Two actresses have felt social media backlash recently over remarks they made about the wave of antisemitism seen since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. One actress, Susan Sarandon said that Jews were getting a taste of how it feels to be Muslim in America. Actress Julianna Margulies spoke about antisemitic behavior by black Americans and the LGBTQ community. Both women have issued apologies.

Both women are longtime progressive voices weighing in on social justice and human rights matters. It must have been a shock to them that people did not welcome their views on antisemitism. Progressives in Hollywood, in particular, are accustomed to using their platform to magnify political opinions. An interesting development since the October 7 massacres in Israel by Hamas has been the rise of progressive Democrats unapologetically standing with Israel.

Susan Sarandon spoke during an anti-Israel, anti-Jew rally in New York City. She claims she didn’t know she would be asked to speak. Regardless, she did and had no hesitation when it came to speaking out against Jews. The statement that got her into trouble was when she said Jews afraid for their safety ‘are getting a taste of what it is like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence.” Her flippant remark claimed that attacks on Muslims in America are so frequent that Jewish people can now understand how difficult it allegedly is to be Muslim here. The ignorance of the remark ignored the treatment of Jews from the beginning of their history as a people. Even for Sarandon, it was a breathtaking remark.

She released a statement of apology. She now says her statements during that rally were a “terrible mistake.” There is no comparison to be made between Jews and Muslims.

“Intending to communicate my concern for an increase in hate crimes, I said that Jewish Americans, as the targets of rising antisemitic hate, ‘are getting a taste of what it is like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence,'” she said in her statement on her Instagram account. “This phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true.”

She added, “I deeply regret diminishing this reality and hurting people with this comment. It was my intent to show solidarity in the struggle against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry I failed to do so.”

Statement from Susan Sarandon pic.twitter.com/F394QJ1LdO

— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) December 2, 2023

Her nod to the history of genocide and exclusion of Jews throughout history was a good beginning. She is 77 years old and her history of activism is well-documented. Is she sincere in her apology now or was it issued because of the backlash she received immediately after her remarks went up on social media? I tend to think she is trying to remain relevant and employable. Who was surprised to see her at that rally? It’s who she is. She was dropped by the talent agency that represents her in Hollywood. I think this is just damage control that she would not be doing if members of her industry had not criticized her.

The other actress, Julianna Margulies, linked antisemitism with black Americans and with the LGBTQ community during a podcast. She made comments on The Back Room with Andy Ostroy podcast where she spoke out against the show of support for Palestine by the very people who would be killed by Hamas. Gay and lesbian people are killed by Muslims for being gay. Margulies was particularly disturbed about a black lesbian club at Columbia University that excluded Jews from being welcomed to see a film it screened. The club put up “No Jews Allowed” signs. The weird flex that Margulies took was that she was offended because she plays a lesbian on a television show and was insulted that lesbians were antisemitic on Columbia’s campus. She’s not a lesbian, she plays one on television.

She was surprised by the backlash against her remarks. She issued an apology.

“I am horrified by the fact that statements I made on a recent podcast offended the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities, communities I truly love and respect,” Margulies said in an exclusive statement to Deadline. “I want to be 100% clear: Racism, homophobia, sexism, or any prejudice against anyone’s personal beliefs or identity are abhorrent to me, full stop. Throughout my career I have worked tirelessly to combat hate of all kinds, end antisemitism, speak out against terrorist groups like Hamas, and forge a united front against discrimination. I did not intend for my words to sow further division, for which I am sincerely apologetic.”

Her apology rings a little more true. She voiced an opinion that most people understand – the apologists for Hamas are often the people that Hamas would kill without blinking an eye. I keep thinking about the sign that read “Queers for Palestine” and the lack of awareness is staggering. Our educational system has failed to do its job. The up-and-coming generation is ignorant. It’s a travesty.

As I said, both women have histories of being active in progressive politics. It’s a surprise to them when the critics come for them. They are hoping to smooth things over so they can continue to work and live to see another protest in which to participate. Or podcast.