A Whisperer to the Stars on the Middle East Conflict

The actress Debra Messing had a question: How do you share commentary about the Israel-Hamas conflict online in ways that will best influence others?She posed the question a few months ago in a room with about 30 other Jewish activists, allies and influencers participating in a one-day workshop held in Los Angeles by the Tel Aviv Institute, a nonprofit that aims to combat antisemitism primarily via social media.In particular, Ms.Messing wanted to know if a video she had reposted on Instagram, which showed young Palestinian children expressing their hatred for Jews, was constructive.“That’s very inflammatory,” she said.

“Would you say don’t share any of that kind of content?”The answer came from Hen Mazzig, the workshop’s leader, who has become something of a whisperer to Hollywood stars about how to best use social media platforms to express support for Israel and fight discrimination against Jews.“No, you should,” Mr.Mazzig, 34, replied.

“I think the framing is important.If you were to say, ‘Look at these people — there is no way to peacefully finish the job,’ that is not going to affect anyone.

But if you come from a point of view of saying, ‘My heart is broken for these kids, no kid should be raised this way, I want a better future for Palestinian children,’ that would go so much further.”He paused, then added, “Next time, you will text me, and we will work it out.”Since Oct.7 of last year, Hollywood has struggled with how to handle the Middle East conflict.

Usually a monolith in its support of progressive causes, the industry has become deeply divided.Influencers and celebrities alike have been sharply criticized for social media posts that have been interpreted as either antisemitic or Islamophobic.

Clients have been fired by agents, and agents have parted ways with agencies.Livelihoods have been compromised.

Former allies have become enemies.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript ...