Jewish-American actor Wallace Shawn made headlines this week after making a controversial comparison between Israel’s actions in Gaza and Nazi atrocities during a podcast appearance. The 81-year-old actor, best known for The Princess Bride and Clueless, called Israel’s actions “just as great” as those committed by the Nazis, adding that in some ways, they are “worse.”
Speaking on The Katie Halper Show, Shawn, who has long been outspoken in his criticism of Israel, claimed that Israel “invaded somebody else’s territory” and “took people’s homes,” likening these actions to those of Nazi Germany. His remarks have ignited heated discussions, particularly within Jewish and political communities, as they come amid ongoing violence in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Shawn’s statements have drawn both support and fierce criticism. While some see his comments as an important critique of Israeli policies, others have condemned them as an offensive and inappropriate comparison. The backlash reflects the ongoing divisiveness surrounding discussions on Israel and Palestine, particularly within Jewish communities worldwide.
A History of Criticism Toward Israel
Wallace Shawn’s remarks did not come out of nowhere—he has been a vocal critic of Israel for years. A member of the advisory board of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), a left-wing anti-Zionist organization, he has frequently expressed support for Palestinian rights. In 2014, during a previous Israel-Gaza conflict, he spoke out against Israel’s military actions, and in 2023, he signed the Artists4Ceasefire campaign, urging then-President Joe Biden to push for a ceasefire.
In a 2009 interview with The Jewish Chronicle, Shawn expressed discomfort with the global perception of Jews as oppressors, stating, “I find it horrifying that Jews are seen… as victimizers who are very self-righteous about what they do.” He suggested that from a moral standpoint, it was “better when we were victims.”
His latest comments, however, mark his strongest condemnation yet. During the podcast, Shawn claimed that “the whole world knows” Israel is committing atrocities, arguing that they are intentionally starving civilians, withholding medical supplies, and bombing hospitals. While many in pro-Palestinian circles have echoed these concerns, critics have denounced his framing as inflammatory and historically inaccurate.
Outrage and Support Within Jewish and Political Circles
Shawn’s comparison between Israel and Nazi Germany has predictably drawn strong reactions. Some Jewish organizations and Israeli supporters have slammed his remarks as deeply offensive and historically irresponsible. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and other Jewish advocacy groups have often spoken against Holocaust comparisons in political debates, arguing that they minimize the suffering of Holocaust victims and distort historical realities.
On the other hand, pro-Palestinian activists and critics of Israeli policies have defended Shawn’s statements, viewing them as a necessary critique of the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. Groups like JVP, with which Shawn is affiliated, have long argued that Israeli policies amount to apartheid and ethnic cleansing, making his comments aligned with their perspective.
The controversy highlights the intense polarization surrounding the Israel-Palestine debate, particularly within the Jewish diaspora. Shawn’s remarks reflect the growing rift among Jewish intellectuals and artists, many of whom have become increasingly critical of Israel’s government while others remain staunchly defensive of the state’s security measures.
Wallace Shawn’s Personal and Cultural Background
Shawn’s outspoken views on Israel may be shaped, in part, by his upbringing and personal experiences. Born into a Jewish family in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, he is the son of longtime New Yorker magazine editor William Shawn. Despite his Jewish heritage, he has described his life as not being particularly centered around Jewish traditions or culture.
In his 2009 interview with The Jewish Chronicle, he noted that he and his wife, Deborah Eisenberg, do not actively practice Jewish customs, stating, “I live in an American world, a New York world, and a world world. But not particularly in a Jewish world.” This detachment from religious identity may have contributed to his willingness to critique Israel more freely than those who feel a stronger cultural or religious connection to the Jewish state.
As the debate over his comments continues, it remains to be seen how Shawn’s statements will affect his legacy. While he is celebrated for his contributions to film and theater, his political activism, particularly regarding Israel, ensures that his name will remain tied to one of the most contentious geopolitical discussions of our time.