By Siam Goorwich

Copyright thejc

Liev Schreiber and Sharon Osbourne were among 1,200+ entertainment professionals who have signed an open letter chastising fellow artists and creatives who, earlier this month, pledged to boycott all Israeli film and television companies, productions, festivals, and institutions. The letter, which was released by the non-profit entertainment industry organisation Creative Community For Peace (CCFP) in partnership with grassroots organisation the Brigade, described the “pledge” by Film Workers for Palestine as “a de facto attempt to silence Jewish stories and ostracise Israeli filmmakers”. “We know the power of film. We know the power of story. That is why we cannot stay silent when a story is turned into a weapon, when lies are dressed up as justice, and when artists are misled into amplifying antisemitic propaganda,” read the letter. It went on: “Israel’s entertainment industry is a vibrant hub of collaboration between Jewish and Palestinian artists and creatives, who work together every single day to tell complex stories that entertain and inform both communities and the world. “Israeli film institutions are not government entities. They are often the loudest critics of government policy.” Other notable entertainers to sign the letter include Mayim Bialik, Gene Simmons, Debra Messing, Michael Rapaport, Matisyahu and Tracy Ann Oberman. Messing said: “When artists boycott fellow artists based solely on their country of origin, it is blatant discrimination and a betrayal of our role as storytellers. “History shows us that boycotts against Jews have long been a tool of authoritarian regimes – by joining this effort, these artists are knowingly or unknowingly aligning themselves with a dark legacy of antisemitism.” The Film Workers for Palestine boycott, which was announced on September 8, was endorsed by more than 1,000 high-profile industry figures, including Cynthia Nixon, Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo and Ken Loach. There were also a number of signatories on the list who identify as Jewish or have Jewish heritage, including Broad City’s Ilana Glazer, Hacks actress Hannah Einbinder and filmmaker Eyal Sivan, who is Israeli. Mayim Bialik, star of The Big Bang Theory, is one of Hollywood’s most outspoken stars on antisemitism (Image: Getty)Getty Images Explaining why she signed the counter letter, Bialik said: “Artists and creatives have a unique opportunity and responsibility to remind the world of our shared humanity. Boycotting filmmakers, studios, production companies and individuals simply because they are Israeli fuels division and contributes to a disturbing culture of marginalisation. “Additionally, this boycott pledge does nothing to end the war in Gaza, bring the hostages home, or help curb the alarming rise of antisemitism globally.” The letter comes on the heels of Paramount Studios publicly declaring its opposition to the boycott pledge, stating “we need more engagement, not less”. Just last month, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the Israeli documentary, The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, was disinvited due to boycott pressure. After public outcry, the film was reinstated and went on to win the People’s Choice Award. The letter ended by saying: “We know that many of you have good intentions and believe you are standing for peace. But your names are being weaponised and tied to lies and discrimination. This pledge erases dissenting Israeli voices, legitimises falsehoods, and shields Hamas from blame. “If you want peace, call for the immediate release of the remaining hostages. Support filmmakers who create dialogue across communities. Stand against Hamas.”