An Open Letter to the Entertainment Industry

For decades, artists and members of the entertainment industry have used their voices to advance causes they believe in.
You have spoken out against apartheid, supported the #MeToo movement, advocated for gender equality and stood against racism and discrimination.

We respect the power of that voice.

It is precisely because words, images and cultural influence matter that we ask you to consider how Israel, Israelis and Jewish communities around the world are being portrayed and treated in the aftermath of 7 October 2023.

The suffering of Palestinian civilians is real and must never be dismissed. Every civilian life matters. Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve security, dignity and a future free from violence.

At the same time, concern for Palestinian civilians should not require ignoring the atrocities committed against Israelis on 7 October, minimizing the continuing trauma of Israeli society, or accepting every allegation concerning Israel without scrutiny.

Facts matter. Context matters. And words matter.

On 7 October 2023, Hamas and other armed groups crossed into Israel, murdered civilians, attacked communities and a music festival, committed acts of sexual violence, and abducted more than 250 people into Gaza. The hostages included children, elderly people and entire families. The consequences of that day continue to be felt throughout Israeli society.

Yet too often, Israeli and Jewish voices have encountered disbelief, dismissal or exclusion.

We have watched with concern as calls have been made to boycott Israeli filmmakers and cultural institutions because of their nationality or perceived political views. Israel’s artistic community encompasses a wide spectrum of political and social perspectives and includes Israelis, Palestinians and others who work together. Collective exclusion of artists based on nationality does not advance dialogue or peace. It closes the very spaces in which dialogue can occur.

We are similarly concerned when Jewish artists are excluded because they identify as Zionists or support Israel’s right to exist. Zionism, for the overwhelming majority of Jews who identify with it, means recognition of the Jewish people’s right to national self-determination in their historic homeland. One may criticize Israeli governments and policies – as Israelis themselves regularly do – without questioning the legitimacy of Jewish national self-determination or excluding Jews from cultural life because of their connection to Israel.

We also ask that public figures exercise particular care when addressing allegations involving international crimes.

Terms such as genocide, apartheid and colonialism carry profound historical and legal meaning. They should not be reduced to slogans. Allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza are the subject of serious international legal and political dispute. World WIZO rejects the characterization of Israel’s actions as genocidal and believes that allegations of such gravity must be assessed according to established legal standards, evidence and context – not social-media repetition.

Criticism of Israel is legitimate. Demonization of Israelis, collective responsibility imposed upon Jews, or exclusion of individuals merely because they are Israeli or Zionist is not.

We also ask you to remember those whose suffering has too often disappeared from public discussion.

Remember the young people murdered while dancing at the Nova music festival.

Remember the families attacked in their homes.

Remember the women and men who were subjected to sexual violence on 7 October and in captivity.

Remember the hostages who returned severely malnourished and traumatized.

Remember those who did not return.

Remember the civilians – Israeli and Palestinian – who continue to live with the consequences of this conflict.

The extraordinary rise in antisemitic incidents around the world should concern everyone who has previously raised their voice against racism and hatred. Political disagreement with the State of Israel must never become hostility toward Jewish people, nor should Jews be required to renounce their connection to Israel as the price of acceptance in artistic, academic or cultural spaces.

We therefore ask members of the entertainment industry to apply the same principles of fairness, intellectual integrity and opposition to discrimination that you have championed in other causes.

Before sharing claims with millions of followers, verify them.

Before excluding an Israeli artist, consider whether nationality would be accepted as grounds for exclusion in any other context.

Before repeating terminology carrying serious legal implications, consider whether the evidence supports its use.

And when advocating for Palestinian rights, do not erase Israeli suffering or Jewish history.

There should be room to care about Palestinian civilians and Israeli civilians at the same time.

There should be room to condemn terrorism while seeking peace.

There should be room to criticize Israeli policies without delegitimizing Israel itself.

And there should be no room for antisemitism.

We invite you to come to Israel. Meet Israelis from across the political spectrum. Meet survivors of 7 October and families of hostages. Listen to Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel. See the complexity for yourselves rather than through slogans or social-media campaigns.

The arts have an extraordinary capacity to humanize people who otherwise see one another only through conflict.

We ask you to use that capacity to build bridges rather than deepen divisions.

Speak against antisemitism.

Speak against the targeting of civilians.

Speak for the release and protection of hostages.

Speak for the dignity and safety of Palestinian civilians.

Above all, speak for a future in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in security, dignity and peace.

Kind regards,

Rolene Marks

World WIZO Head of Public Diplomacy