The world has been holding its breath since Saturday. The major attack by the radical Islamic Hamas on Israel causes horror, shock and sympathy. Numerous users, especially on social media, express their condolences for all the victims and their families, including numerous celebrities.
In addition to world stars such as Madonna, Jamie Lee Curtis as well as Natalie Portman and Gal Gadot, the latter of whom has Israeli roots, some German celebrities also commented on the attacks. “TV Garden” presenter Andrea Kiewel lives in Tel Aviv herself – and is currently fearing for her life along with countless other civilians.
The “Queen of Pop” was one of the first to comment on the attacks on Instagram. On Sunday, the 65-year-old posted a video showing various shots from the affected areas. She commented: “What is happening in Israel is devastating… It breaks your heart to see all these families and especially children being rounded up on the streets, attacked and murdered.”
The events in Israel are “unbelievable,” she emphasizes. On Saturday morning, Hamas launched its attack from Gaza on several towns near the border, taking hundreds of Israelis and at least 150 people, including women, children and senior citizens, hostage. “My heart beats for Israel. The families and homes that were destroyed. The children who were lost. The innocent victims who were killed. All who are suffering or will suffer from this conflict. I will pray for you,” writes Madonna. She added: “I am aware that this is the work of Hamas and that there are many innocent people in Palestine who do not support this terrorist organization. This tragic attack will only cause more suffering for everyone.” At the end of her statement, Madonna made an appeal to her followers: “Let us pray for everyone. For Israel. For peace. For the world.”
“Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill joined Madonna and posted a photo of an American and an Israeli flag on X (formerly Twitter). His words: “America stands with Israel.”
Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis was also horrified. She wrote: “For Jews around the world, life will never be normal again. This is our new normal. I have no words – only tears and pain.”
Curtis also shared various other posts, including posts from the Anti-Defamation League, which campaigns against discrimination and defamation of Jews.
Australian actress Isla Fisher was particularly upset about a missing person case on Instagram. On her Instagram account, she posted the photo of Doron Asher and her two daughters, who were kidnapped by Hamas, according to media reports.
Fisher called for the search for the missing people and emphasized: “There is no excuse for the deliberate killing and kidnapping of innocent civilians, no matter where and no matter when.”
“Wonder Woman” star Gal Gadot is also a native of Israel and has been showing solidarity on Instagram since the attacks began. On Sunday, she first shared a screenshot of a message reporting on the taking of Israeli soldiers and civilians hostage. She wrote that “at least 250 Israelis have been murdered and dozens of women, children and the elderly are being held hostage in the Gaza Strip by the Palestinian military group Hamas.”
She also called for donations: “Whoever can and wants to donate, these people’s lives changed forever yesterday. They have lost so much and need help. Only if you can…” are her words. Gadot has been married to Israeli businessman Yaron Versano since 2018.
Supermodel Bar Refaeli was also born in Israel, is married to Israeli businessman Adi Ezra and appears shocked by the events in her home country in her Instagram story. The 38-year-old repeatedly shared calls for help in the search for missing people. Refaeli also told “Bild”: “My country was attacked by terrorists who deliberately and without discrimination murdered citizens, including women and children.” As a mother of three small children, she can’t imagine how parents must feel “who don’t know whether their missing child has been killed or is in the hands of terrorist organizations.” She says: “My heart is broken”.
Amy Schumer reposted a post from manager Guy Oseary on Saturday that pointed out that Hamas had specifically called on all gun owners to get out and use their weapons. He also shared a video of a young woman being kidnapped at the international rave music festival Supernova, which was also shared by Schumer.
In addition to various other reposts, Schumer also expressed his solidarity. She shared a photo of herself with an Israeli flag at an event organized by the nonprofit organization Bring Change To Mind.
X-Men star Liev Schreiber also took up the topic in his Instagram story and an Instagram post. In his story on Monday, he said: “Now and always, we stand with the people of Israel. We hope that the war ends as quickly as possible for the sake of peace.”
He also shared a quote from writer John Donne that says, “Every man’s death makes me smaller. For I am part of humanity. So don’t pretend to know. For whom the bell tolls, it tolls for you.”
“New Girl” star Max Greenfield is Jewish himself and shared the words in his Instagram story: “Incredible scenes in Israel right now. As a Jew, I’m with you. As a human being, I’m with you.”
For “ZDF- Fernsehengarten” presenter Andrea Kiewel, the Hamas attacks are life-threatening. The 58-year-old lives in Tel Aviv and refuses to leave her hometown. The presenter says to “Bild”: “I’m on alert all day long. I used to be a lifeguard, and it’s just coming back to me again.” But Kiewel not only shows fighting spirit, but also shock. “I can’t find the words. I only have tears. I cry for the people who are being coldly slaughtered. Yes! Slaughtered,” she emphasizes. It is now important for her to support the local people and to be there for those who no longer have anything.
The actor appealed on Instagram: “pray for the people of Israel.” He also shared a photo of Andrea Kiewel that shows her at a solidarity event in Tel Aviv. He wrote: “When everything around you falls apart, when Hamas terrorists murder, torture, rape, slaughter, humiliate, kidnap children, women and men, then you have to move very close together. Otherwise you won’t be able to bear the pain. Tel Aviv writes Letters to the soldiers, reservists and volunteers who risk their lives so that our children, the people of Israel, can live in peace. I’m right in the middle of it. And I’m moving very close together. I’m a little less alone.”
Hollywood star Natalie Portman was born in Israel, her father is Israeli. The 42-year-old posted a statement on Instagram expressing her dismay at the situation in her home country.
“I am devastated for the people of Israel. Children, women and the elderly have been murdered and kidnapped from their own homes,” she writes, adding: “I am horrified by these barbaric acts and my heart beats with love and prayers for the families of all those affected.”
Source: Instagram, “Image”
