Israel advocates must be recognized for their efforts - editorial

• Published date: 02 April 2024
• Author: JPOST EDITORIAL
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Whether at the ongoing protest marches in cities around the world led by keffiyeh-wearing loudmouths who call for an immediate ceasefire without even a mention of the hostages held by Hamas, or in the hallowed halls of various parliaments, Israel is being denigrated with impunity for defending itself against the genocidal intentions of a terrorist entity on its southern border

Much of the world has forgotten what occurred on October 7, and some even justify the massacre of 1,200 Israelis and abduction of hundreds, while others question whether it happened or whether it was just an Israeli pretense to invade Gaza and kill Palestinians.

The entertainment world is no different, as evidenced by the proliferation of 'Ceasefire Now' buttons at February's Academy Awards, augmented by a red hand, which, to Israelis, signifies the gruesome terrorist murders that took place in Ramallah during the Second Intifada.

Those who are ill-informed

Jumping on the bandwagon of ill-informed at best, and anti-Israel for sure, have been outspoken entertainers like Susan Sarandon, Sex & the City's Cynthia Nixon, Mark Ruffalo, and John Cusack, who has tweeted and reposted the most appalling lies and distortions about Israel, calling its people "bloodthirsty" and subscribing to the most abusive, antisemitic claims against the army.

Most Jewish entertainers, as well as the general mainstream of the rational, have stayed out of the fray, no doubt warned by their managers of the potential damage that aligning with Israel could do to their careers.

Thankfully, however, there are a handful of entertainers who have brushed off those warnings and have taken on the sacred task of clarifying the distortions and brushing aside the propaganda to present the facts about Israel's righteous and justified war against Hamas.

On Sunday night in Jerusalem, they, along with some of the most vocal high-profile pro-Israel online influencers, gathered to be honored, and in turn, honor the country with which they so closely identify.

These warriors for the truth include American actor and podcaster Michael Rapaport and singer Matisyahu, who have been unwavering advocates for Israel even before October 7.

Matisyahu, who just released a new song called "Ascent" with an accompanying video filmed at the site of the Nova Festival where hundreds of partygoers...