Zionism in Popular Culture: The Influence of Celebrities and Public Figures
Song: ‘One Day’
Artist: Matisyahu
official music video
Click to listen to Matisyahu on Spotify:
- Website: http://www.matisyahuworld.com/
Facebook: / matisyahu 
Twitter/X: / matisyahu 
Instagram: / matisyahu
Lyrics
Sometimes I lay Under the moon
And thank God I’m breathing
Then I pray
Don’t take me soon
‘Cause I am here for a reason
Sometimes in my tears I drown
But I never let it get me down
So when negativity surrounds
I know some day it’ll all turn around because…
All my life I’ve been waiting for
I’ve been praying for
For the people to say
That we don’t wanna fight no more
There will be no more wars
And our children will play
One day
It’s not about
Win or lose
‘Cause we all lose
When they feed on the souls of the innocent
Blood-drenched pavement
Keep on moving though the waters stay raging
In this maze you can lose your way (your way)
It might drive you crazy but don’t let it faze you, no way (no way)
Pro-Israel and Pro-Zionist Celebrities
Actors and Musicians
- Gal Gadot: The Israeli actress and model has been a vocal supporter of Israel. During the 2014 Gaza War, she posted a picture praying with her daughter, expressing support for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and condemning Hamas. In October 2023, amid the Israel-Hamas war, Gadot condemned the killing of innocent Israelis and Palestinians, though she faced criticism for her statements.In a statement, Gadot said, “My heart is aching for the lives lost and families shattered. I’m praying for everyone who has been affected by Hamas’ terrorism and brutality. And I hope that the world remains steadfast in their support of the Israeli people.”
- Matisyahu: The American Jewish reggae singer has been openly supportive of Israel. In 2015, he was disinvited from a Spanish music festival due to his refusal to endorse a Palestinian state, a decision that was later reversed after international backlash.
- Jerry Seinfeld: In December 2023, the American comedian traveled to Israel to “show solidarity” with Israelis during the ongoing conflict.
- Quentin Tarantino: The American film director visited southern Israel in mid-October 2023 to “boost IDF morale” amid the war with Hamas.
- Selma Blair: The American actress has expressed support for Israel. In October 2023, she voiced her support for Israel during the Israel-Hamas war. However, in February 2024, she faced backlash for an Islamophobic comment on social media, for which she later apologized.
- David Schwimmer: Known for his role in Friends, Schwimmer has been an advocate against antisemitism. In March 2025, he urged Hollywood to speak out against Jew-hate, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with fame.
Pro-Israel and Pro-Zionist Athletes
- Floyd Mayweather: The former boxing champion launched an initiative to support orphans in Israel. His public support led to a confrontation in London, where he was attacked by a mob over his stance.
- Enes Kanter: The Muslim American basketball player condemned the Hamas attack as a “barbaric” act of terrorism that did not reflect Islamic teachings.
- Minnesota Vikings and Other NFL Teams: The Minnesota Vikings and other NFL teams wore shoes stating “I stand with Israel” during games, showcasing their support.
Hollywood and Television Perspectives on the Conflict
Hollywood’s stance on the Israel-Gaza and Palestinian conflict is diverse and has evolved over time. In October 2023, over 700 celebrities, including Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Mayim Bialik, Ziggy Marley, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Douglas, Mark Hamill, Howie Mandel, Antoine Fuqua, George Lopez, and Jason Alexander, signed an open letter condemning Hamas and expressing support for Israel.
Haim Saban said, “In the aftermath of the barbaric killing of more than 1,200 Israelis, we in the Hollywood community and around the world must stand with Israel as it defends itself against a terrorist regime in Gaza that seeks Israel’s destruction.”
The full letter and complete list of signees can be found here.
Conversely, the Artists4Ceasefire movement saw hundreds of artists, such as Drake, Jennifer Lopez, and Cate Blanchett, signing an open letter to President Joe Biden in October 2023, demanding a ceasefire and condemning the killing of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.
Additionally, in September 2024, Artists4Ceasefire collaborated with organizations like Oxfam America and ActionAid to call for a U.S. arms embargo on Israel, with actors like Mahershala Ali and Mark Ruffalo advocating for the enforcement of laws prohibiting military assistance used to commit human rights violations.
Television and Media Coverage
Talk shows and news programs have also weighed in on the issue. In February 2025, The View had a heated discussion about the Israel-Palestine conflict, during which Whoopi Goldberg questioned, “Who are the bad guys?” amid a debate over the Israel-Hamas conflict. The discussion sparked a complex conversation among the co-hosts about the nature of the conflict and the identification of aggressors.
These instances highlight the spectrum of opinions within Hollywood, the sports industry, and television platforms, ranging from strong support for Israel to calls for ceasefires and critiques of military actions. The entertainment industry’s responses reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of individual beliefs regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
As the debate continues, Zionism in popular culture remains an influential and evolving discourse, shaped by high-profile voices across various industries. The global reach of celebrities ensures that their statements and actions regarding Israel and Zionism have a profound impact on public perception and international dialogue.