Introduction
An increasing number of SAG-AFTRA members want their leaders to address the ill-treatment of those who show support for Palestine. They felt the need after a heated statement from SAG-AFTRA about the recent violence in Gaza and Israel.
Unveiling the Controversy
SAG-AFTRA condemned the violence on Israelis after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This statement did not go down too well with some union members. They believe it didn’t consider the humanitarian crisis in Gaza enough. This has led to a plea for a ceasefire. They also want protection for people who stand up for Palestinian rights.
The Union’s Response and Open Letter
Over 700 union members signed an open letter to criticize the union’s response. They believe SAG-AFTRA president, Fran Drescher, and other leaders, should support a ceasefire. They also requested that they avoid bias against members supporting Palestinians.
Experiences and Reactions of Members
Well-known members such as Mark Ruffalo, Susan Sarandon, and Cynthia Nixon are among those who have voiced their concern. The chair of the SAG-AFTRA national MENA committee, Amin El Gamal, criticized the union. He claims they have overlooked his attempts to bring up these issues. He and others felt ignored. Some even faced threats and backlash.
Sarah Alami, a Chicago-based actor, is disappointed over the perceived bias against those who back Palestinian rights. She states that sharing these views has caused personal harassment and setbacks in her career.
Claims of Pushback
The open letter also revealed cases of people facing harassment and losing jobs due to their pro-Palestine position. An anonymous actor shared experience of receiving threats and a planned harassment campaign from industry insiders. These members believe the union has an obligation to prevent such pushback.
Appeal for Decisive Steps
The open letter urges SAG-AFTRA leadership to take a clear stance on the conflict. They need to guarantee that members will not face punishment for their beliefs. The members are seeking an end to the perceived bias in the union’s reaction to international issues. They also want a commitment to protecting principles of inclusivity and fairness.
Wrapping it up
This issue underscore the intense friction within SAG-AFTRA. It’s between members championing human rights and the official stand of the union on international disputes. The demand for leadership to tackle these issues and shield its members remains at the forefront of union activism.
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Check the full story on https://projectcasting.com/blog/casting-calls-acting-auditions/palestine-actors