Hollywood Must ‘Stand Up’ Against Anti-Semitism, Says David Schwimmer

Actor David Schwimmer delivered a powerful message at the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) “Never Is Now” conference, calling on Hollywood to take a stand against the alarming rise in anti-Semitism both in the U.S. and worldwide. The Friends star urged his colleagues in the entertainment industry to break their silence and show solidarity with the Jewish community.

“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,” Schwimmer said. “I really wish you would [speak out].”

• Schwimmer revealed that speaking up has come at a cost, with threats and even abandonment by friends and organizations he once trusted.

• He insisted that taking a stand doesn’t require making political statements but simply condemning hatred and discrimination.

• The actor highlighted the disturbing reality of anti-Semitic attacks on college campuses, in schools, and against Jewish-owned businesses, calling them “totally unacceptable.”

Joining him in the call to action was Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot, who expressed disbelief at the hostility Jewish people now face for simply stating their identity.

“Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying, and cheering on a massacre of Jews,” Gadot said, referencing the horrific October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.

She made it clear that silence is no longer an option. “Here’s the thing however much you tried to avoid it before even if speaking up wasn’t really your thing none of us can ignore the explosion of Jew hatred around the world anymore.”

Schwimmer and Gadot’s calls for Hollywood to stand against rising anti-Semitism come at a time when the entertainment industry has been largely silent, choosing to ignore or downplay the disturbing trend. Their courage in speaking out should serve as a wake-up call for those still afraid to do so.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates if you believe silence in the face of hatred is unacceptable.