Updated Nov 3 2023 05:48PM EDT
Since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on Saturday — during the holiday of Simchat Torah — over 1,300 Israelis have been killed, more than 3,300 have been injured and an estimated 200 people have been kidnapped and taken to the Gaza Strip.
Many celebrities have sent their support to Israeli soldiers, civilians, and those affected by the violence.
Below are some of the Jewish and non-Jewish celebrities who have shared their support with the Israeli people during their time of need.
Read more: We asked our university student readers how they’re feeling. The responses were harrowing.
Israeli actress Gal Gadot has been a vocal supporter of Israel in Hollywood.
“I stand with Israel, you should too,” Gadot wrote in an Instagram post. “The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific acts of terror are happening!”
On Saturday, the “Wonder Woman” star shared multiple Instagram Stories decrying the violence in Israel.
“At least 250 Israelis have been murdered and dozens of women, children and elders held as hostages in Gaza, by Palestinian military group Hamas,” Gadot wrote. “Starting early morning, more than 3,000 rockets were fired. Hamas is holding hostages controlling bases and settlements in Israel. There have been more than 1,500 injured, and heavy fighting is still ongoing.
“‘I hear their voices and they are banging on the door. I am with my two little children.’ My heart is aching.”
Read more: The woman behind ‘Wonder Woman’: Gal Gadot’s Jewish journey
On Instagram, Jewish comedian Jerry Seinfeld shared a photo that said, “I Stand With Israel,” writing about his experiences living in the country.
“I lived and worked on a kibbutz in Israel when I was 16 and I have loved our Jewish homeland ever since. My heart is breaking from these attacks and atrocities. But we are also a very strong people in our hearts and minds.
“We believe in justice, freedom and equality. We survive and flourish no matter what. I will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people,” he said.
Read more: When professors cross the line into antisemitism on social media
Dwayne Johnson, known as the Rock, voiced his sorrow and anger to his 391 million Instagram followers, writing, “I’m heartbroken, angry, and sickened by the brutal murders and kidnapping of Jewish people through the horrific acts of the Hamas terrorist group. The growing loss of innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives is heart wrenching as this war escalates to immense proportions.”
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“I condemn and denounce terrorism, and in this devastating moment, my heart goes out to all the innocent victims and families grieving for their lost loved ones,” he added. Johnson has the fifth-highest following on Instagram.
Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James condemned the Hamas attacks on X, writing with his business partner Maverick Carter, “The devastation in Israel is tragic and unacceptable. The murder and violence against innocent people by Hamas is terrorism.”
“The SpringHill Company family sends our deepest condolences to Israel and the Jewish community,” they added, referring to the entertainment company founded by James and Carter. “We all must work to ensure this tragedy does not spread even more hate, racism, and antisemitism.”
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Kim Kardashian condemned the Hamas attacks and expressed her solidarity with the Jewish community, posting to her 364 million followers: “A message to my Jewish friends and family. I love you. I support you. I have heard about how scared you feel during this time, and I want you to know you are not alone in this.”
The reality star added, “My heart is broken seeing the videos of these babies and families being terrorized and murdered in front of the whole world! As human beings with a heart, how can anyone not be devastated by these horrific images that we will never be able to unsee?”
NFL legend Tom Brady unequivocally condemned the Hamas attacks, writing on X: “There should be no gray area about condemning Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israeli citizens.”
“I’m heartbroken for all of the innocent lives lost in Israel and Gaza this week, heartbroken for the losses that are sure to follow. It’s horrifying to watch this violence continue to unfold with no indication of stopping,” he added.
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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg condemned the Hamas attacks on Facebook, writing, “The terrorist attacks by Hamas are pure evil. There is never any justification for carrying out acts of terrorism against innocent people. The widespread suffering that has resulted is devastating. My focus remains on the safety of our employees and their families in Israel and the region.”
Israel’s official X account responded, saying “Thank you @Meta.”
Thank you @Meta. pic.twitter.com/Gkpvi5kG6d
Jewish actor Josh Gad shared his sorrow for those who have died in Israel on Instagram.
“I have no words. I am praying for my many family members in Israel. What a cowardly act,” he wrote. “What we are witnessing in real time right now is unprecedented since the Yom Kippur War. My heart breaks for the families of those who have lost loved ones, and for the hostages who have been taken. What a horrific day.”
Gad later said he was “personally attacked, shamed, unfollowed and threatened” for expressing his sympathy toward Israelis who were killed by Hamas. He wrote another post on Threads about how he has been critical of the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians, and one can support their cause without championing violence and terrorism.
“Instead of compassion & humanity, people are treating this as if it’s a FOOTBALL match with two teams when the points scored are dead human bodies. Waving flags around as if they are team jerseys,” he wrote.
“Somewhere in a basement right now, tied up and terrified are little CHILDREN who have never done anything to hurt a Palestinian. Somewhere on the streets of Gaza are innocent people who are being shelled, because terrorists decided it was best to destroy any opportunity for peace.
“There are no winners here. We are all losers. Most importantly, every Israeli and Palestinian is now on the losing end,” he added. “I am truly at a loss. I guess I’m the naive one.”
Read more: We answer your FAQs about the October 2023 war
U2 dedicated their concert on Sunday in Las Vegas to those killed at the Supernova music festival.
They changed the lyrics to their song “Pride (In the Name of Love)” to honor the lives lost.
“A song about nonviolence seems ridiculous, but our prayers have always been for peace and for nonviolence. … Our hearts and our anger,” U2’s frontman Bono said.
“Early morning, Oct. 7, sun is rising in the desert sky. Stars of David, they took your life, but they could not take your pride,” he sang.
Israeli talent manager Guy Oseary shared a statement of support to his Instagram Story with a video of a young Israeli woman being kidnapped at the Supernova music festival.
“Over 200 Israelis have been murdered this morning. The terrorist organization Hamas said: ‘If you have a gun, get it out. This is the time to use it — get out with trucks, cars, axes, today the best and most honorable history starts,’” Oseary wrote.
“This is horrific.. these murders are being celebrated in Iran. Noa [Argamani] in this video was at a music festival when she and others were shot at and kidnapped.. many women, children and elderly are being taken from their homes and kidnapped.”
“I have always prayed for peace. ALWAYS,” Oseary added. “I have always spoken up for my Jewish community and have also spoken up for my Arab brothers and sisters. I have no words today. Only heartbreak. Only tears.”
Oseary’s post was shared by many celebrities including Jamie Lee Curtis who commented an Israeli flag with the caption “My hand in yours.”
Jewish comedian Amy Schumer reposted Guy Oseary’s message and added her own, writing: “Jewish people are the only group not allowed to defend themselves. This has nothing to do with the occupation. Hamas don’t want end to occupation, they want to eradicate Israel. They’re funded by Iran, who are trying to destroy the peace deal.”
Schumer posted the image alongside multiple other graphics and videos. One photo she shared was the image of an Israeli family captioned “Family erased.”
“There is no other side. Hamas is a terrorist organization. Stop sitting at home wondering how to be diplomatic. They want to murder all Jews,” Schumer added.
She also included the famous quote from German clergyman Martin Niemöller, which reflects on those who remain silent:
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Barbra Streisand shared an impassioned message with her followers on Instagram, describing herself as “shocked and shaken” by Hamas’ violence.
“What happened to the rules of engagement? This attack is brutality without any humanity or compassion,” she wrote.
“There are no words to explain the insanity of what is happening and the sadness that is to come of this. I’m grieving for all the mothers and fathers who have lost their children.”
Former NBA player Amar’e Stoudemire, who received Israeli citizenship in 2019 and converted to Judaism in 2020, shared an expletive-filled video blasting those who did not call out Hamas.
A former player and co-owner of Hapoel Jerusalem, Stoudemire voiced his frustration with those who have been silent regarding antisemitism, arguing they are hypocritical.
“I woke up, man, this morning with some disturbing news out of Israel – that Hamas kidnapping children, putting them in cages, killing women, killing the elderly. That’s some coward s–t. That’s cowardly,” Stoudemire said. “And for all y’all Black Lives Matter (supporters) who ain’t saying nothing, ‘Well let me figure out exactly what’s happening before I say anything,’ — f–k you.
“I woke up this morning with some disturbing news out of Israel that Hamas [are] kidnapping children, putting them in cages, killing women, killing the elderly. That’s some coward s**t. That’s cowardly. And for all y’all Black Live Matter [supporters] who ain’t saying nothing,… pic.twitter.com/sQ9DBMow5J
Stoudemire later posted a video clarifying: “I recognize that in a moment of passion that there is a better way that I can communicate my emotions about the conflict. I pray that all involved are able to find a resolution.”
Jewish comedian Sarah Silverman posted Guy Oseary’s photos to X and video and called on her fans to understand that many Israelis disagree with their government and one cannot conflate them.
“My sister and nieces and nephews are there. They’ve been protesting BIBI for months,” she wrote. Silverman added that regardless of one’s views on Israel-Palestinian conflict, everyone should condemn Hamas as a terror organization.
“Fight for a two-state solution,” Silverman continued. “Israelis are Jews and Arabs and all colors. There is so much complexity to this. But make NO MISTAKE Hamas is a terror organization whose mission statement is kill all Jews.”
My sister and nieces and nephews are there. They’ve been protesting BIBI for months. Fight for a two state solution. Israelis are Jews and Arabs and all colors. There is so much complexity to this. But make NO MISTAKE Hamas is a terror organization who’s mission statement is kill… https://t.co/RzfeXk13Vr
Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli mourned the deaths of Israelis in an interview with a German newspaper. She said that as a mother to three young children, she couldn’t fathom how the parents of the children taken hostage or killed must feel.
“My country has been attacked by terrorists who intentionally and indiscriminately murdered hundreds of citizens and kidnapped dozens, including women and children,” she said. “My heart is broken as I hear about more and more dead and wounded on the television that is always on. In these difficult days in which Israel will try to return its kidnapped sons and daughters, global solidarity will be especially important and appreciated.”
Israeli-American actor Ronen Rubinstein encouraged his followers to donate to Israeli causes in his Instagram post.
The “9-1-1 Lone Star” lead shared a tragic message about what is happening in his hometown of Rehovot, saying that Israel has no other choice than to fight back against Hamas during this unprecedented time of terrorism.
“This past weekend, 3 rockets fell in my hometown of Rehovot. My families friends’ Nephew & his 6 month old daughter were brutally murdered in front of their mother and two sons,” he wrote.
“My friends and family who have lived in Israel their entire lives have never seen these kinds of horrors before. Women are being raped & murdered on the streets. Israeli soldiers dead bodies are being dragged by vehicles. Young children, men & women are being kidnapped and tortured.
“Israel has no choice but to protect itself. As Americans, we would never question these actions if someone came into our land and did the atrocities that are happening in Israel. Innocent Israelis AND Palestinians are dying because of the actions taken by TERRORIST. This is a war against TERRORISM. PERIOD.”
Israeli-American Natalie Portman posted a simple message to her Instagram page to express her sadness over the deaths caused by the terrorism.
“My heart is shattered for the people of Israel. Children, women and the elderly have been murdered and abducted from their own homes. I am in horror at these barbaric acts and my heart is pounding with love and prayer for the families of all affected.”
Madonna shared a video of Hamas rockets being fired into Israel and bodies left after the attack. The singer said that it was “unfathomable” to imagine the children being assaulted and murdered by Hamas and said that “conflicts can never be resolved with violence.”
“We live in a World Ravaged by Hate,” she wrote. “My heart goes out to Israel. To Families and Homes that have been destroyed. To children who are lost. To Innocent Victims who have Been Killed. To All who are Suffering or who will suffer from this conflict. I’m Praying For you. … Let us all Pray. For Israel. For Peace. For The World.”
Former MMA champion Floyd Mayweather shared photos of him in Israel in a post to Instagram where he condemned antisemitism and blasted Hamas.
“I stand with Israel against the Hamas terrorists,” Mayweather said. “Hamas do not represent the people of Palestine but are a terrorist group that are attacking innocent lives! I stand for all humans and wish for the safe return of all Americans and Israelis and any human that were kidnapped as hostages during these horrific war crimes. This is not a time for politics.”
The fighter reportedly is also sending his private plane “Air Mayweather” to Israel stocked with supplies for those on the front lines.
Jewish talent manager Scooter Braun had his post supporting Israel taken down twice by Instagram. In it, he shared an image of Noa Argamani, a young woman who was kidnapped at the Supernova music festival where 260 people were slaughtered by Hamas.
“She could be your sister, your friend, your daughter. But I sit and watch so many stay silent waiting for it to becomes a trend before they get involved. I know you are scared. I know you are confused.”
“But I have watched Jews as a minority speak up everytime for others. We marched with you during Black Lives Matter, we stood with you for gun reform, we screamed out when your rights were challenged because of sexual orientation. We give when you are sick…
“But when our synagogues were shot we heard your silence, and now that those in our homeland are murdered by terrorists we don’t expect you to call out for justice, for protection. We actually expect your silence. We expect your ridicule when we defend ourselves. But deep down we always hope our friends would see us,” Braun wrote.
Actor Josh Malina tweeted a photo of the New York Times headline of Hamas’ attack: “Horrendous news to wake up to. Thinking of Israel,” he wrote.
Actress Isla Fisher shared photos of hostages Doron Asher and her two young daughters, aged 5 and 3. In her post Fisher wrote: “There is no excuse for the deliberate killing and kidnapping of innocent civilians anytime anywhere ever.”
“Sons of Anarchy” star Ron Perlman posted a Star of David to Instagram with the words, “I stand with Israel.” His caption read, “Unspeakable savagery, unprocessable sadness.”
Jon Bernthal simply posted an image of Noa Argamani, the young Israeli woman who was taken hostage during the Supernova music festival attack.
Jewish comedian Chelsea Handler condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization in her Instagram post, adding that she does not believe Hamas “represents all Palestinians.”
“I am for human rights and denouncing terror and for the world to end this violence. It is heart-wrenching to see what is happening and there is no excuse for this type of barbarism,” she said.
Israeli actress Yael Grobglas, who starred in “Jane the Virgin” and “Hanukkah on Rye,” shared on Instagram her sadness for her home country: “Israel is under a massive terrorist attack. Hundreds of innocent Israeli civilians murdered, many kidnapped while others are held hostage. My heart is with everyone back home. I stand with Israel.”
Actor Mark Hamill posted a simple message of support for Israel on his Instagram with an image of the American and Israeli flags together, and captioned it, “America stands with Israel. #Always.”
Sofia Richie, Ashley Tisdale, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Liev Schreiber, Nina Dobrev and Max Greenfield also shared an image from StandWithUs on Instagram and expressed their support of Israel.
Kylie Jenner was blasted by supporters of Israel and Hamas for posting a pro-Israel post on Instagram and then deleting it within an hour when faced with pro-Palestinian blowback. Jenner lost over 1 million followers after she posted the message.
Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid, who has been a vocal critic against Israel, has remained silent after the attacks. Hadid’s fans have criticized her for not speaking up.
Want more? Read our latest stories on the October 2023 war
Originally Published Oct 12, 2023 02:47PM EDT
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