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Qatar, Hollywood and the battle for truth: ALL CAPS takes aim at anti-Israel narratives

Panel warns of Qatar’s alleged role in anti-Israel campaigns and rising antisemitism in Canada; Ido Mosseri discusses Hollywood and working with Adam Sandler; Shurat HaDin sues a Canadian museum over a Nakba exhibit

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The panel opens with a discussion about a disturbing protest in Canada in which demonstrators paraded an effigy depicting a Jewish figure. The hosts described the display as crossing the line from political activism into outright antisemitism. Joining hosts Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, Sarai Givaty, Titi Aynaw and India Naftali is Israeli actor, director and Hollywood veteran Ido Mosseri, who shares his experiences working in the U.S. entertainment industry and his concerns over rising anti-Israel sentiment.
The panel opened with a discussion about a disturbing protest in Canada in which demonstrators paraded an effigy depicting a Jewish figure. The hosts describe the display as crossing the line from political activism into outright antisemitism.
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"It's really scary and shocking and sickening," Givaty said, asserting that governments must draw a clear line between free expression and incitement against Jews. The panel warns that rising antisemitism in Canada has created an increasingly hostile environment for Jewish communities and called on authorities to take stronger action.
The conversation then shifts to international politics, where Darshan-Leitner accused Qatar of continuing to play a "double game" by maintaining close relations with both Western allies and Iran. The panel asserts that Qatar has used its financial influence to shape public opinion against Israel while simultaneously presenting itself as a strategic partner of the United States.
"Money talks," Darshan-Leitner said, noting that Qatar's influence extends into universities, media platforms and political circles across the West. The hosts question whether Western leaders are willing to confront what they describe as Qatar's role in promoting Islamist narratives hostile to Israel.
Naftali highlights what she called a striking contradiction surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A designated Pride match is expected to feature Iran and Egypt, despite both countries' records on LGBTQ rights. She notes that Iran has reportedly sought restrictions on Pride symbols at matches while homosexuality remains punishable under Iranian law.
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Joining hosts Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, Sarai Givaty, Titi Aynaw and India Naftali is Israeli actor, director and Hollywood veteran Ido Mosseri
Joining hosts Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, Sarai Givaty, Titi Aynaw and India Naftali is Israeli actor, director and Hollywood veteran Ido Mosseri
Joining hosts Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, Sarai Givaty, Titi Aynaw and India Naftali is Israeli actor, director and Hollywood veteran Ido Mosseri
The discussion evolves into a broader critique of Western activists who support groups aligned with Iran while simultaneously advocating for LGBTQ rights. The panel notes that many activists fail to acknowledge the realities faced by LGBTQ individuals in countries governed by regimes or movements they support politically.
Mosseri, known internationally for his appearances in several Adam Sandler films including" You Don't Mess with the Zohan," "Sandy Wexler" and "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah," spoke candidly about his Hollywood career and his long-standing relationship with Sandler.
The Israeli actor describes Sandler as both a mentor and friend, explaining that, after their first collaboration, future roles often came through direct contact rather than auditions. Mosseri recalls filming in Toronto and working alongside Sandler's family, including his daughters, in recent productions.
He also reveals that his role as the Hebrew voice of SpongeBob SquarePants unexpectedly became a source of celebrity on set, particularly among younger Jewish actors. According to Mosseri, news of his voice-acting work spread quickly among cast members, creating a humorous rivalry with Sandler.
"Adam heard about it and he was jealous," Mosseri jokes. "He said, 'You know, I can do that too.'"
Beyond the laughs, Mosseri addresses the growing anti-Israel sentiment he has encountered in Hollywood since the October 7 attacks. He describes lengthy conversations with industry colleagues and acquaintances who adopted anti-Israel positions in the aftermath of the war.
"It's very disappointing to realize that they speak mostly out of huge ignorance," he said. While acknowledging that many in the entertainment industry have good intentions, Mosseri said that many celebrities lack historical knowledge about the conflict and are highly susceptible to social and political trends.
The actor said that, despite the hostility, many voices in Hollywood continue to support Israel publicly. He cites figures such as Sandler and Rob Schneider as examples of people who have consistently shown friendship and support.
Mosseri also reflects on the challenges Israeli actors face in Hollywood, noting that language remains one of the biggest barriers to long-term success. He recalls advice from Schneider, who encouraged him to live where his work is and emphasized the importance of mastering language and culture in order to fully integrate into the industry.
In the show's legal affairs segment, Darshan-Leitner announces that Shurat HaDin has sent a formal demand letter to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg over a planned exhibit titled "Palestine Uprooted: Nakba's Past and Present."
According to Darshan-Leitner, the organization believes the exhibit presents a one-sided historical narrative that ignores the broader context surrounding Israel's War of Independence, including the rejection of the UN partition plan by Arab leaders and the displacement of Jewish communities from Arab countries.
Shurat HaDin is calling for the museum to pause the exhibition, conduct an independent review and consult with experts representing multiple historical perspectives. The organization argues that publicly funded institutions have a responsibility to present contentious historical issues with balance and accuracy.
The episode concludes on a lighter note with a viral video featuring a Greek government minister defending Israel and criticizing Hamas during a public appearance. The panel praises the growing ties between Israel and Greece, describing the relationship as one built on shared interests, common challenges and strong people-to-people connections.
As the show wraps up, the hosts reiterate a central theme running through the entire episode: that the battle over public opinion, media narratives and historical memory has become one of the most significant fronts in the broader struggle facing Israel and Jewish communities around the world.
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Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, founder and president of Shurat HaDin – Israel Law Center, one of Israel’s leading legal advocacy organizations dedicated to combating terrorism, antisemitism and anti-Israel lawfare through the courts and legal action around the world. To learn more about Shurat HaDin’s work and ongoing legal campaigns, visit https://israellawcenter.org/
First published: 14:41, 06.07.26
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