Helen Mirren, Liev Schreiber, Gene Simmons, Scooter Braun, Boy George, Mayim Bialik, Haim Saban, Julianna Margulies, Sharon Osbourne, Debra Messing, Emmy Rossum Support Israel’s Continued Inclusion in Eurovision
Jody Gerson, Julie Greenwald, Ginnifer Goodwin, Selma Blair, Noa Kirel, Tom Rothman, Harvey Mason jr., Skyler Astin, Gregg Sulkin, Patricia Heaton, Diane Warren, Tracy-Ann Oberman among 400+ celebrities and entertainment industry professionals who signed an open letter rejecting attempts to banish Israel from the contest
More than 400+ leaders from the entertainment industry have signed an open letter released by the non-profit entertainment industry organization Creative Community For Peace in support of the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) public commitment to include Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The letter comes in response to others who have demanded that Israel be disinvited from the contest. The letter highlights Eurovision’s unique ability to unify people from diverse backgrounds and music’s capacity to effect positive change in the world. The letter states that the annual event, with more viewers than the Super Bowl, is a celebration of unity and should not be used as a tool for politics.
Scooter Braun said, “Music is a place for unity not division. It is a language that should always bring us together. Artists should never be discriminated against for who they are, who they love, or where they’re born. These boycott efforts do nothing but distract from the uplifting and unifying power of music – something we need now more than ever.”
Gene Simmons said, “Music unites people from all backgrounds. It’s the one language that everyone can understand. It’s a beautiful thing and a great way to bring people together. Those advocating to exclude an Israeli singer from Eurovision don’t move the needle towards peace, but only further divide the world.”
The statement is the first of its kind – a call from the entertainment industry unequivocally voicing support for Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision.
Mayim Bialik said, “After a horrendous violent attack on Israeli civilians, calls for boycotts and excluding Israeli artists from international events simply because they are Israeli is abhorrent and shameful. Targeting Israeli musicians in this way tarnishes the unifying spirit that is Eurovision.”
The over 400+ Signatories Include: Helen Mirren (Actress); Liev Schreiber (Actor); Boy George (Artist); Gene Simmons (Artist/Co-founder KISS & multi-hyphenate businessman); Mayim Bialik (Actress); Julianna Margulies (Actor/Producer/Author); Emmy Rossum (Actress); Debra Messing (Actress); Ginnifer Goodwin (Actress); Haim Saban (Chairman and CEO, Saban Capital Group); Scooter Braun (Founder/CEO, Hybe America); Selma Blair (Actress); Harvey Mason jr. (CEO of the Recording Academy); Gregg Sulkin (Actor); Skylar Astin (Actor); Julie Greenwald (Chairperson & CEO, Atlantic Records Group); Jody Gerson (Chairperson and CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group); Aaron Bay-Schuck (CEO/Co-Chairman Warner Records); Dan Rosen (President, Warner Music Australasia); Joshua Malina (Actor); Patricia Heaton (Actress and Producer); Noa Kirel (Artist, Former Eurovision Contestant); Jennifer Jason Leigh (Actress); David Draiman (Disturbed); Tom Arnold (Actor); Tracy-Ann Oberman (Actress); Sharon Osbourne (Manager, TV Personality); Tom Rothman (Chairman, Columbia Pictures); Diane Warren (Songwriter); Sherry Lansing (Former CEO of Paramount Pictures); Rick Rosen (Co-Founder, Endeavor); Ben Silverman (Chairman & Co-CEO, Propagate Content); Alison Kaye (President, SB Projects); Orly Marley (President, Tuff Gong Worldwide); Ynon Kreiz (Chairman and CEO, Mattel, Inc.); Gary Barber (Chairman and CEO, Spyglass Media Group); Raye Cosbert (Managing Director, Metropolis Music); Jacqueline Saturn (President, Virgin Music); John Ondrasik (Artist, Five For Fighting); Emmanuelle Chriqui (Actress); Samantha Ronson (Artist); Colin Lester OBE (Founder/Chairman JEM Music Group); David Renzer (Former CEO/Chairman Universal Music Publishing); Paul Kemsley (Manager, Nixxi Entertainment); Odeya Rush (Actress); Modi Wiczyk (Co-Founder and Co-CEO, MRC); and David Zedeck (Global Head of Music at UTA); Laurent Amir Haddad (Singer/Former Eurovision Contestant), amongst others, which you can see below.
“We have been shocked and disappointed to see some members of the entertainment community calling for Israel to be banished from the Contest for responding to the greatest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust,” the letter reads. “Under the cover of thousands of rockets fired indiscriminately into civilian populations, Hamas murdered and kidnapped innocent men, women, and children,” it continues.
On Eurovision’s impact, the letter states, “We believe that unifying events such as singing competitions are crucial to help bridge our cultural divides and unite people of all backgrounds through their shared love of music.” The letter concludes: “Those who are calling for Israel’s exclusion are subverting the spirit of the Contest and turning it from a celebration of unity into a tool of politics.”
CCFP’s Chairman, David Renzer, and Executive Director, Ari Ingel said, “We join entertainment industry leaders in rejecting the vilification of Israel on the global music stage. After thousands of innocent Israelis were killed, over 360 of them at a music festival as they danced in celebration of life, to see some respond in this fashion is shameful. We hope Eurovision stands firm in the face of this misguided, discriminatory boycott attempt. We want the world to know that the entertainment industry supports the Contest and all this year’s amazing participants, including Israel’s.”
OPEN LETTER
We, the undersigned members of the entertainment industry, are writing to express our support for Israel’s continued inclusion in the Eurovision Song Contest.
We have been shocked and disappointed to see some members of the entertainment community calling for Israel to be banished from the Contest for responding to the greatest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.
October 7th was a day in which a music festival meant to celebrate life was attacked by Hamas and saw 364 innocent civilians killed, hundreds maimed and brutalized, over 40 festivalgoers taken hostage, and many raped.
Israel is fighting a war against a European Union-designated terrorist group that once again broke a ceasefire that day, and then went on to slaughter over 1,200 people. This current round of fighting is not a war that Israel wanted or started. To punish Israel would be an inversion of justice.
Israel also has a long and storied history in Eurovision. This includes winning the Contest in 1978, 1979, 1998, and 2018 and having a diverse group of contestants representing the country, including Palestinians, Ethiopians, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Israel then hosted the Contest in 1979, 1999, and 2019. In fact, Eurovision fans voted “Dare to Dream,” the 64th Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, the best Eurovision production of the decade.
Furthermore, we believe that unifying events such as singing competitions are crucial to help bridge our cultural divides and unite people of all backgrounds through their shared love of music.
The annual Eurovision Song Contest embodies this unifying spirit. Every year, millions of people across Europe and around the world join in a massive display of cultural exchange and celebration of music.
Those who are calling for Israel’s exclusion are subverting the spirit of the Contest and turning it from a celebration of unity into a tool of politics.
We support all of this year’s contestants as well as your decision to reject the calls to expel Israel from the Contest. We are looking forward to a successful and exciting Eurovision.
SIGNATORIES
(If you are in the entertainment industry and want to add your name, you can do so here: LINK)
Ari Ingel, Executive Director, Creative Community for Peace
Aaron Bay-Schuck, CEO/Co-Chairman, Warner Records
Rakefet Abergel, CEO, Cyclamen films
Jamie Abzug, SVP/Head of Publicity, RCA Records
Stuart Acher, CEO, Stupendous Films inc
Jason Adelman, VP, Brand Innovators Labs
Orly Adelson, Former President of ITV Studios, America
Marty Adelstein, CEO, Tomorrow Studios
Ben Adler, Musician
Shelley Altman, Head of Production, Mophonics
Tom Arnold, Actor
Skylar Astin, Actor
Dalia Auerbach, Vice President, A&R Administration, Epic Records
Nate Auerbach, Partner, Versus Creative
Jordan Bahat, Director
Craig Balsam, Co-Founder, Razor & Tie Entertainment
Gary Barber, Chairman and CEO, Spyglass Media Group
Eve Barlow, Music Journalist
Richard Baskind, Partner & Head of Music, Simons Muirhead & Burton
Mason Bates, Composer, Masonic Music Inc.
Miles Beard, Executive VP of A&R, Republic Records
Karyn Ben-Gal, A&R Coordinator, Disney Music Publishing
Aton Ben-Horin, VP of Global A&R, Atlantic Records Group
Pablo Bendersky, Producer/Artist
Steven Bensusan, President, Blue Note Entertainment Group
Evie Bergson-Korn, Producer, Buffalo Pictures
Adam Berkowitz, Founder and President, Lenore Entertainment Group
Luc Bernard, Director, Voices of the Forgotten
Duff Berschback, EVP, Business Affairs, Concord Music Publishing, Concord Music Publishing
Mayim Bialik, Actress
Sharon Bialy, Owner, Bialy/Thomas & Associates Casting
David Bickel, President, SME
Joshua P. Binder, Partner, Rotherberg, Mohr, and Binder LLP
Neil Blair, Partner, The Blair Partnership
Selma Blair, Actor/Producer
Marti Blatt, Literary Manager, 59 Management
Evan Bogart, Songwriter & CEO, Seeker Music
Boy George, Artist
Scooter Braun, Founder/CEO, Hybe America
Josh Brill, Writer/Producer
Lucy Brin, Musician, Freelance
Hallie Brookman, Agent, United Talent Agency
Benjamin Budde, CEO, Budde Music
Paul Burger OBE, Soho Artists
David Byrnes, Partner, Ziffren Brittenham LLP
Marika Cahn, Music Executive, Bill Silva Management
Sarah Camlett, Talent Agent, Independent Talent Group
Michele Carlisle, Executive Producer, Epiphany Productions
Charlie Carne, Director, Music Managers Forum
Rick Carnes, President, Songwriters Guild of America
Civia Caroline, President, Clic Entertainment
Robin Carus, Casting Director, Robin Carus Casting
Markell Casey, Music Executive
Brian Celler, Founder, Bravo Charlie Management
Pamela Charbit, A&R Manager, Atlantic Records
Cliff Chenfeld, Co-Founder, Razor & Tie
David Chesnoff, Partner, Chesnoff and Schonfeld
Emmanuelle Chriqui, Actress
Lester Christie, Christabel Music
Gary Cohen, Director, Looi Ltd
Tanya Cohen, Partner, Range Media Partners
Rochelle Cole, Filmmaker, Watch Your Back Productions!
Wallace Collins, Entertainment Attorney, Law Offices of Wallace Collins, Esq.
Billiam Coronel, CFO, The Coronel Group
Leanne Coronel, President, The Coronel Group
Raye Cosbert, Managing Director, Metropolis Music
Ben Cosgrove, CEO, Leviathan Productions
Nick Cosgrove, Partner, Brunswick Group
Paul Craig, Ceo, Nostromo Management
Avi Dahan, Attorney, Boyarski Fritz LLP
Ian Daly, Head of Brand Strategy, Live Nation
Greg Daniels, Writer, Producer, Showrunner
Robin Davids, SVP Publicity, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Chloé Jo Davis, Music writer, GirlieGirlArmy
Mirelle Davis, Artist Manager, Wind Up Bird Ltd
Hannah Davison, Music Operations Manager, Blue Raincoat Music
Shula Daws, Plum Pictures
Will Daws, Plum Pictures
Danielle Demchick, Casting Director, DPD Casting
Josh Deutsch, Chairman/CEO, Premier Music Group
Avi Diamond, Director, Film & TV Licensing, Warner Music Canada
Kayla Diamond, Producer, Kolossal Records
Kosha Dillz, Artist, Rapper
Craig Dorfman, Partner, ThreeSixZero
David Draiman, Frontman of the band Disturbed
Jeremy Drysdale, bigbamboo
Carly Einfeld, Talent Coordinator
Noam Eisen, Musician & Composer, Sound Hound
Talya Elitzer, Co-Founder, Godmode Music
Craig Emanuel, Partner, Entertainment & Media, Paul Hastings
Wendy Engelberg, Producer, Wengelco.inc
Ilan Eshkeri, Composer
Sharon Eterman, Singer
Ron Fair, Record Producer & CEO, Faircraft Inc.
Sharon Farber, Composer
Daniel Federman, Owner, Maccabi Tel-Aviv
Eric Feig, Founder, Feig Finkel LLP
Sheri Feldman, Tempo Group
Patti Felker, Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson McGinnis Ryan
Jacob Fenton, Partner, United Talent Agency
Ken Fermaglich, Partner, United Talent Agency
Jamie Fine, Production Tax, Netflix
David Fishof, Producer and Music Executive
Lindsay Flans, Associate Editor, The Hollywood Reporter
Josh Fluxgold, Founder and President, ONEWAY.
Erica Forster, Entertainment Attorney
Gary Foster, Principal, Krasnoff Foster Productions
Sarah Francus, Manager, Roc Nation
Jordan Frazes, Founder, Frazes Creative
Yaniv Fridel, Music Producer
Adina Friedman, Manager, Artist House
Daryl Friedman, Former Chief Advocacy & Industry Relations Officer, The Recording Academy
Neil Friedman, Counsel, Entertainment Law
Roger Friedman, Owner, Showbiz411.com
Marla Friedson, Producer, Freelance
Simon Friend, Producer, Simon Friend Entertainment Ltd
Andrew Fromm, President, Fromm Consulting
Sarah Gabrielli, A&R, SONY PUBLISHING
Siri Garber, CEO & Founder, Platform Public Relations
David Gardner, President, Artists First
Daniella Geller, Netflix
Brett Gelman, Actor
Andrew Genger, Manager, Red Light Management
Gary Gersh, Former President, Global Touring, A.E.G.
Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group
Rochelle Gerson, VP, Business & Legal Affairs, Original Series, Netflix
Greta Gertler Gold, Composer, Lyricist
Maya Giladi, Business and Legal Affairs, Netflix
Gary Ginsberg, Senior VP, SoftBank Group Corp.
Hana Giraldo, Singer-Songwriter/Actress
Daniel Glass, Founder/CEO, Glassnote Records
Karen Glauber, President, HITS Magazine
David Glick, Founder & CEO, Edge Group
Joshua Glick, Manager, Brillstein
Jordan Glickson, VP, Music & Talent, Vevo
Cathy Godwin, Manager, Rsg Management
Jennifer Goetz, Manager, Singin in the Reign
Harry Gold, Founder and Senior Partner, Talentworks
Iddo Goldberg, Actor, Liba99
Zusha Goldin, Celebrity Photography, Zusha Goldin
Barry Goldlist, COO, 4cCollective
Michael Goldwasser, President/Co-Founder, Easy Star Records
Robert Golenberg, President, Golenberg & Co.
Ginnifer Goodwin, Actress
Michael Gordon, Partner, Creative Artists Agency
Victoria Gordon, Performer and Writer
Andrew Gould, President, Music Publishing, Roc Nation
Matt Graff, Managing Director, Zig Zag Productions
Cary Granat, Co-Founder and Partner, Destiny Media, EMH Media
Malcolm Green, Director and Writer, Green AFM Ltd
Trudy Green, Trudy Green Management/HK
David Greenbaum, Music Producer
Scott Greenberg, Manager and Partner, LBI Entertainment
Steve Greenberg, Founder and President, S-Curve Records
Julie Greenwald, Chairperson & CEO, Atlantic Records Group
Jonah Grinberg, Musician, Numb Tongues
Jeremy Gruber, Friends at Work, Head of Artist Marketing
Sarah Halioua, Producer, Visionaire Films-Spain
Vicky Hamburger, SliderTV
Nili Harary, A&R Administration, Atlantic Records
Ronnie Harris, Partner, Harris & Trotter LLP
Sam Harris, Actor/Singer, Funky Pants Productions
Toby Harris, 100% Records
Patricia Heaton, Actress and Producer
Marilyn Herman, Composer
David Hershon, VP, MGM
Avi Hirshbein, A&R Coordinator, Electric Feel Ent.
Linda Howard, President, Edell Howard Enterprises LLC
Richard “BournRich” Ingram, Artist/Creative Director
Nicole Isaacs, Producer
Steve Jablonsky, Composer, Arata Music
Neil Jacobson, Founder of Hallwood Media
Max Jacoby, Producer
Jennifer Jason Leigh, Actress
Jordan Jay, Director, Karma Artists Management
Jim Jermanok, Producer, Command Performance Productions
Nathan Kaminski, Songwriter
Zach Katz, Former President, BMG
Alina Kaufman, Actor
Allison Kaye, President, SB Projects
Jonathan Kellerman, Novelist
Dorit Kemsley, Designer
Paul Kemsley, Manager, Nixxi Entertainment
Charlotte Kendall, Harris and Trotter LLP
Ketura Kestin, Serendipity Prod.
Ilan Kidron, Artist & Musician
Noa Kirel, Artist, Former Eurovision Contestant
Scott Kluge, President, Tremendous Entertainment
Rebecca Kneubuhl, Composer, Bourbon & Bubblegum Music, Inc.
Amanda Kogan, Manager, Aaron Kogan Management
Keetgi Kogan Steinberg, Writer/Producer, Self
Sharon Kornmehl, Literary Manager, Sharona Fae Management
Zoe Korsner, TV Production
Bettina Kramer, President, Creative Effects Inc
Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO, Mattel, Inc.
Rick Krim, CEO, Krim Music + Media
Dana Landman, Big Life Management
Gabz Landman, Music Executive
Sherry Lansing, Former CEO, Paramount Pictures
Sanaz Lavaedian, SVP of Music, MOCEAN
Nicholas Lazarus, Content Creator Studios
Marsha Lee, Filmmaker, Definition Films
Jackie Len, Senior Counsel, Netflix
Peter Lenkov, Film and Television Writer, 101st Street Entertainment
Colin Lester OBE, Founder/Chairman, JEM Music Group
Loretta Levinson, Consultant, Starvox Entertainment
David Levy, Co-CEO / Founder, Horizon Sports & Experiences and Former President of Turner/WarnerMedia
Michal Levy, Writer, February Fifth Productions
Sharon Lieblein, Casting Director, Sharon Lieblein Casting
Sean Liebowitz, Agent, Creative Artists Agency
Cory Litwin, Managing Partner, Music, Range Media Partners
Danielle Livesey, Partner, Push Music Management
David Lonner, CEO, The David Lonner Co.
Gustavo Lopez, CEO, Saban Music Latin
Ben Maddahi, SVP A&R, Columbia Records
Sepideh Makabi, Director and Producer, NewMil Media
Shannon Makhanian, Casting Director
Gabrielle Malek, Marketing Manager, Universal Music Canada
Joshua Malina, Actor, Busy Izzy Productions, Inc.
Gabriel Mann, Composer/Producer
Deborah Marcus, Executive, CAA
Julianna Margulies, Actress/Producer/Author
Alex Markovitz, Producer
Orly Marley, President, Tuff Gong Worldwide
Harvey Mason jr, CEO of the Recording Academy
Nancy Matalon, VP of A&R, Spirit Music Group
Ann Mcelhinney, Producer, Unreported Story Society
Barry McPherson, Partner, Executive Vice President, Talent, Independent Artist Group
William Mercer, Partner, Thruline Entertainment
Debra Messing, Actress
Hilary Zaitz Michael, Co-Head & Partner, Literary Packaging at William Morris Endeavor
Altara Michelle, Actress
Marigo Mihalos, Celeb Talent, SIRIUSXM
Helen Mirren, Actress
Amie Mitchell, Producer, ASAM PRODUCTIONS
Robert Mor, Producer, Tallboy Agency
Patrick Mushatsi-Kareba, CEO, Germany, Switzerland & Austria, Sony Music Entertainment
DJ Nash, Executive Produce/Showrunner/Director, Next Thing You Know, Inc.
Guy Nattiv, Filmmaker
Gabrielle Neimand, SVP, Current for Streaming, CBS Studios
Jason Newman, Partner, Untitled Entertainment
Sharona Nomder, Owner, Morse Artists
Lisa Nupoff, Manager, IMIN Music
Tracy-Ann Oberman, Actress
John Ondrasik, Artist, Five For Fighting
Sharon Osbourne, Manager, TV Personality
Scott Packman, Founder and Managing Member, SSP Partners LLC
Ravi Parsan, Director, FV Films
Donald Passman, Partner, Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc.
Leo Pearlman, Managing Partner, Fulwell 73
Shelly Peiken, Songwriter, Shellayla
David Pick, CEO, Real Music TV
Mark Pinkus, President, Rhino
Jonah Platt, Singer/Actor
Wendy Plaut, SVP, Celebrity Talent, MTV/Paramount Global
Alla Plotkin, Co-Founder, Birch Public Relations
Monique Powell, Lead Singer, Save Ferris
Mike Praw, Music Executive
Steven Price, Film Composer, GSA
Michal Prywes, Sky with Stars Music
Sylvie Rabineau, Co-Head, Book to Film/TV, WME
Golan Ramraz, President, EGX Film Factory
Dani Reis, Artist Manager, Artist House
Remedy, Artist
David Renzer, Former Chairman/CEO, Universal Music Publishing
Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO, Universal Music Enterprises, UMG
Jade Reuben, Music Manager, Bold Management
Leeron Revah, Film Producer
Allan Rich, Songwriter, Gefilte Fish Songs
Frederic Richter, Senior Development Consultant, Tradition Pictures
Matt Ritter, Screenwriter
Lindy Robbins, Songwriter
Hanna Rochelle, Founder, Purple Productions LLC
Samantha Ronson, Artist
Dan Rosen, President, Warner Music Australasia
Rick Rosen, Co-Founder, Endeavor
Aaron Rosenberg, Partner, Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light
Ben Rosenberg, Head of Distribution, BBC
Emmy Rossum, Actress
Michael Rotenberg, Partner, 3 Arts Entertainment
Tom Rothman, Chairman, Columbia Pictures
Joshua Rothstein, Partnership Marketing Manager, Primary Wave Entertainment and CEO, Ice Cream For Dinner
Autumn Rowe, Singer/Songwriter
Gavin Rudolph, President, Audio Chateau Records
Odeya Rush, Actress
David Russell, Manager, Crush Music
Haim Saban, Chairman and CEO, Saban Capital Group
Rochel Saks, Manager, SAKS&
Jacqueline Saturn, President, Virgin Music
Anna Savage, Artist Manager, Fullstop
Leslie Schapira, Writer/Producer, Max
Colin Schaverien, Prolifica Management
Ayelet Schiffman, SVP Head of Promotions, Island Records
Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive & Music President, Electronic Arts
Liev Schreiber, Actor
Jordan Schur, CEO and Chairman, Mimran Schur Pictures and Suretone Entertainment
Eddie Schwartz, President, Music Creators North America
Sam Schwartz, Co-Principal, Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency
Nicki Seifert, Silverstone Music Group
Camila Seta, Executive, Brand Consulting
Stefi Shabashev, Songwriter
Ofer Shabi, Director, Soho Sonic Ltd.
Guy Shalem, Producer, Fox
Riki Shasha, PGI
Hillary Shaw, MD, Shaw Thing Management Ltd
Carly Shear, Hat Trick
Simon Shelley, Chief Commercial Officer, BBC Studios
Doniel Sherman, Solutions Architect, Netflix
Noah “Westside Gravy” Shufutinsky, Artist
Jeremy Silver, Producer/Songwriter, Paradiso Music
Ben Silverman, Chairman and Co-CEO, Propagate Content
Gene Simmons, Artist/Co-founder KISS & multi-hyphenate businessman
Ralph Simon, Chairman & CEO, Mobilium Global Limited
Tamar Simon, Owner, Mean Streets Management
Marty Singer, Attorney, Lavely and Singer
Brad Slater, Agent, WME
Reginald Smith, Director, Wesson Enterprises
Yehuda Solomon, Lead Singer, Moshav
Jeff Sosnow, EVP A&R, Warner Bros. Records
Donna Spievak, VP of Strategic Marketing, Interscope Records
Halle Stanford, President of Television, The Jim Henson Company
John Stark, Musician, Sony Music
Jonathan Steinsapir, Partner, Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir
Harriet Sternberg, President, Harriet Sternberg Management, Inc.
Roger Stevens, Lighter Entertainment
Gary Stiffelman, Founder, GSS Law
Lee Stone, Lee & Thompson
Victoria Stone, Vilee Media
Rachel Strassberger, Manager, Grassroots Music
Bryan Subotnick, Attorney, Business Affairs, Visionary Entertainment and Media
Gregg Sulkin, Actor
Gary Sumray, ABC
Aaron Symonds, Film Composer
Traci Szymanski, President, Co-Star Entertainment
Nina Tassler, CEO, Tassler, Inc
Adam Taylor, President, APM Music
Lou Taylor, CEO, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group
Noa Tishby, Author/Producer
Niv Toar, Composer, Noise Maker LLC
Fred Toczek, Partner, Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson LLP
Alisa Traskunov, Script Supervisor, Freelancer
Paul Trijbits, CEO, Magical Society
Harry Tschebiner, Composer, Freelance
Gabriela Tscherniak, Film & TV Director, Cohensisters Entertainment
Eric Tuchman, Writer, Producer
Michelle Tucker, Manager, Mon T Corp
Oded Turgeman, President, The Operating Room
Ronli Tzour, VP, Marketing, FAE grp
Anna Van Grimbergen, Music Producer, Freelance
David Ventura, Sony Music Publishing
Michèle Vice-Maslin, Music Producer/Songwriter/Publisher
Alex Voihanski, President, Paramount Business Group
Serene Vtn, Singer/Songwriter, Planet Studios
Jeremy Vuernick, President of A&R, Capitol Music Group
Diane Warren, Songwriter, Producer
Joshua Washington, Artist/Producer
Gregory Watton, Songwriter, Wemusicllc
Kevin Weaver, President, West Coast, Atlantic Records
Jon Weinbach, President, Skydance Sports
Guri Weinberg, Actor, Destiny’s Saloon
Nola Weinstein, Entertainment Executive
David N Weiss, Fat Dancing Productions Inc.
Debbie Weiss, President, Wonderful World of Animation
Philippe Weissberg, Boost
Adam Wells, Photographer and Filmmaker, Freelance
Ilana Wernick, Writer/Producer, Bonnie Meadow Road Productions
Shawna Wexler, Head of Talent, Sugar23
Russell White, Radio Presenter, Delite Radio
Nicole Wichinsky, Talent Agent, Stewart Talent
Modi Wiczyk, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, MRC
Evan Winiker, Managing Partner, Range Media
Ori Winokur, Musical Artist
Michele Woods, Sound Editor, Shaboogamoo Ltd
Craig Wyckoff, Talent Manager and Rabbi, Craig Wyckoff& Assoc. INc.
Summer Xinlei Yang, Producer / Founder, Summery Productions
Alicia Yaffe, SVP, Content Development and Marketing, Warner Music Group
Seth Yanklewitz, Casting Director, Yanklewitz/Pollack Casting
Sharon Tal Yguado, Founder & CEO, Astrid Entertainment
Melanie Yudolph, Right On Track
Sebastian Zar Esq., Attorney, Sedlmayr & Associates
David Zedeck, Global Head of Music, UTA
Jennifer Zeller, Promotion, Interscope Records
Rachel Zevita, Singer
Additional Signers:
Montana Tucker, Influencer
Noel Ashman, Producer
Jordan Glickson, VP, Music & Talent, Vevo
Joel Severino, Manager of Latin Programing, Vevo
Stephanie Liss, Playwright/Artistic Director, American Jewish Theatre Company
Courtney Hardin, Publicist, Paramount Global
Adam McCallig, Eurovision Influencer, AllThingsAdam.ie
Limor Gott Ronen, Producer, Gott Films
Millie Dweck, Video Production, Atlantic Records
Elisheva Herrera, Executive Director, American Jewish Theatre Company
Michael Kaplan, Writer/Producer
Noah Lehrman, Musician/Songwriter, Art Kibbutz
Lee Trink, CEO, RISE
Joachim Tromark, Musician, Faithland Music
Richard Svensson, Artist, YouKnow Richard
Anne-Marie Asner, Co-Founder, Animation Israel
Brett Greenberg, Music Business Affairs, United Talent Agency
Simon David, Partner, Confirmed360
Natanya Torn, Singer
Brett Gursky, Writer/Director/Producer, Magic Hour
Jonathan Rubenstein, Producer, Crystal City Entertainment
Laurie Klugman, Filmmaker/ Producer
Jennifer Chauvin, Propmaker
Moses Mah, Concert Producer, Moses Airlines/Moses Presents
Sammy Scher, Producer
Greta Gertler Gold, Composer-Lyricist, Performer, Producer
Mitch Tenzer, Attorney, Ziffren Brittenham LLP
Thomas McDaniel, Producer, Kodiak Pictures
Liana Brener, Actor/Singer/Creative Business Owner, Open Ocean Enterprises Pty Ltd
Olaide Ajewole, Singer/Actress, Open Ocean Enterprises
Jack Barton, Opera Singer, Opera Australia
Nancy Banks, Acting Coach, Nancy Banks Studio
Audrey Genevieve Holland, Actress
Steven Schub, Actor/Musician/Writer, Creative Ventures Agency (CVA)
Keaton Shyler, Actress
Robert Cowan, CEO & Founder, Point Blank Music School
Madelaine Cusick, Associate Producer, Entertainment Advertising
Anna Ruben, Actor
Brian Nabney, Musician, Criminal Records
Laura Saiter, Artist
Judie Aronson, Actor
Hadassah Weinreb, Artist/Actor
Fredrik Vogel, Media Producer, Vogel Media
Ashley Brucks, President, Screen Gems
Laurent Amir Haddad, Singer, Former Eurovision Contestant
** Note – The signers of this statement do so as individuals on their own behalf and not on behalf of their companies or organizations. All organizations and companies listed are for affiliation purposes only.
Cover photo: Asset ID 1643769724 KYIV, UKRAINE – FEBRUARY 08, 2020: Scene with Logo Eurovision during national selection during the Eurovision-2018 from Ukraine
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The Jewish community had a lot to process following the 66th Annual Grammys on Sunday night.
The Jewish community had a lot to process following the 66th Annual Grammys on Sunday night. There were moments to cheer, and moments to cringe.
In his remarks, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason, Jr. gave a three-minute speech about the uniting capabilities of music. Halfway through, he called out the horrific examples of terror attacks perpetrated deliberately on music fans around the world—including those of the October 7th attacks in Israel.
“Every one of us, no matter where we’re from, is united by the shared experience of music,” Mason, Jr. said. “It brings us together like nothing else can, and that’s why music must always be our safe space. When that’s violated, it strikes at the very core of who we are. We felt that at the Bataclan Concert Hall in Paris. We felt that at the Manchester Arena in England. We felt that at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas. And on October 7th, we felt that again when we heard the tragic news from the Supernova Music Festival for love, that over 360 music fans lost their lives, and another 40 were kidnapped. That day, and all the tragic days that have followed, have been awful for the world to bear as we mourn the loss of all innocent lives.”
Video clips of Mason’s words have been shared across social media by some of the most active defenders of Israel. Still, some people were irked that Mason called out the Paris, England, and Las Vegas terror attacks geographically, but neglected to say the word “Israel” when calling out the Supernova Music Festival.
Still, Mason continued about music and unity, as a string quartet played a somber tune.
“We live in a world divided by so much, and maybe music can’t solve everything. But let us all agree: Music must remain the common ground upon which we all stand together in peace and harmony. Because music has always been one of humanity’s greatest connectors. Think about it. Every song that we’re honoring or hearing tonight moved someone, no matter where they were from or what they believed, that connected them to others who are moved in the same way.”
Take the string quartet as individuals, Mason continued. “They sound really good. But together, they achieve something beautiful they could never do apart. These musicians of Palestinian, Israeli, and Arab descent are here playing together.” The crowd at the Crypto.com Arena erupted in applause. As of press time, the identities of the string quartet members were not readily available.
“Now is the time for us, for humanity to play together, to come together with empathy and with Love,” Mason concluded.
In 2021, Mason was honored as an Ambassador of Peace by the entertainment industry-focused pro-Israel nonprofit, Creative Community for Peace.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
As the program continued, photos circulated of TikTok star Montana Tucker on the red carpet wearing a giant yellow ribbon affixed to her dress with the words “Bring Them Home” across the top. Yellow ribbons are to create awareness and support for the 132 hostages held captive in Gaza by terror group Hamas for the past 120 days. Tucker’s dress was made by Israeli fashion designer Ortal Mizrahi’s MadeByILA.
Tucker has been one of the most (if not the most) active pro-Israel influencers for the under-30 crowd.
Tucker has been one of the most (if not the most) active pro-Israel influencers for the under-30 crowd. In 2022, she put her singing and dancing content on pause for several weeks as she posted a ten-part TikTok documentary about retracing her grandmother’s Auschwitz concentration camp survival story.
Also on the red carpet were pro-Palestinian fashion statements by several Grammy nominees. The three members of the band boygenius — Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus — wore “Artists4Ceasefire” pins on their suits. Poet Aja Monet came to the event with a watermelon-adorned clutch purse. The watermelon is a symbol of Palestine as its red, green and black are stand-ins for brandishing a Palestinian flag. Bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding wore a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh to the ceremony.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Later in the Grammys broadcast, singer Annie Lennox drew ire for shouting “artists for ceasefire” after singing a tearful rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” in honor of the late singer/songwriter, Sinéad O’Connor. Still, Hamas rejected a hostage and ceasefire deal with Israel yet again over the weekend.
At the end of the evening, there were several Jewish Grammy winners:
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
Jack Antonoff
“Being Funny in a Foreign Language” by The 1975
“Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” by Lana del Rey
“Midnights” by Taylor Swift
Best Musical Theater Album
Marc Shaiman – “Some Like It Hot” co-producer, composer & lyricist
Charlie Rosen – “Some Like It Hot” co-producer
Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media
Mark Ronson – “Barbie the Album” co-producer
Best Engineered Album, Classical
David Frost – “Contemporary American Composers,” co-engineer
Best Classical Instrumental Solo
Teddy Abrams – “The American Project” – conductor of the Louisville Orchestra
Dr. Dre Global Impact Award
Lenny Kravitz, co-recipient
On the heels of the release of an Open Letter in support of Israel signed by 2,000+ entertainment leaders, Creative Community For Peace (CCFP), held its fifth annual “Ambassadors Of Peace” (AOP) event.
AOP honors entertainment leaders who use their platforms to effect positive change in the world and who advance CCFP’s central belief that the arts and entertainment are a powerful force for building cultural bridges.
In addition to celebrating peace, this year’s event contained a more somber tone than in years past. AOP opened with a moment of silence for victims of the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7th and a collective rendition of “Oseh Shalom,” and the speeches highlighted not only the tenuous situation in Israel, but also the sense of anger, sadness, and fear that Jews around the world feel in this moment.
Gabriel Mann (Artist & Composer) singing Oseh Shalom.
This year’s honorees were Liev Schreiber, Actor, Director, Writer and Producer (A Small Light, Ray Donovan, Golda); Ezekiel Lewis, President, Epic Records (Artists include Future, Travis Scott, Black Eyed Peas); Kat Graham, Actress, Artist & UN High Commissioner for Refugees Goodwill Ambassador (The Vampire Diaries, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Trolls: TrollsTopia); Aaron Rosenberg, Partner, Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light; and Gustavo Lopez, CEO, Saban Music Group (Artists include Don Omar, Chesca, Yubeili).
The event was held at the Beverly Hills private residence of Sam Schwartz (Co-principal, Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency).
Artists and entertainment professionals from across the industry were in attendance, including Grammy Award-winning artist will.i.am; Co-Founder of Endeavor Rick Rosen; CEO of Mattel Ynon Kreiz; CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason jr.; Oscar-winning “Golda” Director Guy Nattiv; CEO/Co-Chairman of Warner Records Aaron Bay-Schuck; Songwriter Diane Warren; President of Music, Electronic Arts Steve Schnur; Chairperson of Epic Records Sylvia Rhone; Chairperson & CEO of Capitol Music Group Michelle Jubelirer; President of Virgin Records Jacqueline Saturn; Actress Odeya Rush; Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Music Group Julie Greenwald, and many others.
Ari Ingel (Executive Director, CCFP); Steve Schnur (Co-Founder of CCFP, Worldwide Executive & Music President, Electronic Arts); Harvey Mason jr. (CEO of the Recording Academy); Sylvia Rhone (Chairperson of Epic Records); Zeke Lewis (Honoree); David Renzer (Chairman & Co-Founder of CCFP, Former CEO/Chairman of Universal Music Publishing).
Artists and leaders paying tribute to this year’s honorees included Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, John Legend, Swizz Beatz, Meghan Trainor, Ciara, Ryan Seacrest, Haim Saban, Deepak Chopra, and others.
CCFP believes in the power of music, sports, film, and television to bring people together and bridge cultural divides. The organization aims to counter antisemitism within the entertainment industry and galvanize support for Israel. By honoring those who use their influence to promote peace, CCFP hopes to highlight the positive impact of the arts and entertainment in creating a more harmonious world.
Meghan Trainor (Artist)
On receiving the award, Liev Schreiber reflected on the urgency of this moment, “Last week, a friend of mine shared an old Hasidic quote with me that took my breath away: ‘There is nothing so whole as a broken heart’… It seems to me that maybe that’s what’s being asked of each of us right now, to think and to act with a broken heart.”
Ari Ingel (Executive Director, CCFP); Ynon Kreiz (Chairman and CEO, Mattel, Inc.); Rick Rosen (Co-Founder, Endeavor); David Renzer (Chairman & Co-Founder of CCFP, Former CEO/Chairman of Universal Music Publishing).
Honoree Gustavo Lopez shared, “We are here after the horrific events of October 7th (jn Israel) hoping they never ever repeat themselves. In no place on our earth should this ever happen…join me for this to end soon and for peace to reign.”
Steve Schnur (Co-Founder of CCFP, Worldwide Executive & Music President, Electronic Arts); David Renzer (Chairman & Co-Founder of CCFP, Former CEO/Chairman of Universal Music Publishing); Julie Greenwald (Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Music Group); Ari Ingel (Executive Director, CCFP).
will.i.am (Artist, Producer) presents the Ambassadors of Peace award to Zeke Lewis.
CCFP Chairman, David Renzer shared, “To think that 260 innocent girls and young men were killed at a concert is beyond comprehension. It’s unspeakable. I know that you join me in the tears I’ve shed, and the tears we shed for all innocent victims. CCFP believes in coexistence and the power of music and the arts to unite. And that’s what we really have to hope to turn to in better times.”
Honoree Aaron Rosenberg said, “Every group of ‘other,’ whether large or small, deserves to have a homeland where they are free and safe to be ‘other’ without worrying about hate, without worrying about terror…We cannot stand idly by, we cannot stay silent and allow the hate and terror and false propaganda from others to wipe Israel off the map ‘from the river to the sea.’ Everyone, Israelis and Palestinians deserve, everyone deserves a homeland where they’re free and safe to raise their children in peace.”
Tori Kelly (Artist)
CCFP Executive Director Ari Ingel stated, “Americans are finally seeing what CCFP has been screaming about for years, that these anti-Israel groups and BDS activists aren’t interested in peace or coexistence…they’re interested in the destruction of Israel and the demonization of Jews. That’s what BDS is, that’s who these anti-Israel activists are.”
Honoree Ezekiel Lewis shared, “In pain and mourning, we come here tonight seeking peace…This room gives me hope, is a microcosm of what the world can be—people from all different religious and ethnic backgrounds uniting to stand for peace. This is why I value the mission of CCFP, creating an environment where the magic of education and understanding can happen between different communities…. Let the example of this room, this microcosm of peace and diversity, permeate throughout the world. In honor of all of our ancestors, let us continue to use music to unite the world.”
Michelle Jubelirer (Chairperson & CEO of Capitol Music Group)
Honoree Kat Graham said, “I want to express my heartfelt deep gratitude to CCFP for this recognition and for their unwavering commitment to promoting tolerance, diversity, and peace through the arts and culture…organizations like Creative Community for Peace remain particularly indispensable at times like these to foster unity and understanding.” Kat was also gifted a Magen David diamond ring from jeweler Rachie Shnay’s “Mazel” collection.
The beverage hosts for the evening were Casamigos, Golan Winery, and Three Weavers Brewing.
Kat Graham (Actress, Artist & UN High Commissioner for Refugees Goodwill Ambassador)
Liev Schreiber (Actor, Director, Producer)
The evening concluded with live performances by Epic Records recording artist, Tori Kelly.
Tori Kelly (Epic Records Recording Artist)
For more on this year’s Ambassadors of Peace event, check out coverage in Los Angeles Magazine, watch a video of the event below, and make sure to download a digital copy of the tribute book to see all the beautiful messages from our sponsors. [LINK]
You can read the original article here.
The comedian landed in the country Monday before visiting families at the headquarters of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
Jerry Seinfeld is showing support for the families of Israeli hostages after arriving in the country earlier this week.
According to multiple local news sources, the comedian and Seinfeld star landed sometime Monday and has since visited the headquarters of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Tel Aviv. The actor, who has been recorded traveling around the country by multiple news outlets and by people who have posted sightings to social media, reportedly had an “emotional” meeting with a group of families, according to Haaretz.
The hostage advocacy organization shared with the outlet and others that the comedian “told the families that he feels a deep commitment to raising awareness around the world about the issue of the hostages, whose lives are in immediate danger” and that Seinfeld’s family was “very moved, and it was evident that they were deeply affected by the experiences they heard from the family members and the released hostages.”
“We thank the Seinfeld family for their moving visit to the families’ headquarters and their unwavering support for the families of the hostages,” the organization said in a statement. “We are confident that their support will be a significant and important step in our shared mission to bring about the immediate and safe return home of all the hostages.”
According to the Times of Israel, Seinfeld met with families of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip and those recently released. The comedian’s presence in Israel was captured yesterday by local Israeli broadcaster Channel 13, which reported that the actor’s meeting with families lasted two hours longer than scheduled.
In one Channel 13 video shared to social media, the comedian can be seen wearing a dog tag that displays the phrase “Bring Them Home” — something Hareetz reports has become a popular way to signal solidarity with both the hostages and their families.
Seinfeld is the latest Hollywood name to visit the country. Comedian and actor Michael Rapaport and director Quentin Tarantino have visited the country in recent weeks. Music producer Scooter Braun is also currently visiting, according to updates on his Instagram Story.
Seinfeld was among a group of major Hollywood players, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Michael Douglas, Liev Schreiber, Amy Schumer, Debra Messing and Mayim Bialik, who signed an open letter in response to the Oct. 7 attack, backed by the Creative Community for Peace, in support of Israel in October.
The comedian has been a vocal supporter of Israel since the conflict started, including an Instagram post back in October detailing his time in the country as a teen. “My heart is breaking from these attacks and atrocities,” he wrote. “I will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people.”
You can read the original article here.
The Pink Floyd co-founder has been criticized for statements that are perceived as anti-Semitic. Now 15 organizations have contacted his BMG label.
Roger Waters , co-founder of Pink Floyd , is once again criticized for anti-Semitic statements and actions. Now an alliance of 15 organizations has written an open letter to Waters’ music label Bertelsmann/BMG. In this they call on the label’s CEO, Thomas Rabe, to reconsider the business relationship with the musician.
Waters has repeatedly attracted attention recently because of controversial statements. In a lengthy blog entry, he criticized the “German psyche ,” which allegedly made him appear to the public as an anti-Semite and Putin-understander. Furthermore, an appearance by him in a coat reminiscent of an SS uniform and relativizations of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine before the UN Security Council caused a stir. Some local politicians in Germany have already tried to get his concerts banned .
When Waters recently compared the murdered Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh to Anne Frank at a concert, it struck a chord with many representatives of the Jewish community. In a merger, they addressed his label with clear words.
15 organizations against Roger Waters
15 different organizations participated in the letter written by the “Creative Community For Peace”. These include the Central Council of Jews in Germany and the “Anti-Defamation League”.
The letter to CEO Thomas Rabe states: “[…] We believe that artists have a unique and important responsibility to speak out against bigotry, given their enormous influence in today’s world. Mr. Waters has repeatedly shown that he is determined to do the opposite – and would instead use his voice, his platform and his public microphone to fan the flames of hate.”
Previously, reference is made to various incidents in connection with the artist. The comparison of Shireen Abu Akleh with Anne Frank is mentioned, but also an alleged call by Waters to destroy the state of Israel.
The alliance further stated: “Given Bertelsmann’s unique history – particularly its actions during World War II – we find it concerning that the company would continue to benefit from this relationship, especially when you have recently shown that anti-Semitism is not on your list should have space. We respectfully ask you to reconsider BMG’s professional relationship with Roger Waters and look forward to your response.”
So far, neither Rabe nor a spokesman for BMG nor Roger Waters have commented on the written letter.
You can read the original article here.
15 Jewish organizations join forces
By: JONATHAN ANDA AND KOLJA GÄRTNER
July 19, 2023 – 11:49 a.m
Los Angeles/Frankfurt – Pink Floyd founder and Israel hater Roger Waters (79) is heavily criticized for his views and his appearances (Nazi outfits, pig-shaped balloons with a Star of David). Politicians wanted to prevent his concerts in Germany – in vain .
Now 15 Jewish organizations have come together and written a joint letter to Thomas Rabe, chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann (Waters’ record company BMG). They ask that the business relationship with Roger Waters be reconsidered.
The open letter is a response to Roger Waters’ recent concerts in Germany, where he appeared in a Nazi-like uniform and compared a Palestinian-American journalist to Anne Frank.
The sender is the non-profit organization “Creative Community For Peace” (CCFP), which is joined by the following organizations: World Jewish Congress, Central Council of Jews in Germany, Simon Wiesenthal Center, European Jewish Congress, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Council for Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs, B’nai B’rith International, Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs Canada, Community Security Trust, Conference of European Rabbis, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Conseil Représentatif des Institutions juives de France, South African Jewish committee of representatives.
The open letter in full:
“Dear Mr. Rabe,
As you may have seen, BMG client Roger Waters recently caused an uproar in Germany when he donned a Nazi-like uniform and Shireen Abu Akleh – a Palestinian-American journalist who tragically lost her life while working in a war zone – compared to Anne Frank, a young girl who was murdered by the Nazis simply because she was Jewish.
In response to this latest incident, the EU Commission’s Coordinator for Combating Anti-Semitism and Promoting Jewish Life and the United States Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Anti-Semitism loudly condemned Mr. Waters.
The US State Department also stated that Waters’ recent concert “contained images that were deeply offensive to Jewish people and downplayed the Holocaust.” The State Department added: “The artist in question has a long track record of using anti-Semitic language to denigrate Jewish people.” Unfortunately, the State Department is 100% correct, as this is just the latest in a long list of disturbing anti-Semitic incidents from Mr. Waters.
In the past he has described British Labor leader Keir Starmer being controlled by Jewish organizations, he has released pig-shaped balloons with the Star of David at his concerts, he has falsely blamed Israel for the death of George Floyd and he has publicly called for the destruction of the State of Israel. All of this came at a time when anti-Semitic incidents are increasing at an alarming rate worldwide.
We believe that artists have a unique and important responsibility to speak out against bigotry, given their enormous influence in today’s world. Mr. Waters has repeatedly shown that he is determined to do the opposite – and would instead use his voice, his platform and his public microphone to fan the flames of hate.
Given Bertelsmann’s unique history – particularly its actions during World War II – we find it concerning that the company would continue to benefit from this relationship, especially when you have recently demonstrated that anti-Semitism should have no place on your list.
We respectfully ask you to reconsider BMG’s professional relationship with Roger Waters and look forward to your response.”
