Hollywood Veteran Shares Candid Perspective on Israel-Hamas Conflict's Hollywood Impact

Michael Seitzman, a seasoned writer and showrunner with a rich Hollywood background, delves into the repercussions of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and its influence on the entertainment industry in a guest column titled "Because Jews."

Drawing on his decades-long experience, Seitzman highlights a key principle in storytelling: managing information. He underscores the selective narrative focus on the tragedy of Wadea Al-Fayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy killed by his family's landlord, while omitting the horrific acts against Jewish civilians, including children and infants. Seitzman suggests that this omission arises from a simplification: "Because Jews."

He points out that a demand for a ceasefire with signatures from notable figures like Jon Stewart, Cate Blanchett, and others, stands in stark contrast to the anonymous letter that talks about "genocide" in the context of Israel's response to the October 7 attack. Seitzman challenges the secrecy behind the letter's signatories, asserting that true courage involves personal risk, not anonymity.

Furthermore, Seitzman highlights the stark contrast between the use of the term "genocide" for Israel's response, while Hamas openly calls for the murder of all Israelis and Jews worldwide, aligning more closely with the actual definition of genocide.

He concludes by acknowledging the shared desire for peace among reasonable individuals in Hollywood and the world, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and balanced narratives in addressing complex conflicts.