A coalition of Hollywood celebrities is campaigning for the release of more than 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, with many remaining unfazed in their efforts to tell the captives’ stories despite frequent abuse on social media.
Among them was comedian Amy Schumer, who faced her own backlash from followers after showing her support for Israel online.
In response, Schumer muted comments from her 13 million Instagram followers and reposted the words and videos of others, including Times of Israel blogger Avi Lewis, Israeli activist Hen Mazig and attorney Brooke Goldstein, among others.
Along with dozens of other celebrities, Schumer participated in the #ReleaseTheHostagesNow campaign, organized by the non-profit organization Creative Community For Peace (CCFP), with TV executive Nina Tassler, studio head Emilio Schenker and with the support of Israel Hostages and Forum for missing families.
Each of the participating celebrities used their social media platforms to tell the stories of the more than 240 people kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on the morning of October 7.
On that Saturday morning, about 2,500 terrorists stormed across the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip by land, air and sea, killing about 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and taking at least 243 hostages of all ages under cover of a barrage of thousands of rockets fired at Israeli cities.
The viral campaign hopes to tap the significant audience of entertainment leaders on social media to galvanize international support for the hostages and their families.
Other entertainment leaders participating in the social media campaign include Debra Messing, Michael Douglas, Billy Crystal, Chelsea Handler, Zooey Deschanel, Elizabeth Banks, Jerry O’Connell, Joshua Malina, Alyssa Milano, Chuck Norris, Phil Rosenthal, Dr. Phil, Dean Cain, Kristin Chenoweth, Josh Peck, Juliette Lewis, Howie Mandel, Marg Helgenberger, Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham, Constance Zimmer, and more.
“With each passing hour, the health and safety of each hostage becomes more tenuous,” Juliana Margulies said. “We hope this campaign brings their stories to life, offers families the comfort of knowing they are not alone, and brings us one step closer to their safe release.” With every share, like and comment in support, the world unites against terrorism and in support of peace.
The campaign calls on the world to stand up against terrorism and express unwavering support for the immediate release of these hostages, said Creative Community for Peace Executive Director Ari Ingel.
“We must use every tool at our disposal to support these innocent victims of terror,” Ingel said. “Shamefully, posters of abductees around the world were torn down in a sign of anti-Semitic hatred. These are posters that no one can tear down.
Anyone can sign up for the campaign or receive updates on the Creative Community for Peace website.