13 October,2023 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Noah Schnapp. Pic/Instagram
The Israel-Palestine war has claimed several innocent lives in the past few days. Amid this, Stranger Things actor Noah Schnapp, who played Will Byers, extended his support to Israel. In a statement on Instagram, he slammed people who expressed hate for Israel and supported Palestine.
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. I, like others, want peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. Let's stop the rhetoric and choosing sides. Instead, we must recognize that we are all on the side of the fight against terrorism. Choose humanity over violence."
Noah added, "I just reposted a beautiful picture of a young innocent girl whose life was taken by Hamas at a music festival. I was met with comments reading âno one cares free Palestine' and âshe deserves that, and every Israeli terrorist deserves that - Free Palestine.' I am outraged by the justification and celebration of the death of a young girl's life. Have people lost their minds??? STOP! This is one example of many posts, rallies, and petitions being signed attempting to justify the brutality against these innocent Israeli people. You don't have to be Jewish, you don't have to be Israeli, you just have to have empathy and common sense to know that THIS is wrong."
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The Stranger Things actor continued, "I have also noticed a silence in social media like never seen before. The same people who love to jump on fashionable causes like supporting Ukraine and combating climate change have been chillingly quiet. The Jewish people are seeing your silence and we won't forget it. 40 babies were beheaded and burned alive in front of their parents by Hamas. I hope we can agree that Hamas are a recognized terrorist organization: they don't represent the Palestinian people when they value murdering Israelis more than protecting their own. You either stand with Israel or you stand with terrorism. It shouldn't be a difficult choice. Shame on you."
Noah's statement further read, "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. A reminder that we, the Jewish people, with our love for each other and others, are stronger than your hatred. We are strong. We are compassionate. We have prevailed before and we will prevail again."