chose not to respond.
The letter further criticizes the misuse of terms such as ‘occupation’ to describe the Jewish people’s defense of their ancestral homeland, recognized by the United Nations, arguing that such misrepresentations distort historical facts and contribute to the rise of anti-Jewish sentiment globally, including in the United States and Hollywood.
This response comes in the wake of Glazer’s controversial remarks during his acceptance speech for “The Zone of Interest” at the Oscars on March 10. Glazer, alongside producer James Wilson and financier Len Blavatnik, made a statement that has since ignited widespread discussion within the industry, with some expressing support for Glazer’s stance, while others, including Michael Rapaport and Mayim Bialik, have publicly criticized his words. Blavatnik’s spokesperson later emphasized his unwavering support for Israel, distancing him from the speech’s implications.
The open letter’s formation remains unclear, but several signatories have shared their reasons for joining this public denouncement. Among them is Julianna Margulies, who previously issued an apology for her controversial comments regarding supporters of the Palestinian cause within the Black and LGBTQ communities.
The letter and its signatories represent a significant portion of the Jewish community in Hollywood, standing in opposition to Glazer’s Oscars speech and its aftermath, highlighting the ongoing dialogue within the industry regarding these complex issues.
Source: Variety
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