Susan Sarandon apologizes for pro-Palestine comment at rally; read statement

Susan Sarandon spoke out about pro-Palestinian comments that led to her being dropped by a talent agency. She apologized in an Instagram post for saying that American Jews were getting “a taste of what it’s like to be Muslim in this country [Estados Unidos]”.

I recently attended a rally alongside a diverse group of activists seeking to highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and call for a ceasefire. I hadn’t planned to speak, but I was invited to come on stage and say a few words.

Intending to communicate my concern about the rise in hate crimes, I said that American Jews, as targets of growing anti-Semitic hatred, ‘get a taste of what it’s like to be Muslim in this country,’ so often subject to violence. This phrase was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently the Jews were strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true. As we all know, there are centuries of oppression and genocide in Europe, right up to the Tree of Life Congregation shooting in Pittsburgh, PA. Jews are long familiar with discrimination and religious violence that continues today. I deeply regret diminishing this reality and hurting people with this comment. My intention was to show solidarity in the fight against intolerance of all kinds, and I regret that I was unable to do so.

I will remain committed to peace, truth, justice and compassion for all people. I hope we can meet with love and a willingness to dialogue, especially with those with whom we disagree.