During the recent Gaza war, when two Hollywood stars – Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem – signed a letter accusing Israel of committing "genocide," the first to rush to Israel's defense was Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight. Writing in the Hollywood Reporter, Voight scolded them: "You had a great responsibility to use your celebrity for good. Instead, you have defamed the only democratic country of goodwill in the Middle East: Israel."
Cruz quickly walked back her words: “I don’t want to be misunderstood on this important subject. I’m not an expert on the situation..."
Celebrities shouldn't speak out unless they've properly researched the topic.
"People are uninformed about the basic facts," Voight says. "Israel gave the Palestinians all of Gaza as a peace gesture. What they got in return was thousands of rockets fired into Israel. Hamas doesn't want a piece of the pie, they want the whole pie. A person should not speak out unless they've properly researched the topic. That applies even more to influential celebrities."
Voight would like to give all his fellow actors a history lesson. "People are jumping on the anti-Israel bandwagon because it's fashionable. When someone asks me a question about Israel, I say: 'Do you really want to know? Are you willing to devote the time to study it, or are you just going to parrot what you read on Facebook?' I tell them: 'Do your homework and get the full picture. Go to Israel and see things firsthand. Then decide'."
Standing with Israel
For decades, Voight has been one of the most outspoken voices defending Israel and the Jewish people. "My connection to Israel is a result of everything Judaism has given the human race," he says. "I've always been in awe of the Jewish people. They are the conscience of the world."
Voight was raised a religious Christian, and as an avid reader of the Bible – he calls the Torah "the greatest gift to humanity" – has always respected the Jewish people. "God told Abraham: 'Those who bless you will be blessed, and those who curse you will be cursed.' That's exactly what we've seen over the past 4,000 years," says Voight.
Voight is sensitive to his status as a Hollywood icon – star of Midnight Cowboy, Deliverance, Coming Home – and proud father of Angelina Jolie, Hollywood's highest-paid actress.
Over the years, he has endeavored to leverage that influence by getting friends and colleagues in the entertainment world to speak out, to provide a counter-voice to the anti-Israel activism of people like actor Danny Glover, singer Bryan Adams, and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd who compared Israel to Nazi Germany.
In 2009, when Jane Fonda – Voight's co-star in Coming Home – boycotted the Toronto Film Festival in protest of its plans to showcase films from Tel Aviv, Voight publicly accused Fonda of "aiding and abetting those who seek the destruction of Israel." (She later recanted.)
In 2014, a few weeks after Voight's outspoken support of Israel in the Gaza campaign, a group of 200 Hollywood elites including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Mayim Bialik issued a statement bashing Hamas and defending Israel.
Voight, who has travelled to Israel many times, takes a broad view of how Israel fits into the geopolitical interests of the United States. He believes the imperative to stand with Israel grows stronger by the day.
"This is a very dangerous time for humanity. Hamas, ISIS and Iran are acquiring resources and weapons to challenge the West. It's a clash of civilizations. Due to its geographic location, Israel is at the forefront of this battle. Israel is not asking anyone to fight its wars. Israel just wants America's full backing to do the job. It's in our vital interest to support that."
Hollywood Influence
Voight traces his activism back to the days of the Vietnam War. He protested against the war, yet underwent a political transformation following the massive human rights abuses in Vietnam and Cambodia after the American withdrawal. Reflecting on those times, Voight says: "We didn't want to believe in evil, so we hid from it."
In defending Israel, Voight is motivated in part by what he terms "theological child abuse." "These regimes teach their children to hate. The kids grow up thinking that the solution to all the problems is to kill Jews and Israelis. It's a sick society, but nobody wants to talk about it because it's not politically correct."
Voight's support for Israel has not come without price. This year, when he was nominated for a television Emmy award, one Hollywood publication posed the question: "How Will Jon Voight’s Blistering Political Statements Impact His Emmy Chances?"
If Israel falls, we all fall.
Voight is sensitive to the professional risks, but is determined to push on. "My agent says, 'Jon, maybe for the sake of your career it's better not to be talking about this stuff.' But I'm getting older and thinking more about the future, of what world we are leaving for our grandchildren. If I'm going to make a difference, the time is now."
Voight sees Israel's battle as a microcosm of the larger battle against evil. "Israel is a moral beacon, the vanguard of our values of liberty and justice. If Israel is demonized in its fight against terrorists and religious extremists, then we are all at risk. History has proven that these battles start with the Jews, but do not end with them. If Israel falls, we all fall."
As for his willingness to speak out, Voight told Aish.com: "There is evil afoot and if my voice can be heard, it is my obligation to do so. I think that all sane people should have a passion for Israel at this time. The stakes are very high and we can no longer get away with being ignorant."
(26) Anonymous, November 10, 2015 8:19 PM
Jon Voight's defense of Israel
--Is brave and honest - may he stay strong against the (sadly) uninformed..!
(25) Jerome, December 22, 2014 1:34 PM
Let the facts speak for themselves . . ..
Wishing for a better world thru; Education,compassion and certainly understanding among all the people. respect thy neighbor as you respect yourself. Do unto others as you would unto yourself, Live and let live in harmony
(24) Anonymous, December 22, 2014 12:55 PM
I am from Spain and support and seco
I am from Spain and support and second your excellent comments about the Jews and Israel. I have never been to Israel but have many friends having lived and worked in thne USA. I know that some day I will be able to visit Israel where I also have good friends who have visited Spain and I maintain contact through e-mail. God bless you for your straight forward stand and opinion of the Jews and Israel. Juan
(23) Anonymous, November 18, 2014 1:26 PM
Thank you Mr. John Voight. G-d bless you.
(22) ambrose, November 13, 2014 5:41 AM
I find it funny. Most world leaders including some in America are just funny. Israel has for a long time seeked peace with its neighbours and has even become a source of inspiration for many other governments but its is saddening that some leaders can actually accuse Israel for clashes and wars. Its even becoming fashionable for mad killers to just accuse israel on the streets. Strangely even learned fellows in universities go about this issue so casualy. May God of Abraham bless Israel.
(21) michelle, November 12, 2014 3:48 PM
Thanks
Thanks to all the celebrities who have supported the Jewsh people and Israel.
(20) Anonymous, September 28, 2014 6:50 PM
John Voight, you are a beautiful man! G-d bless you for your moving comments concerning the wonderful country ISRAEL
THANK YOU JOHN VOIGHT FOR YOUR TOUCHING COMMENTS, CONCERNING ISRAEL! YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL, INTELLIGENT ACTOR WHO I LOVE! STAY WELL AND ENJOY YOUR LIFE! MANY BLESSINGS.
LOIS
(19) Anonymous, September 20, 2014 9:41 PM
THANK YOU, JON VOIGHT
NEITHER 'IGNORANT', OR SILENT--THANK YOU FOR STANDING ON YOUR OWN HARD-EARNED WISDOM, AND INTEGRITY, AND FOR SPEAKING OUT FOR ALL OF US.
(18) RON & EILEEN YEDLIN, September 19, 2014 10:10 PM
GOD BLESS YOU ! JOHN VOIGHT YOU ARE TRULY A MENSCH
Michael, November 17, 2014 6:14 AM
You are a Great Man, Jon
Ron and Eileen said it it a short sentence. Jon is truly a Mensch. G-d Almighty shall reward him for defending Israel and blessing Israel.
We need more people with a voice to be heard as Jon. Many of the Jew's in Hollywood has been silent defending the Holy Land Israel and it' Jews. For they only see it might hurt their income.
The old Jew; of Hollywood would never work on sabbath and everyone knew they were good Jews who would help anyone in need.
The Jew's of passed generations are always in my heart and the kindness and love shown to all. May their beloved memory live on eternally.
(17) Jeff in Toronto, September 18, 2014 9:26 PM
Sometimes with age comes wisdom; other times, not
Jon Voight is Israel's friend for possibly the best of reasons: Not just because of some blind ideology or fundamentalist christian dogma; but because he realizes that Israel is possibly America's best friend in the world - and certainly in the Middle East - and is the "canary in the coal mine" fighting the civilized Western World's front-line battle against the growing threat of militant Islamic terror.
Mr. Voight stands in opposition to the greater numbers of his less-informed Hollywood peers, who base their views on Mid-East issues on a limited collection of YouTube videos, CNN soundbites and West Bank photographs.
A prime example of these "Ignorant Elite" is Lady Jane Fonda: Despite the passage of four decades, a successful acting career and marriages to a US Senator and a media tycoon (Tom Hayden and Ted Turner), Fonda remains as ready today to hitch her wagon to the violent, terrorist enemies of the US and democracy, as she was when "Hanoi Jane" sided with the communist North Vietnamese Army (NVA) during the Vietnam War and supported the violently radical Black Panthers during the civil rights movement. Far from being a peace protester, Fonda is a long-time supporter of those who would violently and lethally oppose the US and its friends, including Israel. (Meanwhile, naive and contradictory Fonda describes herself as a feminist, yet opposed the Iraq war and similarly supports Muslims with no tradition of - or interest in adopting - women's rights).
Fonda is an easy target for the shallow celebrities, like Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem,who have jumped on the anti-Israel bandwagon along with antisemitic Roger Waters and my fellow Canadian, Bryan Adams.
Thanks, Jon Voight (and Arnie Schwarzenegger, Sly Stallone and others), for resisting uber-peer pressure and for standing by Israel and standing FOR democracy and freedom.
(16) Rachel, September 18, 2014 8:17 PM
Reasserting my faith in humanity
Thank you for your support and bravery. It is truly inspirational to see.
(15) Anonymous, September 18, 2014 1:41 PM
Doing the right thing
Jo Voight should be commended for his loyalty to Israel. Indeed, it is good to know whose side he is on. But where are all the voices of the Jewish celebrities such as Spielberg, Streisand, Crystal, and so many others. Only Joan River z'l spoke out right before her unfortunate death, and told it like it was. To the reader above, about how the Israelis mistreat the Palestinians. Did you see how these so called Palestinians lived before 1967? I did, since I was in Judea and Samaria a week after the war. The homeless of N.Y. live better than they did. Now, they are simply shooting themselves in the foot. If they would stop trying to wreak havoc, by suicide bombings, which thankfully have abated because of the wall, but that does not stop them from trying. Not to mention rock throwing, stabbings, and teaching their children to hate Israel and Israelis. What would you have Israel do? Their own Arab brethren do nothing for them, and use them as a pawn, and have made them Israel's problem, when in fact back in the 1920's France and Britain carved up the Middle East, Trans-Jordan was established FOR the Palestinians. So please save your pity for them, they should try to help themselves, instead of blaming Israel, who they refuse to recognize. I do not have a modicum of sympathy for them.
Because of their lies, there is rampant anti-Semitism such as we have not seen since WWII. They are clearly not our friends, and are not interested in peace of any kind. They have awful leadership, and want to go backwards instead of forward. They are a pain to Israel, and nothing more.
(14) Remi, September 18, 2014 5:48 AM
temperance
While I agree wholeheartedly with John Voight's analysis, I would like to point to the heavy responsibility it is to be the standard of morality and temperance not only in the region but also in the wold and in history.
Lord Jakobovits expressed grave concern at the treatment of Palestinians by Israel, not because of their own merit. It is obvious that a great deal of what they suffer is because they are led by a bunch of murderous lunatics who persist in provoking Israel so that they can show the world how their children suffer - what a perverse policy.
However, this does not exonerate Israel from treating them as well as the eyes of the world needs to see from the people of God.
It is His Name and honour which are at stake and if this task is made almost impossible by Hamas it remains nevertheless one which needs to be accomplished.
(13) brura, September 17, 2014 11:43 PM
I am glad that Jon Voight is aware of the actual situation and is willing to speak out about this issue.
Thank you Jon Voight! I am also the other celebs voiced their opinions as their own and the collective. The knowledge shows in those and does not show in those that later acknowledge (I am not an expert) and should have found out more before voicing their opinions. To find out that one of my most favorite bands (Pink Floyd) has a member that more than alludes Nazis and Israel are synonyms and NOT the antonyms that they are. Shame on you Roger Waters, et al!
(12) Yehudit, September 17, 2014 12:48 PM
Thank you!
Thank you Jon Voight for your courage, honesty and intellectual integrity. You have performed a great and brave act of compassion on behalf of Israel. We are indebted to you. Thank You Hashem for planting truth in the hearts of those who can speak and be heard.
(11) Kathleen, September 17, 2014 2:32 AM
Love this Guy
Thank you Jon for standing with Israel and speaking the truth. Every time I will wear my standing with Israel tee-shirt I purchased from right here on the Aish site, I will think you. And I am old enough to have seen Midnight Cowboy during it's theatrical release in the States.
(10) veronica Phillips, September 16, 2014 7:37 PM
Jon Void ! I am proud of you! You are a man of my own heart!
God Bless You!
Holocaust Survivor
(9) Mel l. Globerman, September 16, 2014 5:12 PM
Eloquent comments from Jon Voight
Jon Voight's comments on Israel are most eloquently stated. Everyone, especially those that may have a bias against Israel, should take the intelligent approach as Jon mentioned, and learn the facts about Israel, and avoid listening to the rancor from the ignorant!
(8) Elisheva, September 16, 2014 3:54 PM
THANK YOU
for coming to the defense of Israel. You are my hero.
(7) Yael, September 16, 2014 3:09 PM
Bravo, Mr. Voight
Bravo, Mr. Voight! You are one of the righteous Gentiles and a special place awaits you after a long, meaningful life. If only there were more like you who were willing to see and acknowledge the truth.
(6) deanna, September 16, 2014 3:06 PM
a brave and educated man
What a brave man Jon Voight is. It is so encouraging to see someone so selfless to speak out with no thought of how it will affect his career, I only hope it will not affect his fragile relationship with his daughter who, I suspect, may have very different ideas. I hope I am wrong. Thank you Jon, a truly inspiring man.
(5) Miriam, September 16, 2014 10:46 AM
You truly are a hero, Jon Voight!
A kosher fish is one that can swim against the tide. (If the animal was hurt before death it's not kosher.) Mr. Voight, you truly are a "kosher" human being. Thank you! History will judge you an hero.
(4) Nancy, September 15, 2014 9:04 PM
A big Yasher Koach to Jon Voight!!
(3) Katherine Jobe, September 15, 2014 7:41 PM
Thank you Mr. Voight for using your celebrity to get the "correct" word out in support of Israel. It is so bothersome that the children in Gaza are learning hatred from their parents. It is such a shame that the beautiful religion of Judaism (and even hearing the word Judaism) is such a put down in the Western world and especially the United Nations, and is being kept hidden and/or misrepresented due to political causes.
(2) Bruce, September 15, 2014 6:20 PM
Politically Correct
It is so good to hear about these celebrities who actually have some sense. I particularly like the comment about researching the topic someplace other than Twitter and Facebook. One of the high spots of my career has been training two Israeli Air Force technicians on electronics systems for an aircraft Israel was buying. This was in 1967 and these two poor guys were stuck here in the US during the war. The Holocaust didn't happen because the average German hated Jews and Gypsies, but because they were afraid of not being "politically correct." It's an illness that can only be cured by education.
(1) Nechama, September 15, 2014 5:32 PM
Thank you
Thank you for this beautiful article. May the One on High bless those who bless Israel.