Noah Schnapp, the star of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, has recently faced a lot of criticism and controversy over his alleged support for Zionism, the political movement that advocates for the establishment and preservation of a Jewish state in the historic land of Israel.
The rumors started in November 2023, when a video surfaced online that showed Schnapp holding stickers that read “Zionism is sexy” and “Hamas is ISIS”. The video sparked a fierce backlash from many fans and activists, who accused Schnapp of being insensitive, ignorant, and complicit in the oppression and violence against the Palestinian people.
What is Zionism and why is it controversial?
Zionism is a complex and contested term that has different meanings and interpretations for different people. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Zionism is “a movement for (originally) the re-establishment and (now) the development and protection of a Jewish nation in what is now Israel.” Zionism emerged in the late 19th century, in response to the persecution and discrimination that Jews faced in Europe and other parts of the world. The main goal of Zionism was to create a homeland for the Jewish people, where they could live in safety, dignity, and self-determination.
However, Zionism also has a darker and more controversial side, as it involves the displacement, dispossession, and oppression of the indigenous Palestinian population, who have lived in the land for centuries.
Noah Schnapp Religion
| Name | Noah Schnapp |
|---|---|
| Birth date | October 3, 2004 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Citizenship | United States, Canada |
| Occupation | Actor, YouTuber |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Known for | Stranger Things, The Peanuts Movie, Bridge of Spies |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Is he Zionist? | No |
| @noahschnapp/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Noah_Schnapp |
What did Noah say and do?
Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers in Stranger Things, is a 19-year-old actor who was born in New York to Canadian parents of Jewish descent. He has previously expressed his pride and connection to his Jewish heritage, as well as his interest and curiosity in learning more about it. In 2019, he visited Israel for the first time, as part of a trip organized by the Jewish National Fund, a non-profit organization that supports the development of Israel. He shared his experience and impressions on his social media accounts, saying that he felt “at home” and “inspired” by the country and its people.
However, in November 2023, Schnapp faced a major backlash after a video appeared to show him holding stickers that read “Zionism is sexy” and “Hamas is ISIS”. The video was reportedly taken at a party in Los Angeles, where Schnapp and his friends were given the stickers by a pro-Israel activist group called StandWithUs. The group claims that the stickers were meant to be “funny and provocative”, and that they were not endorsing any political position or agenda. However, many people did not find the stickers amusing or harmless, but rather offensive and inflammatory, especially in light of the recent escalation of violence and tension in the region.
Many fans and activists took to social media to express their disappointment, anger, and disgust at Schnapp, calling him out for being ignorant, insensitive, and complicit in the oppression and violence against the Palestinian people. Some even called for a boycott of Stranger Things and Netflix, accusing them of supporting and promoting Zionism. Some also questioned Schnapp’s religion and identity, asking him if he was Jewish or Zionist, and if he knew the difference between the two. Some also accused him of being brainwashed and manipulated by the pro-Israel lobby and propaganda.
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How did Noah respond and apologize?
Noah Schnapp initially remained silent and did not address the controversy or the backlash for several weeks, which only fueled the speculation and criticism. However, in January 2024, he finally broke his silence and posted a video on his TikTok account, where he clarified his stance and apologized for his actions. In the video, he said:
“Hi everyone, I wanted to take some time to discuss everything that’s been going on online. I feel like my thoughts and beliefs have been so far misconstrued from anything even close to what I believe, and I wanted to just state from my heart how I feel. I only want peace and safety and security for all innocent people affected by this conflict. I’ve had many open discussions with friends from Palestinian background, and I think those are very important conversations to have, and I’ve learned a lot. We are all human, and we’re all the same and we should all love each other for that and support each other and stand together. And stand together for humanity and for peace.”
Schnapp also added a caption to his video, saying:
“I’m sorry for the hurt I caused. I hope you can forgive me and see that I’m trying to learn and grow from this. I love you all.”
The video has received over 10 million views and 2 million likes, as well as thousands of comments. The reactions have been mixed, with some people accepting his apology and appreciating his honesty and humility, while others rejecting his apology and accusing him of being insincere and hypocritical. Some people also pointed out that he did not explicitly mention or condemn Zionism or Israel, or express solidarity or support for the Palestinian cause. Some people also suggested that he should donate to or volunteer for organizations that help the Palestinian people, or use his platform and influence to raise awareness and educate others about the issue.
What are the implications and lessons of this controversy?
The controversy surrounding Noah Schnapp and his stickers has highlighted the complexity and sensitivity of the Israel-Palestine conflict, as well as the power and responsibility of celebrities and influencers in the digital age. The conflict is not a simple or black-and-white issue, but rather a multifaceted and nuanced one, that requires a lot of knowledge, empathy, and critical thinking to understand and address. The conflict also affects and involves millions of people around the world, who have different opinions, emotions, and experiences related to it.
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