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'I Show Up for My Jewish Friends': Jerry O'Connell on Antisemitism and Israel

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Actor Jerry O'Connell has spoken out as a vocal ally for Israel and the global Jewish community.
  • O'Connell cited a childhood promise to "show up" for his Jewish friends, inspired by his WWII veteran godfather who faced antisemitism as a POW.
  • His support stems from deep friendships and a lifelong connection to Jewish culture and history.

Actor and talk show host Jerry O'Connell has emerged as a vocal supporter of Israel and the global Jewish community during a time when many have remained silent. O'Connell recently stated, "Jewish people have been showing up for me and my family for my entire life, and [it’s] time for me to show up for my Jewish friends."

Jewish people have been showing up for me and my family for my entire life, and [it’s] time for me to show up for my Jewish friends.

— Jerry O'ConnellO'Connell explained his motivation for speaking out as an ally for the Jewish community.

O'Connell's connection to Israel and the Jewish community is rooted in deep personal relationships. A close high school friend, Tommy Gutman, and Gutman's Israeli mother were significant influences. O'Connell fondly recalls the warmth and humor of his friend's mother, whose unique blend of English and Hebrew syntax amused the teenagers.

Further shaping O'Connell's commitment is his godfather, "Uncle Bill" Silverstein, a World War II veteran and former prisoner of war. Silverstein's harrowing stories of being a POW, particularly the terror he faced upon being discovered as a Jew, left a profound impact on a young O'Connell. "I couldn’t believe he had to live with that kind of terror," O'Connell explained. "As a child, I promised myself, ‘if I ever see antisemitism like that again, I’m gonna do something about it. I’m gonna enlist; I’m gonna fight.’"

My God, she was so kind to us and just so funny. I loved her.

— Jerry O'ConnellRecalling his high school friend's Israeli mother.

O'Connell's career has spanned decades, moving from iconic film roles in "Stand by Me" and "Scream 2" to television hosting on "The Talk." His willingness to publicly support the Jewish community highlights a commitment that began in childhood, inspired by personal experiences with antisemitism and a desire to reciprocate the support he has received throughout his life.

I couldn’t believe he had to live with that kind of terror. As a child, I promised myself, ‘if I ever see antisemitism like that again, I’m gonna do something about it. I’m gonna enlist; I’m gonna fight.’

— Jerry O'ConnellDescribing the impact of his godfather's stories about facing antisemitism as a POW.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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