"A character that tries to kill a child and steal her kingdom. How fitting." Those are the words used to describe Israeli-Jewish actress Gal Gadot.
The live-action remake of Disney's Snow White is set to hit theatres in March 2025. While many are excited to see their childhood film brought to life, a group of pro-Hamas activists is calling for a boycott because the film features Israeli actress Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.
Gal Gadot is no stranger to calls for boycotts against her films, but since October 7, we've witnessed a surge of antisemitic campaigns targeting Israelis and Jews under the pretense of "social justice" and "anti-war" efforts.
Israeli Eurovision representative Eden Golan was forced to hire security measures typically reserved for world leaders. She had to wear a disguise on the rare occasions she left her hotel. Israel dispatched internal security representatives to Paris ahead of the Olympics, as Israeli athletes were harassed, targeted, and even sent invitations to their own funerals, necessitating 24-hour protection. Just a few months ago, Marvel reportedly erased the Israeli heritage of Sabra, a Jewish Mossad superhero, and reimagined her as a Russian spy.
All of this is done in the name of "humanitarians" who claim to be "anti-war." But there's nothing anti-war about it—it's pure antisemitism. Israeli actors, musicians, and athletes are being targeted solely because of their race and identity, not because they have any influence over Israel's policies in Gaza. Those who target Gal Gadot conveniently ignore the atrocities committed by Hamas and their Palestinian collaborators, using "social justice" as a shield to justify their racism.
Calls to boycott Snow White are spreading across social media, with statements like: "They've cast Israeli terrorist Gal Gadot in the film. She's a trained killer who served in the Israeli degenerate forces. Don't let Zionist terrorists normalize this EVER."
It makes no difference that targeting and dehumanizing Gal Gadot will do nothing to liberate Palestinians. It makes no difference that she has no control over Israeli policy or military actions in Gaza. It makes no difference that she has actively called for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. To fanatical so-called progressives, Gadot is the enemy simply because she is a Jewish Israeli.
Normalizing this kind of antisemitism in the arts and entertainment industry is dangerous. When combined with the trope that "Jews control Hollywood," the hatred directed at Israeli artists appears more insidious, masquerading as "anti-racism." This industry is known for pushing boundaries, making those in art-centric spaces more susceptible to radical and racist ideologies when presented under the guise of "anti-war" sentiments.
We must never accept a standard where Jews and Israelis require additional security or are denied opportunities simply because of their race or origin. Jewish people should never have to renounce their Zionism or support for Israel to gain acceptance, as Zionism is deeply rooted in the identities of the vast majority of us.
We are witnessing a troubling trend post-October 7, where it has become more acceptable to dehumanize Israelis in arts and entertainment, allowing racists and bigots to spread their hatred under the banner of social justice. This trend not only endangers the safety of Jews worldwide but also undermines the very essence of an industry that prides itself on diversity and inclusion.
If we allow this to continue unchecked, we risk creating an environment where hate becomes normalized, and individuals are judged not by their talents or contributions but by their nationality or religious background. The arts should be a sanctuary for creativity, expression, and unity - not a battleground for bigotry.
