Throughout his multifaceted career, Wallace Shawn has made significant contributions to theatre, film, TV and political discourse, establishing himself as a distinctive voice in American arts and letters.
As a taste, here he is in the Big Bang Theory spin-off Young Sheldon:
As an esteemed actor, playwright, essayist and Jew, Shawn has never shied away from discussing difficult topics. In a candid and impassioned interview with Current Affairs, he addressed the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering his unfiltered thoughts on the morality of resistance, the historical roots of the conflict, and the broader implications of Zionism.
Shawn began by acknowledging the complexity of the situation, particularly the plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza. He openly admitted his own admiration for figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jesus Christ, expressing a deep respect for the principle of non-violence. However, he made it clear that he does not feel he has the right to judge Palestinians who choose to resist violently, given the immense suffering they endure.
The Nature of Evil and Historical Parallels
Shawn did not mince words when comparing Israeli actions to those of the Nazis. He stated that Israel’s policies, seizing land, displacing Palestinians, and committing atrocities, are no less evil than what was done to the Jewish people in the Holocaust. He even suggested that in some ways, Israel’s actions might be considered worse, as they are carried out in the open, without secrecy. Whereas Hitler attempted to hide the Holocaust, Shawn argues that Israel’s government openly flaunts its military actions.
The actor pointed to the deliberate targeting of civilians, the destruction of hospitals, and the blockade preventing food and medicine from reaching children as irrefutable evidence of moral bankruptcy. He found it incomprehensible that anyone could fail to see the evil in these actions, stating plainly that those who do not recognise this reality exist in a “different universe” from him.
The Role of Hatred and Its Consequences
Shawn reflected on the escalating hatred created by Israel’s actions, arguing that the cycle of violence is self-perpetuating. He suggested that many Israelis today who support their government’s policies might one day look back with regret, questioning how they could have justified such brutality. He also noted the irony in Israel’s claims that its enemies hate it purely due to antisemitism, rather than acknowledging the oppression and violence inflicted upon Palestinians.
October 7 and the Illusion of Spontaneous Violence
When discussing the Hamas-led attack on October 7, Shawn found it absurd to pretend that it emerged from nowhere. He emphasised that Palestinians have been subjected to oppression and mistreatment since 1948. While acknowledging that individual Israelis who lost loved ones may feel a desire for vengeance, he highlighted that even some family members of October 7 victims have called for mercy and compassion rather than more bloodshed.
Netanyahu, Antisemitism, and the Global Perception of Jews
Shawn sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing his policies as “unimaginably horrible for Jews.” He expressed his hope that the world does not conflate Netanyahu’s actions with Jewish identity, fearing that Jews around the world could be wrongly blamed for the atrocities being committed in Gaza.
The actor dismissed concerns about rising antisemitism on college campuses, suggesting that much of what is described as antisemitism is actually criticism of Israel. He argued that conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism is itself antisemitic, as it falsely equates all Jews with Israel and reinforces the “dual loyalty” stereotype. Shawn was also sympathetic to students protesting against Israel’s actions, saying that those who support Israel’s military campaign “deserve to be yelled at” and to see slogans equating Zionism with Nazism.
Zionism and the Illusion of a Jewish State
Shawn discussed the historical evolution of Zionism, noting that early Zionists were unsure where their “Zion” should be located. He found the idea of ethnic-based states problematic, attributing much of Israel’s militaristic nature to its foundational ideology. He was critical of the belief that a Jewish state could exist in the Middle East while mistreating its native Palestinian population, pointing out that hostility was inevitable under such conditions.
Referencing American President Woodrow Wilson’s advocacy for national self-determination, Shawn argued that the concept of ethnically homogeneous states has been largely disastrous. He believes that states, by their very nature, tend towards militarism; something that Israel has exemplified from its inception.
The Risks of Speaking Out in Hollywood
When asked whether his outspokenness might impact his career, Shawn acknowledged the possibility but remained indifferent. While he conceded that a fervent Zionist in the entertainment industry might choose not to work with him, he noted that such individuals are unlikely to be casting him for roles in the first place. More broadly, he expressed doubt that many pro-Israel voices in Hollywood have taken the time to educate themselves on the history and suffering of the Palestinian people.
For Shawn, the question is not about career repercussions but about moral clarity. He remains steadfast in his belief that Israel’s actions are indefensible and that the world must reckon with the truth.
The whole conversation with Wallace Shawn can be read here
