More than 1,200 entertainment figures, including Liev Schreiber, Mayim Bialik, and Debra Messing, signed a Hollywood open letter against the Israeli film boycott. The letter condemns calls to shun Israeli film institutions over the war in Gaza. In addition, it urges those who signed the boycott pledge to rethink their stance. Other supporters include Gene Simmons, Sharon Osbourne, Greg Berlanti, Jerry O’Connell, Howie Mandel, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Lisa Edelstein, Anthony Edwards, Rebecca De Mornay, Sherry Lansing, and Haim Saban.
The letter, released by Creative Community for Peace and The Brigade, addresses nearly 4,000 boycott signees, including Emma Stone and Joaquin Phoenix. Furthermore, it argues that the pledge spreads misinformation, encourages censorship, and unfairly erases art. The statement emphasizes that film and storytelling have immense power. Therefore, they should not be misused as tools of division. Moreover, the pledge silences voices seeking common ground.
The boycott pledge, first circulated on September 8, vows that signees will not collaborate with Israeli companies or institutions linked to “genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.” Notable supporters include Yorgos Lanthimos, Ava DuVernay, Adam McKay, Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Joe Alwyn, and Josh O’Connor. However, the new letter highlights that many Israeli filmmakers openly criticize government policies. Additionally, they produce films portraying both Palestinian and Jewish experiences.
Debra Messing said that refusing to work with artists based on nationality is discriminatory. She also added that it echoes a dark history of antisemitism. Mayim Bialik noted that boycotts increase division. In contrast, they do not bring peace, free hostages, or curb antisemitism. Consequently, their statements reflect the letter’s central message: art should encourage dialogue, not polarization.
The letter also questions vague terms like “complicity.” For instance, it asks who decides which filmmakers qualify. Historical examples show the danger of censorship. Nazi Germany, Soviet crackdowns, and Hollywood blacklists all started as moral stands but became oppression. As a result, the signees argue that the boycott erases dissenting Israeli voices and shields Hamas from criticism.
The movement follows Paramount’s condemnation of the boycott. Paramount stated that silencing artists by nationality undermines peace. Thus, letter supporters insist that real progress comes from dialogue, creativity, and shared humanity. They argue that collaboration is essential and call for the release of hostages while promoting peace-focused art.
The Hollywood open letter against the Israeli film boycott represents a major counter-movement. Although some artists still support the pledge, others argue that storytelling and collaboration remain the best ways to bridge divides.
