Since the weekend when tensions between Israel and Gaza escalated, a long list of public figures across the Middle East and beyond has spoken out. Hollywood’s brightest stars and music’s most influential voices have voiced their support for Israel, while very few have publicly backed Palestine.
Online tributes and reactions spread rapidly over the weekend, with social platforms like Instagram becoming favored spaces for celebrities to share their perspectives on the international crisis. Many commentators condemned the violence following the Hamas attacks in Israel, an assault that claimed well over a thousand lives. The event, which occurred early on Saturday morning during Shabbat and coincided with the Simchat Torah holiday, has been described by some as Israel’s 9/11 for its scale and impact.
Among those who expressed solidarity with Israel were prominent figures such as Gal Gadot, Madonna, U2, Mark Hamill, Amy Schumer, Natalie Portman, members of the Kardashian family, Jamie Lee Curtis, Debra Messing, Sarah Silverman, and Ashley Tisdale, among others.
While some issued concise messages like “We stand with Israel,” others went further, offering nuanced views that allowed room for disagreement with Israel’s treatment of Palestinians while condemning the violence against Israeli civilians.
support for Palestine
Lately, this dual stance has gained visibility on the streets of the United States, with TMZ highlighting growing discussions and even visible displays of free Palestine banners in some public spaces. Yet Hollywood itself has been less than unanimous in embracing this perspective.
Public sentiment around the issue has gradually shifted in many areas, reflected in demonstrations across the United States where some people wave Palestinian flags and chant for freedom. However, the Hollywood community appears to have been slower to adopt a definitive stance in favor of Palestine.
✅ MIA KHALIFA: The former adult film star and OnlyFans creator voiced support for the Palestinian people, saying, “I stand with all people fighting oppression, now and always. I am Lebanese, and you would be mistaken to expect me to back colonialism.”
support for Israel
✅ GAL GADOT: The Wonder Woman actress publicly reaffirmed her support for Israel, emphasizing that the world cannot remain passive in the face of terrorism and violence.
✅ U2: The Irish band altered lyrics during a Las Vegas show to reflect the tragedy in Israel and Gaza, stating that a nonviolent approach is essential, and that prayers for peace endure.
✅ BRUNO MARS: The Honolulu-born artist canceled his Tel Aviv show in light of the attacks, reaffirming the need for safety and unity amid ongoing tensions.
✅ NATALIE PORTMAN: The Oscar-winning actress and Israeli-American, who is of Jewish descent, expressed heartbreak over the violence and kidnappings, sharing prayers and condolences for families affected by the crisis.
✅ MADONNA: The music icon, preparing for a major tour, shared a poignant Instagram montage of conflict scenes and called for compassion, noting the suffering of innocent people and the need for peace.
✅ JENNER-KARDASHIAN FAMILY: Kris Jenner, Khloé Kardashian, and Kourtney Kardashian posted statements condemning the attacks, highlighting the brutality of targeting civilians and the shocking images from the ground.
✅ JAMIE LEE CURTIS: While expressing concern over escalating violence, she referenced disturbing imagery and reflected on the human cost of the conflict, urging readers to consider the broader humanitarian impact.
✅ AMY SCHUMER: The comedian underscored that the Jewish people have a right to self-defense and stressed that the conflict is not solely about occupation, pointing to Hamas as the force seeking to destroy peace and stability in the region.