"Stranger Things" star Jewish actor Noah Schnapp published a scathing post in support of Israel on Wednesday night, describing the horrors of the fighting and asking for an unequivocal message against all celebrities who remain silent.
"As an American Jew, I'm scared," Schnapp, 19, began the lengthy post he shared with his 25.7 million Instagram followers. I fear for my brothers and sisters in Israel who were senselessly attacked by Hamas. I am heartbroken by the brutal murder of innocent children, women and soldiers fighting to defend themselves.
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A post shared by Noah Schnapp (@noahschnapp)
Like everyone else, I want peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Let's stop with the rhetoric and the choice of sides. Instead, we must recognize that we are all on the side of the war on terror. Choose humanity over violence."
Schnapp went on to share how the content he uploads led to the attack on him. "I uploaded a picture of an innocent Israeli girl whose life was taken by Hamas at a music festival and I encountered comments such as 'Nobody cares,' 'Free Palestine,' and 'It deserves it,' and 'This is what every Israeli terrorist deserves' – liberate Palestine."
Noah Schnapp, Photo: AFP
"I am outraged and appalled by the justification and celebration of the death of a young girl. Have people lost their minds? Stop! This is just one example of posts, demonstrations and petitions being signed to justify the brutal attacks against these innocent Israelis." "You don't have to be Jewish, you don't have to be Israeli, you just need empathy and logic to understand that this is wrong," he said.
Toward the end of the post, Schnapp chose to speak out aggressively against celebrities and influencers who choose to maintain a deafening silence in the face of the war. "I've seen silence on social media in a way never seen before. The same people who 'like to jump on fashionable causes' like support for Ukraine and the climate crisis remain chillingly silent.
"The Jewish people see your silence and we will not forget it. 40 babies were beheaded and burned alive in front of their parents by Hamas. I hope we can agree that Hamas is a recognized terrorist organization. They do not represent the Palestinian people when they prefer to murder Israelis more than protect their own citizens. Either you support Israel or you support terrorism. It doesn't have to be a difficult choice. Shame on you.
Noah Schnapp (right) from Stranger Things, photo: Courtesy of Netflix Israel
"While you justify the murder and torture of our loved ones, we will pray and hope for security, justice, liberty and self-determination in Palestine. As you sing "Burn the Jews," we will say a Jewish prayer for peace to all Israelis and Palestinians, a reminder that we Jews, with our love for each other and for others, are stronger than your hatred. We are strong. We are compassionate. We've won in the past and we'll win again."
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