In the face of adversity, nations around the world have often leaned on the support of their international friends. Israel, a nation reeling from an attack by the Hamas terrorist organization that killed 1,400 people and took hundreds of innocent civilians hostage, has seen an outpouring of support from celebrities and public figures worldwide. These famous personalities have taken to the stage and social media, using their voices to express solidarity with Israel in its moments of need. Their actions demonstrate the power of global solidarity and the ability of celebrities to make a positive impact beyond the realm of entertainment.
Dedicating performances
Popular musicians have gone public with moving tributes to show their support for the people of Israel during this challenging time, calling on the power of music to uplift spirits and bring people together.
The Jerusalem Post reported about a recently released video of Broadway community members joining together, including Debra Messing and Jeremy Jordan, singing a moving rendition of the Les Misérables classic, “Bring Him Home,” praying for the safety and quick return of all of the 239 people kidnapped by the terrorist organization Hamas. The song is sung by the lead character of the musical, Jean Valjean, begging God to save Marius, even if it means giving his own life in order to ensure his safety.
The New York Post shared the story of U2 lead singer Bono, who paid tribute on stage at the Las Vegas Sphere, to Israeli concert goers at the Supernova festival who were murdered in cold blood by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, by performing the hit song “Pride” and changing the lyrics to reflect the tragedy. “In the light of what’s happened in Israel and Gaza, a song about nonviolence seems somewhat ridiculous, even laughable. But our prayers have always been for peace and for nonviolence. But our hearts and our anger, you know where that’s pointed. So sing with us… and those beautiful kids at that music festival,” Bono told the crowd, in a video posted on U2’s Instagram page.
Madonna took a moment to show her solidarity with Israel during a concert at London’s O2 Arena, according to The Guardian. On her Instagram page she wrote “What is Happening in Israel is Devastating.. Watching all of these families and especially children being herded, assaulted and murdered in the streets is Heartbreaking. Imagine if this was happening to you?? It’s Unfathomable. Conflicts can never be resolved with violence. Unfortunately, Humanity does not understand this Universal truth. Has Never Understood it. We live in a World Ravaged by Hate. My heart goes out to Israel.”
Advocacy and raising awareness
Many famous entertainment personalities have also decided to serve as advocates and raise awareness about the challenges faced by Israel. The Hollywood Reporter shared an open letter signed by some 700 notable Hollywood figures, including Gal Gadot, Jerry Seinfeld, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Pine, Mayim Bialik, Liev Schreiber, Amy Schumer and Michael Douglas who are standing in support of Israel. The letter was written by the Creative Community for Peace and demands the release of the hostages and denounces the attack on Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas. The entertainment industry community was also urged in the letter to abstain from spreading false information regarding the war.
The support of international celebrities is a testament to the far-reaching influence that public figures wield. Their actions highlight the interconnectedness of our world and the impact of collective compassion. While they may be known for their performances on screen or stage, their gestures of solidarity show that they are also global citizens who care about the well-being of people across borders. Their support serves as a reminder that we are all part of a global community, and the bonds of solidarity can help us navigate challenging times with resilience and hope.
This article was originally published on Goodnet and appears here with permission.
