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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A post shared by Gabe Gabriel (@gabe4gabriel)

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."

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As air raid sirens pierced the early hours of Friday, millions of Israelis braced for developments. Jenner, unaccustomed to such alerts, is residing at the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv, where Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality officials are keeping her informed and supported.

A Fox News team is filming Jenner's visit, preserving her experiences for a global audience. On Thursday, she appeared on Israeli television news, discussing her stay. When asked about her family's concerns, she recounted, "I spoke with my daughter Kylie, and she urged me to stay safe. I reassured her, 'Don't worry, I'll keep myself safe, and they'll take care of me.'"

Though the Pride Parade was canceled, Jenner toured meaningful locations on Thursday, including Jerusalem's Western Wall, Kibbutz Be'eri, and the Nova Festival site. At a press conference on Wednesday, shortly after arriving, she articulated her solidarity with Israel. "It is my honor to be here," she declared. "One of the reasons I support Israel is that Israel and the Jewish tradition are important. When I was 13, my father fought against the Nazis. He had pictures from the war, and it affected him. As a young person, I looked at those pictures and couldn't believe humanity was capable of such things. It opened my eyes for the first time, and since then, I have been on the side of the Jewish people. Now I have the opportunity to come here and show my support."

The post Iran war disrupts Caitlyn Jenner Tel Aviv experience appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

A video circulating widely on social media captures international comedian Jerry Seinfeld handling an unexpected confrontation from a pro-Palestinian supporter with remarkable poise.

The footage depicts Seinfeld walking past an individual positioned with a ready camera, who requests to take selfie photos together. After Seinfeld agreed and paused for a joint photo, the man then raised his hand in a V sign and declared "free Palestine." Seinfeld swiftly recognized the staged nature of the encounter. Maintaining his composure, he responded with detachment: "I don't care about Palestine." The man then replied: "That's sad."

Jerry Seinfeld defeats an ambush:

"I don't care about Palestine."

Legend. pic.twitter.com/u3YdDPjp15

— dahlia kurtz ︎ דליה קורץ (@DahliaKurtz) February 16, 2025

The video has garnered significant attention across Instagram and TikTok. While many pro-Palestinian accounts have circulated the clip, others have shared it with the caption "Jerry Seinfeld defeats an ambush."

Since Oct. 2023, Seinfeld has demonstrated consistent support for Israel, including making a personal visit to the country. Though pro-Palestinian protesters have repeatedly attempted to disrupt his performances with shouts from the audience, he has successfully managed these interruptions, responding with his signature wit.

The post 'I don't care about Palestine': Jerry Seinfeld confronted during selfie appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.