BDS Actor’s Film Turned to Israel’s Advantage
A Hollywood actor’s BDS activism is producing a donation to a nonprofit organization battling the boycott movement on college campuses, thanks to an Atlanta Lubavitcher on whose property the actor is filming his latest movie.
from the Atlanta Jewish Times by Marcia Caller Jaffe:
Sandy Springs resident Dovid Antopolsky had agreed to rent out his house exterior and driveway for a movie shoot Monday, Feb. 13, but had second thoughts when he learned that the film features Danny Glover, a political activist who has been among the leading celebrities backing the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel.
Glover — who is shooting “Come Sunday,” an independent feature about an evangelical preacher who is ostracized for saying there’s no hell — signed an open letter Feb. 10 urging NFL players to cancel a seven-day visit to Israel, and he celebrated the decision of Seattle Seahawk Michael Bennett and others to skip the trip.
Jewish Atlanta experienced controversy over actors and BDS in January because Emma Thompson, the star of Atlanta Jewish Film Festival opening-night movie “Alone in Berlin,” had joined a call to boycott an Israeli theater group in 2012. Last year she said that decision was a mistake.
Glover’s position is clear, however, so Antopolsky, an electrical engineer/consultant, sought the advice of Rabbi Yossi New, the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tefillah.
Rabbi New advised Antopolsky to proceed with the movie contract, but with the stipulation that the rental fee be paid to a pro-Israel charity.
“I feel I have a chance to also make a statement,” Antopolsky said. “When a star like Glover makes public statements against a nation trying to defend itself, I want to express my disappointment. Further, I don’t want to be associated with blatant misinformation.”
The production company agreed to make the donation, and Antopolsky chose StandWithUs, whose mission is to fight propaganda, falsehoods and bias in the media and on campuses. The organization is bringing two Israel Defense Forces soldiers to Georgia for appearances at Atlanta Jewish Academy on Friday, Feb. 17, and at Georgia State, Emory, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia on Feb. 20 and 21.
Rabbi New said, “I thought it best to move forward with the movie shoot and call attention to our objections and what step could be taken to turn it into something more positive.”
shneer zlman
Was a competent Rav asked to pasken or decide this dilemma?
This action does not seem something to be proud of, but rather similar to the current approach or reasoning of the reform/conservative movements.
The halacha/obvious response, to this antisemite, is not to allow the production of an anti-israel, and antisemitic film on a ‘Lubavich ??’ site.
Milhouse
What gave you the idea that the film is antisemitic? The only problem is the actor’s personal views, so making him donate to a pro-Israel cause seems like a worthwhile thing to do.
Contract
There was a contract to use the house. Breaking a contract has major costs. This was a way to mitigate the harm done by accommodating this actor.
Well Done!
Very good decision from Rabbi New.
That’s showing excellent leadership when and where it is needed.
moishe pupik
They call this in yidish the hazer fis.This did not mitigate it,it made it look kosher like (pigs feet).