As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains at the forefront of global politics, celebrities have begun taking stances on the issue, many endorsing the
boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement.
Palestinians launched the anti-Israel campaign in 2005 to call on the international community to support their efforts in condemning Israel and implementing boycotts, divestment, and sanctions directed toward Israel.
The BDS movement has the support of over 170 Palestinian organizations that have held demonstrations in Europe, South America, the U.S., and Africa. Hamas, Palestinian Islamic terrorist group, supporters have also advocated for the BDS movement.
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Several celebrities popular in the U.S. have also declared their support for the campaign. Below are five celebrities who have publicly denounced the Jewish state.
1. Stephen Hawking
The University of Cambridge theoretical physicist and cosmologist supported an academic and cultural
boycott of Israel in 2013, The New York Times reported. The boycott aimed to protest Israel’s policies against Palestinians. “Never has a scientist of this stature boycotted Israel,” Yigal Palmor, Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman said.
2. Roger Waters
The Pink Floyd musician announced his official support of the BDS movement in 2011. In 2013, Waters wrote an open letter to fellow celebrities saying, “I write to you now, my brothers and sisters in the family of Rock and Roll, to ask you to join with me, and thousands of other artists around the world, to declare a cultural
boycott on Israel,” reported Haaretz. He also criticized Scarlett Johansson on Facebook for her endorsement of an Israeli soda company.
3. Russel Brand
The English actor and comedian posted a video to YouTube in 2014 calling on businesses and banks to sever investment ties with Israel because, he claims, the nation “[facilitates] the oppression of the people in Gaza,”
The Independent reported.
4. Meg Ryan
The actress dropped off of Jerusalem’s 2010 film festival’s A-list after Israel’s raid on a Turkish aid flotilla. Although she claimed she cancelled because of scheduling conflicts, Molad Hayo, associate director overseeing the festival, said “it was clear” that her cancellation had something to do with
BDS pressure, the Jerusalem Post said.
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5. Zayn Malik
During the conflict between Israel and Hamas last summer the One Direction singer tweeted to show his opposition of Israel:
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