Joaquin Phoenix, Elliott Gould, Chloe Fineman, and more than 150 other Jewish creatives have signed an open letter in support of Jonathan Glazer's Oscars speech. The list of 151 signees obtained by Variety also includes Phoenix's sister Rain, three-time Oscar nominee Debra Winger, and a diverse array of prominent figures from the entertainment industry.
In his acceptance speech at the Academy Awards, Glazer addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on present-day issues rather than solely focusing on historical events. His remarks sparked both backlash and praise within the industry.
Following Glazer's speech, over 1,000 Jewish creatives and executives denounced his statements, while others, such as director Ken Loach, commended his courage. Glazer, who has not publicly responded to the criticism, recently donated signed posters of his film to a charity auction benefiting Medical Aid for Palestinians.
The open letter signed by Jewish artists expresses solidarity with Glazer and condemns attempts to silence discussions on Israel's military actions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It calls for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the complexities of the situation and advocates for peace and humanitarian aid for all affected parties.
The signatories stress the importance of upholding free speech and dissent in the industry, rejecting the notion that criticism of Israeli policies equates to antisemitism. They emphasize the need to speak out against human rights violations and to work towards a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
By standing together in support of Glazer's message and advocating for a more inclusive dialogue, the signatories aim to honor the memory of the Holocaust by promoting a future where atrocities are never repeated, and all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
