In early January 2022, British actress Emma Watson, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, faced accusations of anti-Semitism.
On Watson's Instagram page, a photo appeared with Palestinian demonstrators and the caption "Solidarity is a verb."
The post was accompanied by a quote from the scientist and feminist Sarah Ahmed.
“Solidarity does not imply that our struggle is the same struggle, or that our pain is the same pain, or that we share the same hopes for the future.
Solidarity implies dedication and work, as well as the recognition that even if our experiences are different, and our lives and bodies are not the same, we still exist side by side, ”the message says.
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Publication from Emma Watson (@emmawatson)
Most of Emma Watson's subscribers supported the artist, some noted that she stands for truth and justice.
“It’s so touching, thank you very much, Emma, for talking about this humanistic struggle and shedding light on it,” writes one of the users.
“A brave queen, a real Gryffindor with a pure heart,” reads another comment.
However, the publication caused a negative reaction from representatives of the Israeli authorities.
Thus, the Israeli permanent representative to the UN Dani Danone posted a screenshot of Watson's publication on Twitter with the comment: "Ten points from Gryffindor for anti-Semitism."
The post was also criticized by Israel's ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan.
“Fiction is good in Harry Potter, but it doesn't really work.
If that were the case, then the magic used in the wizarding world could eradicate the evil perpetrated by Hamas (which oppresses women and seeks to destroy Israel) and the Palestinian National Authority (which supports terrorism).
I would be all for it! ”- Erdan writes.
British politician Alex Sobel reacted to the statements.
He accused Dani Danone of perverting the meaning of anti-Semitism.
“50 points from (party -
RT
) Likud for misleading about anti-Semitism.
This will not help anyone in the Jewish diaspora, ”emphasizes Sobel.
American activist Lee Greenberg expressed her disagreement with the criticism of Emma Watson.
She re-posted Danone's publication and stated that his reaction was "a perfect example of the thoroughly cynical and unscrupulous use of anti-Semitism to thwart elementary manifestations of solidarity with the Palestinian people."
Interestingly, in the profile of Emma Watson on Instagram, where the resonant post appeared, it is indicated that the page is run by an anonymous feminist collective.
Whether the actress herself was involved in the publication is unknown.
Still from the movie "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II"
© kinopoisk.ru
Earlier, the American presenter John Stewart, a Jew by birth, in his podcast accused the author of "Harry Potter" J.K. Rowling of anti-Semitism.
The reason for this was the appearance of the goblins that appear in the films of the series.
Stewart argues that the characters at Gringotts are like the anti-Semitic caricatures of Jews featured in the 1903 book, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
“I ask people:" Have you seen the Harry Potter films? ... Have you seen the scenes at Gringotts? ... Do you know who runs this bank? ... Jews! "- says John Stewart.
According to the presenter, the people to whom he shows the image from the book believe that this is an illustration for "Harry Potter".
“Seeing it on the screen, I expected the public to be outraged:“ Damn it!
Rowling couldn't just shove the Jews into the wizarding world to run a damn underground bank. "
But everyone just shrugged: "The Magicians."
It was so weird, ”notes John Stewart.
Earlier, because of statements about the aggravation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Gal Gadot, the performer of the role of Wonder Woman, was at the center of the scandal.
The actress spoke on her Twitter page about her feelings for the Israeli people, and also expressed her hope for an end to the conflict.
"Heart is breaking.
My country is at war.
I worry about my family, about my friends.
I'm worried about my people.
This vicious circle has been going on for too long.
Israel deserves to live as a free and safe country.
Our neighbors deserve the same.
I dedicate my prayers to the victims and their families.
I pray that this unimaginable feud will end.
I pray that our leaders will find a way out so that we can coexist peacefully.
I pray for better times, ”Gadot wrote.
Some social media users were offended that the actress uses the word "neighbors" in relation to the Palestinians, which, according to bloggers, offends the inhabitants of the country.
Others said that in the conflict only the Israeli side is showing hostility.
Gal Gadot was accused of racism and support for genocide.
Some recalled that Gadot herself had previously served in the Israeli Armed Forces and accused her of the murders.
At the same time, the actress in one of the interviews said that she performed the duties of a fitness instructor.
Social media users have urged viewers to boycott films with Gadot.