Jewish actor David Schwimmer, who repeatedly supported Israel since Hamas’ October 7 attack and criticized the inaction of major U.S. universities in the face of antisemitic incidents on campuses, shared a report by The New York Times about the sexual violence used against the massacre’s victims – and harshly condemned those who deny them.
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“I served on the Board of Directors for The Rape Foundation for almost 20 years,” the 57-year-old actor wrote on his Instagram account Friday. “I have met the most incredible and courageous people in my life through this work: Children, teens, men and women, who not only survived the most horrific conditions imaginable — but, with the right treatment and care, refused to let their trauma define them and went on to lead incredibly loving, healthy and productive lives.
According to Schwimmer, for a critical aspect of the healing process after such horrible acts to take place - and for justice to be served against the offenders - the survivors need to be believed.
“Regardless of age. Regardless of race. Regardless of gender. Regardless of religion. Regardless of sexual orientation. Regardless of nationality. Regardless of education. Regardless of economic status,” Schwimmer wrote.
“There are incredible organizations and individuals that I count as allies in this work. Who for years have stood up and fought for survivors of rape and sexual assault, demanding justice — many of whom are survivors themselves. And yet, Why do so many refuse to believe — despite all the evidence on camera and in testimony — the women, children and men brutally assaulted by terrorists on Oct. 7th?” he added.
“Where is their outrage?” he asked. “In the weeks and months that followed, it became clear that their activism, their advocacy, is conditional. They’ll fight like hell for ALL victims of sexual violence — unless they’re Jews.”
“For many of them, denying it even happened is a convenient way of avoiding compassion and personal responsibility. Perhaps this article will finally make them realize they got it wrong, and come to terms with their unconscious bias,” he wrote.
“As they know better than most — their refusal to believe the survivors has re-traumatized them, as well as their families, friends, and those of us who did believe them. But they can use their voice now. And it would be great to know who the real allies are,” the star concluded before sharing a link to the New York Times article.