Chelsea Handler, Connie Britton, and Other Artists Call on Biden and Harris to Bring Home Israeli Hostages
A powerful collective of more than 60 artists and performers has come together to demand urgent action from the U.S. administration in an open letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Their message is clear: they urge the return of the 101 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, including five Americans, taken during the October 7th attack.
Among those lending their voices are Chelsea Handler, Connie Britton, Andy Cohen, Mayim Bialik, Patricia Heaton, and many more. These prominent figures from television, film, fashion, and social media are calling for swift action, emphasizing that the release of the hostages is crucial for peace in the Middle East.
The Urgent Plea: Return of 101 Remaining Hostages
The artists’ letter was first reported by CNN and calls on the Biden administration to continue its support for Israel. It stresses that the first step toward achieving peace is the immediate return of the 101 hostages. In a striking statement from the letter, the group writes, “We are artists who want sustainable peace in the Middle East and recognize that the first essential step towards that peace is Hamas returning the 101 remaining hostages, including five Americans, who were stolen from their lives on October 7th.”
This statement highlights the ongoing plight of these individuals, whose lives were irrevocably altered by the events of October 7th, when Hamas launched a violent attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking hundreds hostage.
Celebrities Advocate for Peace and Justice
In addition to Handler, Britton, and Cohen, other notable signatories of the letter include Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ali Landry, Isaac Mizrahi, Michael Rapaport, Melissa Rivers, and Ariel Martin. These stars are joining forces across various entertainment industries to draw attention to the atrocities committed and to urge immediate action to bring the hostages home.
A Call for Continued Support for Israel
The artists’ letter not only demands the safe return of the hostages but also calls on the Biden administration to maintain strong support for Israel. Referring to Israel as “the only democracy in the Middle East,” the letter urges the U.S. government to “pressure the terrorists to release the hostages now.” This advocacy for ongoing U.S. support underlines the belief that peace can only be achieved if the hostages are returned, and Israel continues to receive the protection it needs.
The Ongoing Conflict: A Year Since the Massacre
As the one-year anniversary of the October 7th massacre approaches, emotions remain high. Hamas’ attack on Israel resulted in over 250 hostages being taken, sparking Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza, which have led to significant casualties. According to Palestinian officials, the war has left a death toll of over 40,000 Palestinians.
Recent developments, such as the discovery of six Israeli hostages’ bodies by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a Hamas-controlled tunnel, have only heightened tensions. One of those killed was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American. The IDF stated that the hostages were executed before they could be rescued, an act that has further inflamed the global conversation about the war.
Jewish and Non-Jewish Artists Unite for a Common Cause
What makes this letter particularly powerful is the diversity of the signatories, coming from both Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds. It was organized by a coalition of Jewish advocacy groups, including Stop Antisemitism, End Jew Hatred, 2024 New Voices, and Stand With Us. These organizations have long worked to combat antisemitism and advocate for Jewish communities worldwide, but this letter signifies a new level of urgency in the effort to free the remaining hostages.
Samantha Ettus: Spotlight on the Hostages
Samantha Ettus, the founder of 2024 New Voices, stressed the importance of keeping attention on the 101 remaining hostages in Gaza. In a statement to CNN, Ettus said, “We are approaching one year since 251 hostages were brutally stolen from their lives, and 1,200 were murdered. It is so important to keep the spotlight on this.”
Ettus, like many others, believes that celebrity involvement can help sustain public interest and pressure the international community to act. “Our celebrities have come together to draw attention to the 101 hostages remaining in Gaza, including five Americans. After the brutal execution of six hostages, the urgency of getting the world to talk about this is now,” she added.
Hollywood’s Continued Advocacy Amid the Israel-Hamas War
This latest letter from Hollywood is one of several actions taken by prominent figures in the entertainment industry in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. During the 2024 Emmy Awards, several celebrities wore Artists4Ceasefire pins, promoting a call for peace. Additionally, just last week, 400 SAG-AFTRA members signed a letter urging the guild to protect pro-Palestinian members from potential career retaliation.
As the war rages on, the entertainment industry remains divided, with public figures advocating on both sides. However, the common thread among the signatories of this letter is a desire to bring attention to the humanitarian aspect of the situation — namely, the hostages who remain in captivity.
Hen Mazzig: Jews in Entertainment Should Speak Up
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Israeli advocate and influencer Hen Mazzig emphasized the need for Jewish voices in the entertainment industry to speak out. “I think that as many Jews as possible in the entertainment industry and people with influence should speak up,” Mazzig said, urging those with platforms to use them to bring awareness to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
The Power of Celebrity Advocacy
The involvement of high-profile celebrities in humanitarian causes has often helped bring global attention to important issues. By using their platforms and influence, artists like Chelsea Handler, Connie Britton, and Andy Cohen can amplify the voices of those suffering and drive home the need for action. The letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris is a powerful reminder that, while the war continues, the safety and lives of the hostages should remain a priority.
