Actor and comedian Jon Lovitz expressed his concerns regarding the silence of Hollywood actors amid the ongoing pro-Palestine protests on college campuses across the United States. Lovitz, who is Jewish, has been vocal in his opposition to the demonstrations. He recently appeared on Fox News and discussed the reasons behind the reluctance of Hollywood figures to speak up on the issue.
According to Lovitz, people have questioned why he is speaking out and why more prominent Hollywood personalities remain silent. He speculates that these individuals may be apprehensive due to fear or concerns about negative consequences for their careers.
“But I feel like it’s so bad, like how can you not say something? Like you have to,” Lovitz emphasized.
The pro-Palestine protests, which have been taking place on several college campuses, have called for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. While many of the protests have been peaceful, concerns have been raised about the safety of Jewish students, especially during the Passover holiday.
Lovitz expressed his dismay at the targeting of Jewish students, stating, “You’re supposed to be smart. You’re blaming your 18-year-old classmates from the US for the actions of the government of Israel? What the hell are you being taught? Think logically and quit being sheep & being used by your professors.”
Columbia University recently made headlines after hundreds of students occupied the campus, demanding a cease-fire and a halt to US military aid to Gaza. The university called in New York police officers, who arrested over 100 student demonstrators.
Concerns have also been raised about the prevalence of antisemitic rhetoric during the protests, although several protest groups have distanced themselves from such accusations.
“I don’t know how this can’t be upsetting to everybody,” Lovitz said. “And I also, I don’t understand because Israel is a democracy and Israel is our ally. So, what don’t you get?”
Antisemitic incidents have increased in the US following the recent flare-up in violence between Israel and Hamas. The conflict began with Hamas’s rocket attacks on southern Israel, which prompted retaliatory airstrikes from Israel. The escalating violence has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
