Photo:Ernesto Ruscio/Getty
Ernesto Ruscio/Getty
The actress and activist, 77, posted astatement on InstagramFriday, in which she addressed the remarks she made at the Nov. 17 rally in New York City and apologized for saying that American Jews were “getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country.”
“Recently, I attended a rally alongside a diverse group of activists seeking to highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and call for a ceasefire. I had not planned to speak but was invited to take the stage and say a few words,” Sarandon began.
“Intending to communicate my concern for an increase in hate crimes, I said that Jewish Americans, as the targets of rising antisemitic hate, ‘are getting a taste of what it is like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence. This phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true,” she continued.
Added Sarandon: “As we all know, from centuries of oppression and genocide in Europe, to the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, PA, Jews have long been familiar with discrimination and religious violence which continues to this day. I deeply regret diminishing this reality and hurting people with this comment. It was my intent to show solidarity to the struggle against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry I failed to do so.”
Susan Sarandon/Instagram
Sarandon’s statement ended with a promise to continue pursuing humanitarian values and to hold an open dialogue on complex issues.
“I will continue my commitment to peace, truth, justice, and compassion for all people. I hope that we can meet with love and willingness to engage in dialogue, especially with those with whom we disagree,” she wrote.
Susan Sarandon speaks at a Pro-Palestinian rally and march in Union Square on November 17, 2023 in New York City.Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
The Council on American-Islamic Relations(CAIR) released a statement on Nov. 9, in which they said that in the month following the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, “a wide variety of Americans, including public school and college students, doctors and other workers, protestors, and mosques” have submitted reports of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias.
source: people.com
