LONDON (Middle East Eye) – Dozens of film stars have issued a statement in support of actress Emma Watson after she was criticized by Zionist regime officials for standing in support of Palestinian rights.
More than 40 actors - including Mark Ruffalo, Susan Sarandon, Viggo Mortensen and Oscar-nominated directors Asif Kapadia and Mira Nair - endorsed a letter organized by Artists for Palestine UK, a cultural network “standing together for Palestinian rights”.
“We join Emma Watson in support of the simple statement that ‘solidarity is a verb’, including meaningful solidarity with Palestinians struggling for their human rights under international law,” the letter said.
“We recognize the underlying power imbalance between Israel, the occupying power, and the Palestinians, the people under a system of military occupation and apartheid,” it added, citing last year’s report by Human Rights Watch that said the Zionist regime was committing crimes of apartheid.
The letter also references the ongoing attempts to evict Palestinians from their homes in the East Al-Quds neighborhoods of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan, which made major headlines last May.
The artists, including Watson’s Harry Potter co-stars Miriam Margolyes and Julie Christie, also said they denounce all forms of racism, including Islamophobia.
“Opposition to a political system or policy is distinct from bigotry, hatred and discrimination targeting any group of humans based on their identity.”
Screenwriter and producer James Schamus and directors Asif Kapadia, Mira Nair and Ken Loach have also spoken out in support of the actress.
The post elicited widespread support from Palestinian activists but drew fierce criticism from Zionist officials with some accusing Watson of antisemitism.
Several celebrities have come in support of the Palestinian cause over the past few years.
In October 2021, bestselling Irish author Sally Rooney said she had chosen not to sell the translation rights for her latest novel to a publishing house based in the occupied territories, citing concerns about the Zionist crimes against Palestinians.
The developments come as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) movement is already urging countries around the world to impose a military embargo on the occupying regime, and boycott firms complicit in its occupation of the Palestinian territories.