Oscar winners join 450 Jews demanding Israel sanctions

More than 450 prominent Jewish figures worldwide have issued a collective demand for international sanctions against Israel in response to the situation in Gaza. In an open letter to United Nations officials and global leaders, the group called for concrete measures against what they described as Israel's violation of international humanitarian law in Palestinian territories.

Call for International Action

The signatories urged world powers to comply with rulings from both the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court while immediately halting weapons transfers to Israel. They also demanded guaranteed humanitarian access to Gaza and rejection of what they termed unjustified "antisemitism accusations" against those advocating for peace and justice. The letter emphasized that Palestinian solidarity constitutes "the fulfillment of Judaism, not its betrayal."

Notable Signatories and Timing

Among the distinguished signatories are former Israeli Knesset Speaker Avrom Borg, former peace negotiations head Daniel Levy, British writer Michael Rosen, Canadian author Naomi Klein, Oscar-winning director Jonathan Glazer, American actor Wallace Shawn, Emmy-winning actresses Ilana Glazer and Hannah Einbinder, and Pulitzer-winning author Benjamin Moser. The letter's publication precedes an upcoming European Union leaders summit amid discussions about potential sanctions relief for Israel.

Shifting American Jewish Opinion

Concurrent with this diplomatic initiative, significant shifts in American Jewish perspectives are emerging. A Washington Post survey reveals that 61% of American Jews believe Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza, with 39% characterizing Israeli actions as genocide. A separate Brookings Institution poll indicates 45% of all Americans view Israel's campaign as genocidal, including 77% of Democrats, reflecting growing domestic criticism of Israeli policies.