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TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH FALSE RUMORS

 So– I wake up this morning to a barrage of emails giving me a link to a web posting that has been widely picked up. It says that Rabbi Hier at the Simon Wiesenthal Center (he and I were friends—I thought) claims I support the destruction of Israel because I signed (along with many other artists, historians, including eight Israelis, mostly filmmakers) a petition protesting the Toronto International Film Festival’s decision to feature a celebratory “spotlight” on Tel Aviv. We understand that by doing this the festival has become, whether knowingly or not,  a participant in a cynical PR campaign to improve Israel’s image, make her appear less war-like. The Israeli Consul General said a year ago that Toronto would be the launch site of an extensive “Brand Israel” campaign. Artists and others of us who love Israel do not want art to be used to whitewash the tragedies committed against Palestinians, most recently in last winter’s terrible war in Gaza (1400 Palestinians dead, mostly civilians, many more wounded, and there are documented human rights violations) and the ongoing blockade of Gaza that is deepening a serious humanitarian crisis, wreaking havoc on the lives of innocent people, and preventing reconstruction in the aftermath of the attack.
The letter we signed did not —repeat: DID NOT–call for a boycott of any part of the Toronto Film Festival. In fact, many of the people who signed the letter are showing films there and many of the Israeli filmmakers that go to the festival show films critical of Israel. We protest the use of Tel Aviv to rebrand Israel. We are standing up for integrity of art, not censoring anyone. The letter certainly did not call for the destruction of Israel or call into question the legitimacy of Tel Aviv as a city. But In the year when Gaza happened there shouldn’t be a celebratory spotlight on Tel Aviv.

I have been to Israel many times. The first was in the early 1980s and it was love at first sight…for the country and for its people. I stayed in a Kibbutz with the great Israeli novelist, Amos Oz, and his family. I raised money for a senior center in Haifa, for a girl’s shelter in Jerusalem. I have spoken at the Hebrew University. I traveled into Lebanon with the Israeli army in 1981. I went deep into Russia in the  80s to secretly meet with Soviet Refusenik, Ida Nudel, after which I a national speaking tour in the U. S. to build support for letting Ida go to Israel where she now lives. In other words, I have been intimately involved with Israel over 3 decades. On almost every visit I also went into the West Bank, met with Palestinian artists, visited Palestinian refugee camps, drove through the Israeli settlements that encroach increasingly into Palestinian territory. I have seen suffering on both sides. It is out of love for Israel and all that it promised to be that I protest the use of art (which is meant to search for truth) in this branding campaign. The greatest “re-branding” of Israel would be to celebrate that country’s robust peace movement by allowing aid to be delivered to Gaza and stopping expansion of the settlements. That’s the way to show Israel’s commitment to peace, not a PR campaign. There will be no two-state solution unless this happens.      

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171 Comments

  1. Thank you, Jane, for your clarity, your courage and for TURNING THESE RUMORS INTO AN OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE CONSCIOUSNESS. I am standing with you, thank you for speaking for me.

  2. Good move to post/intercept/clarify while story continues to spin here in headlines. ~ rX

  3. I believe in your right o protest as well as the freedom of artistic expression. However we all have what we consider limits to this when it comes to a sense of bad taste in eyes of ourself and others. Double edged sword for sure when trying to interpret who and what is right on this one..

  4. thanks Ms. Fonda. A very succinct accounting and interesting, on support for Israel as well as Palestine. So many issues become polarizing and confused. I congratulate you on the explanation for supporting the Toronto appeal. Your history of support for Israel and Palestine is exemplary! Hang in there!

  5. Interesting. Not sure I agree. I must think about it awhile but I can see that you have your heart toward the best for Israel no matter what anyone thinks. I will have to research and hear the other side before I can make up my mind. Thanks for sharing.

  6. I am offended that the media is trying to scrutinize you or any of the other amazing actors. I wanted to thank you for taking a stance like that and I do hope you stand by it and encourage others to think in the correct manner of what the media or the any of the IL PR government group will try to tweak, twist, and turn of your words. God bless your work and you as a human being. I too, stand against the Toronto film festival going to this extreme as a test city knowing what the situation entails. To a peaceful future.

  7. Hi Jane
    Last December Israel slaughtered thousands of Gaza residents,including hundreds of school children.The rest of the world did nothing then and after when it prevented aid from reaching the people.
    This year,against the wishes of the UN,Israel has been creating more settlements,with violence,in Palestinian territory.
    I dont understand how you can support this terrorist country.

  8. There are many proofs that Jews are smart. So some of them – like in other nations – must be stupid. Festival in Toronto should start with reminder of begining of the II World War – IF ANYTHING.

    Art should be an independent planet with no countries, politics and propaganda.

    Best wishes, stay strong, as always, Jane.

    Zbiggy

  9. Individual artists and countries have used the arts for years to make political statements. I know that over the years that you have done that many times. I see nothing wrong with Israel doing the same thing. Just as you have the right to sign the petition that you signed.
    I find it interesting that you quote numbers of deaths of the Palestines but you do not quote the number of deaths of people from Israel over the years. I am not saying that everything that Israel does is right but to be fair to both sides please do not only give one side of the tragedy that has been going on in Israel and in Palestine for many years. It takes both sides to compromise and reach an agreement for peace between Israel and Palestine.

  10. Jane,
    There is one thing I’ve always admired about you is speaking out for what is right, irregardless of the unpopular approval rating you know you’re going to get.
    I am not either pro or anti-Israel-I’m just pro humanitarian. Thus the film festival should not be used as a political spring board for covering up the unreasonable campaingns against the Palastinian state.

  11. We live in a time where it seems accusations come easier than thinking. It sounds to me like you were using sound thinking. I just wish the world would start doing more of that.

  12. Well Jane, this is why your my kind of person, I feel deeply about the how the art are used on the international area. I also feel that your very right in your action, that other artist act way to not commercialize war and injustic. I behind the concept 100%. Even with my life going down hill you have but a light in a dead view. Thanks Jane you have did bring me back to life for a time. Not sure how long I have , but your makeing the last few weeks better.

  13. Thank you for continuing to speak the truth. There is much misunderstanding, particularly in American faith communities,about the Israelis and Palestinians and it is only through committed voices such as yours that truth can ever prevail. God’s grace and love extends to ALL people. Please do keep on doing what you do.

  14. Well said. I run a wildlife sanctuary and we have students studying with us (Non invasive research) from all around the world. Many are from Israel, and are now good friends of mine.
    Even though it is their country, they too despair and want a peaceful solution.
    That is why we should NEVER judge a person on their nationality.

  15. Israel is indeed a beautiful country as you noted. Whether one agrees with your opinion or not, it ought to be respected. Israel and her allies are democracies that should let every voice be heard (critical or not) without fear of violence upon the person(s) expressing those opinions. I trust that good people like you and President Carter never called for Israel’s destruction.

  16. Jane,

    What an articulate, critically tough out position/
    s, opinions that I share with you wholeheartedly.
    Not surpirsed that the personal history you bring to the details of your response: your visits to Israel, your thoughtful fundraising, your support of the arts and living on a Kibbutz with Amos Oz(!); all these diverse experiences add weight to your humanistic and thoughtful response here.
    Not surprisingly this is an issue easily polarized and often doesn’t led itself to critical thinking, not just thinking critically.
    Not surprisingly you are targeted by those who aren’t thoughtful in forming opinions and can’t accept, a classy apology and, for whatever reason, need a scapegoat.
    In my book you are taking the heat for all of us who are progressive humanitarians; I hope you feel our support and appreciation. Glad you found a talented and great looking man. I hope this helps.

    Most Sincerely,

    Matthew DeCoster

  17. I also came to me that information. I felt annoyed when my country became a meeting Interventions to support Israel in Gaza.

  18. I understand what your saying, Jane. I’ve read about this. I’m glad you are responding to the accusations. I don’t know much about the history of Israel, or the Palestinian people, but it makes sense for these people to have a two-state solution rather than continuing to fight each other. It seems like it should be so easy to have peace rather than war…..but that is often not the case in many situations around the world. It’s puzzling!!!!!??

  19. Hello,
    I’ve heard the name, “Jane Fonda” before but never gave it much attention. Tell you the truth, I couldn’t even tell someone what makes Jane, “Jane Fonda.” Recently, with the boycott of the film festival Jane has received a lot attention… at home and abroad. So I took the opportunity of searching who this Jane character “is.” Now that I found what makes Jane, “Jane,” there are two words I would like to say to you Jane… Thank you.

  20. Yesterday, when I read a quote attributed to you which refuted Heir’s statements, I was glad to see that you were not going to allow yourself to be lied about by him.

    His statements about you were intentionally dishonest and I hope you take it one step further and demand a retraction and an apology. You deserve both.

    Robbing indigenous people of their native land in order to establish the present-day Jewish state was a mistake in 1947 and it remains a mistake today. The middle east and much of the world is galvanized against this Jewish state and in time the matter will be resolved in favor of the indigenous people because it will no longer make any sense to any nation to continue to support the ongoing violence.

    While you favor a two-state solution, I do not and neither do the indigenous people whose lands are currently occupied by the Jewish state. A two-state solution will never be acceptable to those who were robbed of their native land and displaced by a US-UN backed creation. The sooner this fact is understood and accepted, the sooner a real “solution” can be agreed upon by all concerned.

  21. Dear Jane,

    The petition you signed is a complete racial attack. You take about Palestinians. there is no Palestinians. Go to your history teacher before you make any comments. This is The Jews land. Not anyone else. It’s a shame there are people that encourage hate. Why don’t you spent some time and learn about the 6 million Jews who lost their life.

    Absolute hatred. It’s a shame

    I only hope you get to learn more about Israel. It was always the Jews. The arabs came in to a land that has always been ours.

    There should never be a two state solution, Israel is Ours not anyone elses.

  22. Rumors suck, but they happen. It really doesn’t matter what people say because you know the truth. You can post it right here and tell the ones that matter the truth. Any fan of yours isn’t going to believe what they read unless they’re reading it off your blog.

  23. Jane, God Bless you and thanks as always, for the distilled, balanced lense. With love, Nirmala

  24. Well said. It is unfortunate that the zealots have hijacked the debate and made it almost impossible for any reasoned comment – just as it would have once been impossible for a Northern Ireland Protestant to say that he thought there was such a person as a honest Catholic! The siege mentality takes over.

    To a long time observer from the South Pacific it has appeared that what is needed in this debate is the type of reasoned commentary that Walter Cronkite brought to Vietnam and later Ted Kennedy to Northern Ireland.

    Despite the old saying it is possible to be “agin” something and to be for the people.

    For a thousand years Art has been the messenger feared by the despot and zealot alike.

  25. You’re in over your head here. Tel Aviv was a city founded by Jews out of NOTHING decades before Israel was recognized by the United Nations. Who said that the celebration of Tel Aviv is an effort to refocus the debate of the Israeli-Arab conflict? Can’t the [LEGAL] triumph of Jewish immigrants over adversity in Palestine be celebrated? Is there not a more righteous cause for you to take up?

  26. Hi Jane,

    I continue to marvel at your unpolitical, neutral, and compassionate stance on conflict issues. I’ve lived long enough to know that there are many ways to look at one issue and not one answer is the only answer in any given situation.

    While I admittedly don’t know anything about the film issue in Toronto, you are the only voice I hear in the media that speaks to both sides of an issue – empathetically – that whichever side is right or wrong – 1,000s of innocent people die on both sides of conflicts around the globe due to political and religious differences. It’s unbearable to conceive in many ways from our US vantage point of safety and power. You are like a doctor in that way. You see only the human costs of conflict. With so many pundits constantly sounding off about one side or the other, I would love to see someone like you represent the third and most important side of the issue – the human side. I know that for me, it would bring a reality to news coverage today. Of course it’s important to know the reasons for strife, but the reasons, after war rages for years, decades, centuries, completely veil the human cost of violent conflict.

    Thanks Jane.

    SusanR

  27. Sorry to hear that! Lived in Los Angeles for a while back in the 1980’s and volunteered @ the Simon Wisenthal Center in the Library. Only about 6-8 weeks, but I got a lot out of it and remember it fondly. Only knew the ladies though, none of the rabbi’s. Not much is heard from them these days ~ brought back some memories . . . .

  28. Very well said. And, by the way, ditto for the US.

    When the Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse photos emerged I was flabbergasted several politicians wanted to block their release, arguing the images might incite hostility toward the US or (worse yet) “smear” our image abroad.

    Whether personally or politically, if you don’t want to “look” bad, don’t be bad. We show the world who we are by our actions, not words.

  29. You have fascinated me with your involvment in international issues for a long time & I admire your stands on difficult topics. The decision to express yourself using new media is a priceless gift. Thank you

  30. Once again Jane, you take the high road and are lambasted for standing squarely on the side of truth, honesty, human rights and the underdog abused by the powerful cadre of land grabbers and the needless slaughter, marginalization and psychological torture against a broken-spirited, poor and desperate people.

    No clarification was necessary Jane. We too well know the exploitative and purposeful twisting of facts politicians use to justify their own nefarious purposes. Unless people such as you and I have the courage to speak truth loudly and clearly in calling a spade a spade. Indeed Jane, art is not to be used as a propagandist tool for states to manipulate their public image and cast a glossy veil over their criminal acts. Well done Jane. Once more kudos for your high consciousness and passionately humanitarian soul.

  31. it’s a shame!we all pray for the peace in Israel!!don’t give a damn of gossips!peaople too happy to translate your acting in a false and fithy way!i apologise for my english!! frederique dhenein

  32. ps/i meant people and filthy: not so easy to writre in english! I hope you’ll understand!

  33. Hi Jane,

    It’s amazing that you continue to be so brave, despite the fact that it seems to so often throw you into the middle of controversy. You are like health care for all-a great, morally just idea that stubborn, ignorant people are determined to stop because of Fear. You continue to inspire me. I love your blog and your Facebook page. Keep up the good work, and know that there are people out here, like me, who love you.

    Carlane

  34. Jane Fonda makes a very persuasive case because the truth is on her side – as is her life’s record of doing good deeds and supporting causes that are not always popular at the time. This business about re-branding Israel by shooting from the hip has accomplished what it often does: a wannabe gunslinger/mouthpiece is now hobbling about gingerly on crutches – one foot bandaged from the painful results of trying to shoot from the hip, and the other foot visibly swollen from having had it recently removed from his big mouth quite expertly and publicly by Ms. Fonda. Continued success in all you set out to do, Jane Fonda.

  35. BECAUSE of your anti-Vietnam stance I’m sure you’re aware that whatever you do will be tainted by THAT because the chickenhawks cannot get over the war “they” lost…although the majority of them didn’t see a day of service there!

    One of the things most people miss when reading the bible is that in the beginning when the Hebrews went into *Palestine,* [which didn’t EXIST until the Romans destroyed the Second Temple and sent the Israelis into exile], Adonai told them to DESTROY ALL THE INHABITANTS, much like America did with the Indians—but they disobeyed the orders of THEIR GOD—which shows that the Jews have always been a compassionate people.

    Growing up in a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood i always had to balance my Jesuit/Malcolm X theology with the fact that MOST of my best friends were Jewish, and damn near all the best looking girls were.

    Israel has bent over backwards to Palestine for the past 60 years, but to no avail, because the world follows what Dostoevsky calls the unwritten commandment—Love thy neighbour but HATE the Jews!

  36. thanks for standing up for Palestine. it is hard to do this in the United States where we have all been brainwashed to believe there is only one side to the story of the war.

  37. Well written, well put, and THANK YOU!!!

  38. Why don’t you just live the rest of your life quietly. Just check into a nursing home and spend the rest of your days asking for forgiveness for the things that you have said and done. No one wants to hear your negative thoughts or unAmerican feelings. You have done your best to tear down my country. Just go away!

    • For the record, Susan, the kind of Americanism that you bluster forth in your response is precisely why our country is failing. All talk, no actual thought. It is in fact your brand of Americanism that needs retirement — not Ms. Fonda’s heartfelt views and logical constructions about what may bring peace to Israel.

  39. Sadly, the “friends of Israel” have taken the position that anyone not 1000% supportive of every action taken by that government and it’s population are traitors. Much of this is a to-be-expected reaction to decades of war and strife, situated as they are in the midst of many nations and peoples who wish their destruction. But it has reached a level that surpassed even the worst of northern Ireland.

    Even the otherwise-inspiring Kirk Douglas has ended his friendship with the equally inspiring former President Carter over statements as equally rational and fact-based.

    No government in the Middle East has the “higher moral ground” anymore… but as long as everyone tries to claim it the insanity will continue.

  40. Jane,

    Thanks again for taking a stand.

    Rebecca

  41. Well said Ms. Fonda. The Israel Palestine conflict will NEVER end if the Israeli government doesn’t start to show a more humane side. I’m not defending the current (very flawed) government of Palestine but the civil population.
    Hate is brewing More and more on both sides each and every day, blood is still being shed and that is not a celebrating matter.

    Keep up the good word (and thoughts).

    M.G.

  42. Jane,

    Are you surprised? Public figures from the arts, especially, who have the “audacity” to speak out on important issues, to make an impact, to take up a worthy cause, have always been lightning rods for criticism. Because you are willing to be exposed, to BE that flashpoint! Because it MATTERS! You have had to deal with this stuff for decades. And bless you for staying the course. Oh, how I adore you. Oh how I admire you.

    So be it, Jane. The false rumors will only shed light on the TRUTH, ultimately. Thinking, rational people will see that Rabbi Heir’s smokescreen is just that.

    Attributed to Mother Teresa:

    People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

    If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

    If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

    If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

    What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

    If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

    The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

    Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

    In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

  43. Jane,

    Although we’re on opposite ends of the political spectrum, I have no doubt as to your dedication to Israel, its survival and security. Those who criticize your decision should do so with a sense of respect, admiration and gratitude for what you’ve done for Israel over the course of your life.

    For me, my knowledge of your past and dedication to both Israel and the Palestinians makes this decision surprising. I know that you do so with the best of intentions. So, as between friends, I’d like to explain why I disagree.

    * Self-defense – Israel’s operation in Gaza was done out of self-defense. 1,300 people were killed. But, beforehand, 1.5 million people were living under the threat of Hamas rockets, in bomb shelters. A whole segment of Israel was simply shut down – people could not go to work, children could not go to school. What was Israel to do?

    * Factual inaccuracy – 1,300 people were killed in Israel’s Gaza operation. But subsequent inquiries have determined that the majority (if not vast majority) of individuals killed were Hamas militants. That distinction should be made.

    * Collective Punishment – I’m sure you’ll argue (rightfully so) that innocent lives were still lost. This is unfortunately true. And, in fighting terror, Israel must ensure that it only strikes enemies of peace – and not innocent people. But, to a certain extent, the same goes for you. Not everyone in Tel Aviv supported their country’s actions in Gaza. On the contrary, as I’m sure you know, Tel Aviv is arguably the intellectual epicenter of Israel’s secular left wing. I’m sure you have no intention of doing so, but your proposal essentially punishes these people for actions they did not support.

    * Support for Hamas – I’m sure that you and your peers simply intend to oppose the violence and loss of life involved in the Gaza operation. Understood. But your actions may have the unintended consequence of supporting Hamas – an organization openly dedicated to Israel’s destruction that has brought misery to the Palestinians.

    So allow me to propose an alternative – go to the film festival and, when there, voice your criticism of the Gaza operations. No one will construe your involvement as tacit support for what took place. You will only support dialogue – something that has been absent in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the recent years. And, as a person dedicated to humanity and to Israel, you are a needed part of that dialogue.

    Respectfully yours,
    Yigal

  44. Having lost my father in Vietnam,I was never a fan of yours after I seen you astride an anti-aircraft gun.But why do you and the elitist Hollywood still hold a hatred for our country.Even if its turned into a communist country as you wish,you will still be of little use to anyone.Hollywood and people like you are on the way out(you just don’t know it yet,because your nose is too high).My family came to this country to get away from the same holocaust that you wish to revive.The day will come when real Americans can stand over your grave and piss on you as you have done to so many fallen Patriots.May hatred of you live long through history!

    • How is protesting a devastating and imperialistic war in any way holding a hatred for our country or wanting it to become communistic? Perhaps Ms. Fonda took it a bit too far by posing in N. Korea, but I’m sure she did this out of love of our country and our soldiers, not hatred. How is standing up for human rights and protesting yet another imperialistic war (Israel trying to gobble up Palestinian territory) in any way holding a hatred for our country or trying to revive a holocaust? How is having one set of beliefs being a real American, but any questioning or dialogue and suddenly one becomes a non-real (fake?) American or anti-semitic? There is a huge difference between questioning a country’s governmental policies and hating that country or its people. Finally, wishing hatred on someone will not convince anyone that your opinions are valid; on the contrary, people will find you unreasonable and not even bother to listen to what you have to say.

      That being said, I do think that stars in Hollywood sometimes seem to get carried away with all the adulation they receive and end up believing themselves to be much smarter than they actually are. After all, many of them are high school dropouts and few have even finished college, much less having become scholars that are experts in any one political field. On the other hand there is no question that they do reach the masses and thus help in the dialogue. And dialogue can only help everyone in understanding the different points of view and reaching better informed decisions. And so I applaud Ms. Fonda for letting her opinions be known even (and especially) when they’re unpopular.

  45. sorry about this, its such are hard thing to be involved with the bright lights and stardom. i wish the rumors would become the past tense … issue but as long as those lights shine on you in one way or another it will be there i am so sorry. its a hard thing to deal with at times..

  46. Well stated!

  47. The point clearly at issue seems to be that if the Israeli Consul General think ‘Brand Israel’ a good idea (contentious) in the first instance, then in the second instance they shouldn’t use art as their vehicle. It undermines artistic integrity, and muddies the relationship between art and politics (always muddy anyway).

    Assuming the benefit of the doubt for TIFF, that they didn’t know they were being manipulated by the ICG, it is still unbelievable that no-one there thought this wouldn’t be a contentious issue. I assume that with this in mind they thought about deferring the ‘Spotlight on Tel Aviv’ theme for another year, or just going ahead and seeing what would happen.

    Either way, the spotlight has been shone and has shown up the cynical and manipulative face of the ICG. Which is no bad thing. It is a bad thing, however, when art and artists suffer as a result.

    It is a difficult situation made even more difficult by the high-running passions of everyone involved on the Israeli or Palestinian side. With such inveterate opinion on both sides, it is all the more likely that words and actions intended otherwise will be hijacked by one faction or another.

    And how awful to lose a friend in that way too. I hope it is a misrepresentation of his opinion and that he will apologise. But if not, you’re better off without people like that around you.

  48. Absolutely fantastic. I completely agree with your stance on this. I refuse to glamorize what’s going on in Israel – or any devastation for that matter – and no one else should either. I really love how strongly you stick to your beliefs and convictions. I’m constantly fighting for animal rights and preservation, which isn’t a subject many people care to deal with, so people are constantly misconstruing what I say or do to make it seem as if I’m just this hateful person or something, but someone has to fight for them. They can’t fight for themselves. Thank you, Ms. Fonda, for also fighting. I would really love to meet you some day. ^_^

    -Jayme

  49. there are always two sides to every story. The small country of Israel and her people have been defending themselves for centuries against their enemies. My husband lived on the West Bank in the 70’s and the Palistinians welcomed him, and in return, he loved them. In ’95 we helped bring Russian Jews from the Black Sea to Haifa, Israel. We love the Jews. We love the Palistinians. I’m disappointed by your decision to boycott.

    • Do a google search for Jane Fonda, Danny Glover and Eve Ensler. Do any articles come up for Danny Glover or Eve Ensler “boycotting” a festival or calling for the destruction of israel? Funny, isn’t it?

  50. Hope you & your fans have/will read Richard North Patterson’s profound novel “Exile” abt. the
    Israeli/Palestian conflict. I believe he’s been criticized for fairly portraying both sides. This compelling book educates while it entertains.

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