Hispanic Actors Who Have Criticized Israel

The intersection of politics and entertainment often brings global conflicts into the spotlight through the voices of celebrities. In recent years, numerous Hispanic actors have publicly expressed criticism regarding Israel’s policies and military actions, particularly concerning the conflict in Gaza. These public figures have utilized open letters, award acceptance speeches, and social media platforms to call for ceasefires or condemn what they describe as human rights violations. The following list highlights Hispanic male actors who have taken a stand critical of Israel’s actions in the region.

Javier Bardem

This Academy Award-winning Spanish actor has been a long-time critic of Israeli military operations. In 2014, he signed an open letter along with other Spanish cultural figures that described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and called on the European Union to intervene. He recently reiterated his stance at the San Sebastian Film Festival, where he labeled the Israeli government as “the most radical history” and accused it of committing crimes against humanity. Bardem has consistently urged international leaders to rethink their unconditional support for Israel amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Pedro Pascal

Known for his roles in ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’, the Chilean-American actor has used his platform to advocate for Palestinians. He signed the “Artists4Ceasefire” open letter sent to President Biden, which demanded an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza. Pascal has also actively promoted fundraising efforts for Doctors Without Borders to provide medical aid on the ground. His social media posts have frequently highlighted the “catastrophic” loss of life and called for an end to the violence affecting civilians.

Gael García Bernal

The Mexican actor and director has joined international calls for solidarity with Palestine. He was a signatory of the “Artists for Palestine” pledge, committing to refuse professional invitations to Israel until it complies with international law. Bernal also supported fellow actors in public statements that recognized the power imbalance between Israel and the Palestinian people. His activism aligns with a broader movement in the film industry aimed at holding institutions accountable for their involvement in the conflict.

Oscar Isaac

Born in Guatemala, this Hollywood star added his name to the high-profile “Artists4Ceasefire” letter addressed to the US government. The letter condemned the killing of civilians and urged world leaders to facilitate a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life. Isaac’s participation in this collective action placed him among a significant group of artists demanding a halt to the bombing of Gaza. His stance reflects a humanitarian concern for the escalating violence and the safety of families in the region.

Diego Luna

The Mexican actor, known for ‘Andor’, has aligned himself with global movements critical of the ongoing war. He joined the list of signatories for the “Film Workers for Palestine” pledge, which calls for a boycott of Israeli film institutions implicated in the oppression of Palestinians. Luna has supported initiatives that demand an end to the blockade and the protection of civilian lives. His involvement highlights the growing support within the Latin American acting community for the Palestinian cause.

Benicio del Toro

This Puerto Rican Oscar winner has participated in public demonstrations of solidarity with Palestinians within the film industry. During the Cannes Film Festival, he joined a moment of silence and a rally to protest the killing of Palestinians in Gaza. Del Toro stood alongside Palestinian filmmakers and other international artists to draw attention to the violence and demand a stop to the attacks. His physical presence at these protests signaled a visible commitment to raising awareness about the crisis on a global stage.

Residente

The Puerto Rican rapper and actor René Pérez Joglar has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel in the Latin entertainment world. He postponed the release of a new album to focus on raising awareness about what he termed a “genocide” in Gaza. Residente also cancelled scheduled concerts in Spain after discovering that the festivals’ sponsors had financial ties to Israel. He frequently uses his social media channels to share graphic realities of the conflict and to urge his followers to not be indifferent to the suffering of Palestinians.

Wagner Moura

The Brazilian star of ‘Narcos’ signed a strongly worded letter addressed to Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The document demanded that the Brazilian government break diplomatic and commercial relations with Israel in response to its military offensive. Moura and his fellow signatories described the situation in Gaza as “unbearable carnage” and called for immediate sanctions. His political activism in Brazil has been consistently aimed at pressuring the government to take a harder line against Israeli policies.

Luis Tosar

One of Spain’s most acclaimed actors, Tosar has been a vocal advocate for an arms embargo against Israel. He signed a manifesto demanding that the Spanish government stop the export and import of military material to and from Israel. Tosar publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him “public enemy number one” and describing the situation in Gaza as an atrocious spectacle of barbarism. He has urged the cultural sector to remain in a permanent state of critical observation regarding human rights violations.

Juan Diego Botto

The Argentine-Spanish actor used his acceptance speech at the Ondas Awards to deliver a powerful message regarding the conflict. He invoked the words of Holocaust survivor Primo Levi to warn against the dehumanization of Palestinians and demanded a definitive ceasefire. Botto has participated in demonstrations in Madrid, calling the situation a “genocide” that is being broadcast in real-time. He continues to demand that European political leaders take concrete measures to stop the “barbarie” committed against civilians.

Eduard Fernández

Upon receiving the Spanish National Film Prize, this actor made a symbolic protest by wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh during the ceremony. In his acceptance speech, he explicitly denounced the “genocide” in Gaza and read the names of Palestinian children killed in the conflict. Fernández stated that Gaza is a mirror in which the world sees itself and criticized the “savagery” of the military actions. His public display at a government-sanctioned event brought immediate media attention to the cause.

Carlos Bardem

The older brother of Javier Bardem, Carlos is an actor and writer who has been fiercely critical of Israel on social media and in the press. He actively calls for a political and economic boycott of Israel similar to the one imposed on apartheid South Africa. Bardem has stated that “words are not enough” and that the international community must intervene to stop the “crimes” against the Palestinian people. He frequently posts messages ending with “Free Palestine” and “No to Genocide.”

Antonio de la Torre

This prolific Spanish actor has participated in street protests and read manifestos condemning the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. He was quoted during a demonstration stating that while he spoke, “innocent Palestinian children are being murdered by a genocidal government.” De la Torre has joined other cultural figures in demanding that the Spanish government take a firmer stance against Israel’s military operations. His activism focuses on keeping the memory of the victims alive and pressuring for political change.

Nahuel Pérez Biscayart

The Argentine actor, known for his work in international cinema, is a signatory of the “Film Workers for Palestine” pledge. This commitment involves refusing to work with Israeli cultural institutions that are complicit in the state’s policies. Biscayart has used his presence at film festivals to show solidarity with the Palestinian people. His stance is part of a wider wave of Argentine artists who have spoken out against the violence in the region.

Chico Diaz

A Brazilian actor of Paraguayan descent, Diaz signed the open letter to the Brazilian government calling for the severance of ties with Israel. The letter highlighted the “inhumane and cruel blockade” of Gaza and demanded an energy and military embargo. Diaz joined a coalition of artists and intellectuals pushing for Brazil to lead by example in the diplomatic isolation of Israel. His support for the cause reflects the strong solidarity movement within Brazil’s artistic community.

Gregório Duvivier

As a prominent Brazilian actor and comedian, Duvivier added his name to the collective demand for a break in relations with Israel. He has used his platform to criticize the “genocide” in Gaza and to support the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement. Duvivier frequently engages in political commentary that challenges the narrative of the Israeli government. His activism emphasizes the need for international pressure to ensure the self-determination of the Palestinian people.

Julio Manrique

The director and actor, who heads the Teatre Lliure in Barcelona, publicly stated that his institution “condemns the genocide in Gaza.” He announced that the theater would coordinate with others to carry out effective actions of protest. Manrique’s declaration made it clear that the cultural sector in Catalonia would not remain silent in the face of the conflict. His leadership has helped mobilize institutional support for the Palestinian cause within the Spanish theater community.

Alberto Ammann

The Argentine-Spanish actor, known for ‘Narcos: Mexico’, has been associated with the group of Spanish artists condemning the violence in Gaza. He signed the “Manifesto of Spanish Artists,” which criticized the inaction of the international community regarding the “apartheid and genocide” in Palestine. Ammann has supported calls for humanitarian corridors and an immediate ceasefire. His position aligns with the broader Spanish cultural sector’s vocal opposition to Israeli military tactics.

Emicida

The Brazilian rapper and actor is another high-profile signatory of the letter urging President Lula to cut ties with Israel. Emicida has long been a voice for social justice and has extended his advocacy to the Palestinian struggle. He joined colleagues in describing the events in Gaza as a “carnage” that requires a firm diplomatic response. His involvement brings the issue to a younger, politically engaged audience in Brazil.

Chico Buarque

One of Brazil’s most legendary cultural figures, Buarque is a musician, writer, and actor who has taken a firm anti-Israel stance. He signed the petition demanding that Brazil break diplomatic and commercial relations with Israel, citing the “genocide” of Palestinians. Buarque has previously cancelled performances in Israel in solidarity with the boycott movement. His consistent support for Palestine has made him a leading voice in the Latin American cultural boycott of Israel.

Gilberto Gil

A cultural icon and former Minister of Culture in Brazil, Gil also signed the letter calling for a rupture in relations with Israel. The actor and musician supported the document’s assertion that Israel’s actions constitute a violation of international law. Gil’s participation adds significant political and cultural weight to the movement in Brazil. He has advocated for peace but emphasizes that it cannot exist without justice for the Palestinian people.

Pepón Nieto

The Spanish actor made headlines with his blunt criticism during public demonstrations. He stated that while debates happen, “innocent Palestinian children are being killed,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Nieto has urged citizens to join protests and shout against the “genocide” to ensure it is not forgotten. His emotional appeals focus on the human cost of the war and the moral responsibility to speak out.

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