After Adam Brody expressed support for Palestine and described the war in Gaza as "genocide," actress Tovah Feldshuh, who plays his mother in the Netflix series "Nobody Wants This," sharply criticized his remarks.
In an interview with the "New York Post" published Sunday, Feldshuh said, "to accuse the Jewish people of genocide is wild. It’s right out of Hitler’s playbook. You take the victim, and you make the victim the perpetrator." She said such accusations carry particular weight within the Jewish community when they come from Jewish people themselves. She added that influential public figures who spread claims she believes are false could cause significant harm.
Feldshuh, 77, also expressed strong support for Israel. "I believe that the perseverance of the existence of the state of Israel is crucial to the well-being of the democratic world and of the free world," she said. "Of course, Israel needs the United States, [but] the United States needs Israel, believe me." She added that, in her view, the current political climate has brought opposing ideological extremes closer together, with socialism and antisemitism increasingly converging.
Nevertheless, Feldshuh stressed that political disagreements should not affect her professional relationships with colleagues. "My job, as Bina but also as Tovah, is to love the people on set at my place of work, to be kind," she said. In the series, she portrays Bina Roklov, the mother of Rabbi Noah Roklov, played by Brody.
Feldshuh, center, in Season 3 of 'Nobody Wants This'
(Photo: Courtesy of Netflix)
The controversy began in late September, when Brody was asked about his views on the war in Gaza during an interview with GQ magazine. The actor, who has enjoyed renewed attention in recent years thanks to his portrayal of a rabbi in the Netflix series, said the issue also comes up in his private conversations, although he has rarely addressed it publicly.
"Put me down as thinking it’s a genocide," Brody said. "Put me down as wanting a free Palestine." He added that too many people had died and suffered before the situation reached a breaking point, and expressed hope that a future U.S. administration could change policies he believes are contributing to the continuing crisis.
His remarks also drew criticism from people involved with the series. Rabbi Steve Leder, who served as a Jewish adviser during the first season, posted a video condemning Brody's comments, calling them shocking and disgusting. Leder argued that the actor did not know enough about the subject to use the term "genocide," adding that people who lack sufficient knowledge of an issue would be better off refraining from commenting on it.
Adam Brody in 'Nobody Wants This'
(Photo: Courtesy of Netflix)
Series creator Erin Foster also addressed the controversy. Speaking on the "Not Skinny But Not Fat" podcast, she said she loves Brody but disagrees with his position. "It's complicated," she said. "I think our work environment, our set is very similar to dinner tables around the world where people are having debate and discussion and disagreeing."
Foster, who converted to Judaism before marrying music producer Simon Tikhman, also emphasized the importance she places on positive Jewish representation on television. She said "Nobody Wants This" grew out of her personal experience of becoming closer to Judaism, describing the series as a "love letter to Judaism." She added that she wants Jewish viewers to feel seen and understood during the current period.
The series, which premiered on Netflix in 2024, follows the romance between Noah, a Jewish rabbi played by Brody, and Joanne, an agnostic podcast host portrayed by Kristen Bell. Its third season premiered Oct. 22, focusing on the couple's relationship and the challenges of building a life together, alongside the relationships among their family members.