What’s New
At the glittering 96th Academy Awards, amidst the glamour and celebration, a profoundly somber note was struck by Anat Fabrikant, an Israeli Olympian, and her husband, Ynon Kreiz, CEO of Mattel. The couple showcased their solid support for the 130 hostages held by terror groups in Gaza since the harrowing events of October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel. They were seen donning dog tags symbolizing the Israeli public’s unyielding commitment to bringing the hostages home.
Why It Matters
The engagement of high-profile attendees at the Oscars in highlighting the tragic ongoing situation in Gaza underscores a growing concern in the international community for the welfare of the hostages and stresses the need for their immediate release. Although campaigns for a ceasefire drew some attention, the decisive stance taken by Fabrikant and others served as a powerful reminder of the individuals still suffering at the hands of terror organizations. Their message: “Together we will win” and “Our hearts are held hostage in Gaza,” poignantly calls for unity and action.
Noteworthy Support
Sarah Idan, former Miss Iraq and a voice for peace in the Middle East, made a standout statement at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party. Wearing attire symbolically highlighting the plight of the 19 women among the hostages—emphasizing the stark reality that not all have survived—the humanity behind the numbers. Additionally, a freed former hostage, Mia Schem, leveraged her presence at the same event to keep the spotlight on those still suffering in captivity.
Amplifying Voices for Peace
Despite notable demonstrations advocating for an immediate ceasefire, the collective effort to bring attention to the hostages at the Oscars and its adjoining functions shines a beacon of hope for their eventual liberation. By leveraging high-profile platforms such as the Oscars, advocates like Anat Fabrikant, Sarah Idan, and Mia Schem are making significant strides in holding the world’s attention on the human cost of conflict, pushing for peace and the safe return of all hostages.
The Jewish Moment of the Night
In a particularly poignant moment, Jonathan Glazer, winner of the Best International Feature for “The Zone of Interest,” a thought-provoking cinematic take on the Holocaust, called upon the narrative of Jewish suffering not to be misused but remembered, acknowledging the complexities and the shared humanity in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Conclusion
As the 96th Academy Awards recede into history, the bold steps taken by attendees to highlight the urgent humanitarian issues in Gaza leave a powerful legacy. This elevation of human rights concerns, specifically the call for the release of hostages held by Hamas and related terror groups, serves as a solemn reminder that amidst our celebrations, we must not forget those who cannot be with us—the true measure of our humanity. The night proved that activism, compassion, and the arts are intertwined, making powerful statements that resonate far beyond the red carpet.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.