Friends icon David Schwimmer brutally slams ‘Hollywood heroes’ for heinous silence
Friends legend David Schwimmer has brutally hit out at Hollywood stars for failing to call out antisemitism, as it continues to grow globally.
The 58 year old actor, who is best known for playing Ross Gellar in beloved sitcom, took to the stage at the Anti-Defamation league’s Never is Now conference earlier this week, as he plead with his “heroes” to publicly condemn racist abuse instead of remaining complicit in silence.
In particular he took aim at stars that had “made” their careers by “leaning into their Jewish identity” or by playing Jewish people onscreen, with his comments coming just weeks after he publicly urged Elon Musk to ban Kanye West from X following the singer made a slew of anti-Semtitic rants and self-labelled himself as a Nazi.
In the emotional speech, Schwimmer, who was dressed in a suit and tie told the audience: “Plenty of people I respect, even some of my heroes in entertainment, music and sports, have chosen to keep a low profile and sit this one out, including some whose careers have been made by leaning into their Jewish identity, and others who have won acclaim for playing Jews onscreen.
“Some of them are doing a lot behind the scenes, privately and in their own way, but so many have chosen not to say anything publicly at all.
“And if I can say something directly to them: I really wish you would.”
He then continued: “I wish you would stand up. I wish you would speak out, because your voice would be so meaningful to your fans who love you, to your community members who need you, to folks who can use just a little solidarity right now.”
“No one’s asking you to solve the conflict of the Middle East. Just say that you stand with your Jewish friends, colleagues, and neighbours against hatred and what’s happening on our college campuses and in our schools and to Jewish-owned businesses is totally unacceptable.”
At the same event, Wonderwoman actress Gal Gadot also took to the stage to receive the Anti-Defamation League's International Leadership Award.
During her 12 minute acceptance speech, the 39 year old actress called for the release of the dozens of hostages still held in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.
“With every hostage release we hear new testimonies of the horrors they've been through. Every minute for them is hell. Their lives are in danger and we need them home,” Gal addressed the crowd.
“None of us can ignore the explosion of Jew hatred around the world anymore. We have had enough of Jew hatred we will confront anti-Semitism. We will call it out, but but we will never let it, not only, defeat us but define us because our love is stronger than their hate.”
Anti-semitism has seen a marked rise in the past two years, particularly in the United States as a result of growing far right sentiment, and political disapproval over the Israel and Gaza conflict.
Around 1200 people were killed on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, before taking 251 people hostage. This incident served as the catalyst for escalating the conflict between both Israel and Gaza, with multiple bombings and failed ceasefire attempts having occurred in the two years since.
As a result of the conflict, the death toll has risen to over 50,000 - with the vasty majority of these deaths belonging to Palestinian civilians as a result of IDF bombings. It’s this devastating loss of life, which has further heightened tensions towards Jewish people around the world.
In recent days, a fragile ceasefire agreement has remained in place since January 19, and so far 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais have been successfully exchanged for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
But it is unclear whether talks to release the remaining hostages and complete the Israeli withdrawal will go ahead, despite pressure from US President Trump, who has demanded that Hamas hand over all the remaining hostages or face dire consequences.
In a scathing rant on Truth Social earlier this week, he told the militant group: “‘Shalom Hamas' means Hello and Goodbye - You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you.”
He then continued: “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning!”
Before chillingly adding: “For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
