Israeli actors have faced mounting challenges finding acceptance in international entertainment circles since October 7. When our most prominent representative, Gal Gadot, became embroiled in Israeli-Palestinian controversy simply for appearing in a Disney production, emerging talent face even steeper obstacles.
Dan Shaked represents this new generation of Israeli-American performers navigating hostile waters. Fluent in Hebrew and English, he is the son of Israeli immigrants who moved to Boston during the 1970s. His childhood included three annual trips to Israel visiting grandparents, while maintaining family connections through siblings in Tel Aviv and Berlin. His recent television work includes the series "The German" on yes, though his career spans many years. His international credits include guest appearances on NBC's "The Mysteries of Laura", ABC's "Body of Proof", and Shonda Rhimes' "Gilded Lilys" pilot, plus roles in "Jobs" with Ashton Kutcher and films featured at Tribeca and Santa Barbara film festivals.
While seeking his next opportunity, Shaked actively pursued creators for potential casting. "College taught me to seek artistic collaborations. Though American industry standards involve agents and casting directors for role acquisition, I've found direct artist outreach and collaborative project development create additional work opportunities. My IMDB research on writers, directors, and producers with developing projects led me to this particular director. Their international portfolio across Canada, America, and South Africa suggested openness to my inquiry. Discovering their first acting credit was the Israeli series 'Towers in the Air' encouraged me to submit my materials."
His target was Gabe Gabriel, a South African queer filmmaker operating between Cape Town and Los Angeles. Gabriel's Instagram bio prominently displays "Free Palestine" alongside a Palestinian flag. His feed contains keffiyeh photographs and protest documentation. Shaked's professional inquiry could not have anticipated the response awaiting him.
"Dan, I am a staunch believer in the cultural boycott of 'Israeli' arts and make every effort not to work with agents of the apartheid state. Please don't contact me again. In the name of a Free Palestine, Gabe."
Q: How did you react to this response?
"Complete shock overwhelmed me. The emotional impact was devastating – hurt, anger, upset. I was physically shaking and immediately contacted friends and family for support. Sleep and concentration proved impossible for two days because the email's impact was so profound. I triple-checked my outgoing message to confirm I had sent exactly what I intended – my showreel and acting resume."
Q: Did you consider responding?
"No response seemed appropriate. My decision focused on healing and moving forward from this painful experience. Brief consideration of replying gave way to better judgment. Many people would eagerly engage such arguments, but I refused to provide platform space for such hatred. Their complete ignorance of my identity was most surprising."
Q: What would you tell him given the opportunity?
"I would express hope that they might invest time understanding me before reaching conclusions. My identity encompasses both Israeli and American citizenship. Current global hatred requires reduction, not amplification. Artists bear responsibility for unity and connection through our work, not division. As a global citizen, I wished they would examine my portfolio, understand my craft, know me personally, and recognize my genuine desire for connection."
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Q: Were you surprised by this response given their identity? They're a white queer person from South Africa.
"This experience revealed ignorance's boundless nature. LGBTQ communities, Jewish communities, all minorities already confront extensive hatred and ignorance. Witnessing hatred emerge from someone likely experiencing discrimination themselves proved particularly saddening."
Q: Has your Israeli identity become problematic recently? Was this your only such experience?
"This email was the first time I experienced personal hatred directed at me. When we traveled to Lille, France, for 'The German' premiere at the Series Mania 2025 festival, there were protests outside the screening. However, I received full support from the cast, crew, yes Drama and Lionsgate. I've witnessed protests in America as well, but this email was the first time the hatred felt personal and deeply targeted at me specifically."
Q: What message would you like to share?
"Human life and people are complex and multiple layers. Investing time in mutual listening and genuine story-sharing reveals fewer differences and greater commonalities. Our individual uniqueness enables powerful collaborative storytelling. Film, television and narrative creation derive their magic from this process. Pre-judgment without knowledge deserves reconsideration – discoveries might reveal unexpected depth. Special connections might emerge that would otherwise remain hidden."
Q: Did this experience generate personal insights about identity?
"The experience made me think about my grandparents and what they endured during the Holocaust. It struck me as ironic that I had just finished filming a Holocaust-themed series. The show is an international production with actors from different countries, designed to educate global audiences about that horrific period. Suddenly I was facing the same hatred my grandparents had confronted. This made me deeply appreciate what they survived and overcame. It made me tremendously proud of my roots."
