Veteran actor Jon Voight has accused Spanish stars Penelope Cruz and her husband Javier Bardem of 'inciting anti-Semitism' after they signed an open letter condemning Israel's military action in Gaza that has killed over 1800 Palestinians. In an open letter written to the Hollywood Reporter, the 75-year-old actor says that the couple should "hang your heads in shame."
"My name is Jon Voight and I am more than angry, I am heartsick that people like Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem could incite anti-Semitism all over the world and are oblivious to the damage they have caused."
He claims that Penelope and Javier are "obviously ignorant of the whole story of Israel's birth." In late July, Penelope, Javier and other Spanish actors, directors and writers wrote an open letter urging Israel to "lift the blockade, which the Gaza Strip has suffered for more than a decade" and "open border crossings to facilitate the mobility of the population, the entry of medical equipment, medicines and food." Voight is up for an Emmy award for his role in 'Ray Donovan' and it remains to be seen how his latest statement affects his voters.
Meanwhile, Voight's daughter, Angelina Jolie, recently shared her opinion about the situation in Gaza, saying, "I force myself to watch these news programs and to read the papers, but it hurts, and it's so deeply sad because there doesn't seem to be an answer for what we can do."
Israeli strikes on Gaza early today killed 11 people, including an Islamic Jihad commander, raising the Palestinian death toll to over 1,820, according to Gaza health officials. More than 9,320 people have been wounded in the 27-day conflict. The dead include 398 children, 207 women and 74 elderly people. On Israeli side, 64 soldiers have been killed. Two civilians and a Thai worker in Israel have also died.
Tuesday, August 05, 2014 17:35 IST