Noah Schnapp Voices Concern and Calls for Empathy Amidst Israel-Palestine Conflict

Trevor Decker

Published

October 11, 2023

NOTE: This article is 7 months old and may not include the most recent information.

In a world where celebrities often leverage their platforms to amplify voices and causes, Noah Schnapp, widely recognized for his role in “Stranger Things,” has taken to Instagram to express his anguish and perspective on the ongoing crisis in Israel. The conflict, which escalated dramatically over the weekend with a surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, has resulted in a devastating loss of life and has stirred global conversations about violence, humanity, and the complex geopolitical landscape of the region.

Schnapp, identifying deeply with his Jewish heritage, shared a heartfelt statement, expressing his fear and sorrow for the lives lost and impacted by the conflict. He wrote, “As a Jewish American, I am afraid. Afraid for my brothers and sisters in Israel, who have been senselessly attacked by Hamas. I am truly heartbroken to see the brutal murders of innocent children, women, and soldiers fighting to defend themselves.”

The actor didn’t shy away from sharing his perspective on the responses he’s witnessed on social media, particularly those that seem to justify or even celebrate the violence and loss of life. He highlighted an instance where he shared a picture of a young girl, a victim of the conflict, and was met with comments that not only lacked empathy but also seemed to endorse the violence. Schnapp expressed his outrage, stating, “I am outraged by the justification and celebration of the death of a young girl’s life. Have people lost their minds??? STOP!”

Schnapp’s statement also touched on what he perceives as a selective silence from some quarters on social media, noting that individuals who were vocal about other global issues, such as supporting Ukraine and combating climate change, have remained notably quiet on the crisis in Israel. He poignantly noted, “The Jewish people are seeing your silence and we won’t forget it.”

The actor’s message is a stark reminder of the deeply personal impact global conflicts have on individuals and communities. His plea is for empathy, humanity, and a collective stand against terrorism. He emphasized that the fight is not against the Palestinian people but against acts of violence and terrorism perpetrated by groups like Hamas.

In his concluding remarks, Schnapp offered a message of resilience and hope, stating, “While you justify the murders and torture of our loved ones, we will hope and pray for safety, justice, liberation, and self-determination in Palestine. While you chant ‘Gas the Jews’, we will say a Jewish prayer for peace for all Israelis and Palestinians.”

In a world that often feels increasingly polarized, Schnapp’s statement invites reflection on the importance of maintaining our shared humanity, even amidst the most challenging and divisive of circumstances. It is a call to choose empathy over hatred, unity over division, and to remember that in the face of adversity, compassion and solidarity have the power to forge a path toward peace and understanding.