Michael Rapaport Champions Israeli Hostages at IAC Summit

American Jewish comedian and actor Michael Rapaport has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and at the recent IAC National Summit in Washington, he once again made his stance clear on antisemitism and support for Israel. Addressing a captivated audience, Rapaport urged Jews and Zionists to dismiss opinions that come from those who don't stand with Israel.

“The only opinions that are important to me are Jews and Zionists. I encourage other people to not care about any other opinions at this point,” he declared, adding that he hopes those in Hollywood who haven't supported Israel feel his presence. “As Jews, Israelis, and Zionists—people on the right side of things—we don’t need to accept it. If they have a problem with it, I’m easy to find.”

Rapaport’s vocal advocacy for Israel has only intensified since the October 7, 2023, attacks. This fall, he will take his support to a new level by performing live in Israel for the first time. The comedian is set to perform two shows, one in Jerusalem on October 13 at the Jerusalem Theatre, and another in Tel Aviv at Beit HaHayal on October 14. In an Instagram post about his upcoming shows, he shared his hope that “all the hostages will be home by then & the country & people will be able to heal by October. Baruch Hashem.”

Earlier this year, Rapaport appeared in an edgy Superbowl ad calling attention to the Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The ad urged viewers to visit Lifeshiftr.com, a website launched by the Forum, where individuals can advocate for their local representatives to prioritize the safe return of these captives. The issue has been close to his heart, with Rapaport using his platform to amplify the cause in a way few others in Hollywood have.

During the Oscars, Rapaport didn’t hold back either, releasing a satirical video that criticized Hollywood’s selective activism. He pointed out how quick the industry is to take on various causes, yet many have remained silent about the hostages taken on October 7th.

Known for his no-nonsense approach, Rapaport even brought his advocacy to Israeli TV, appearing in the popular show Eretz Nehederet. In a memorable Harry Potter-themed sketch, he tackled the issue of rising antisemitism with his signature humor, turning a dark subject into an opportunity to call out injustice.

Michael Rapaport continues to stand as an outspoken defender of Israel and the Jewish people, using his voice to push for action where it's needed most. Whether on stage, social media, or TV, his message is loud and clear: Israel’s fight is everyone’s fight, and the silence from Hollywood will not go unchallenged.

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