Jonathan Glazer, a British film director and screenwriter, recently came under fire for his speech at the Oscars. After winning an award for directing the Holocaust film The Zone of Interest, the Jewish filmmaker discussed the ongoing war in Gaza.
He states, “Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation, which has led to conflict for so many innocent people – whether the victims of October the 7th in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza.” Glazer was both applauded and critiqued for the speech and since other Jewish creatives have spoken up on his behalf. More than 150 Jewish actors and artists signed an open letter in support of Glazers comments. Celebrities like Joaquin Phoenix, Elliott Gould, and Chloe Fineman are among the signatures. The letter opens with, “We are Jewish artists, filmmakers, writers and creative professionals who support Jonathan Glazer’s statement from the 2024 Oscars.” It also shares a mutual grief for lost life and reminds readers that Jewish actors critiquing Israel is not anti-Semitic. Since its release, the letter garnered hundreds more signatures from non-Jewish celebrities.
