135: Barlow Can You Go, with Sarah Alami

Quick Overview

Actress Sarah Alami joins the podcast to discuss her experiences as an outspoken critic of Israeli actions, detailing professional repercussions like lost work and friendships, while also highlighting the historical context of Palestine and critiquing celebrity silence and misinformation, particularly referencing Gal Gadot's comments on the Snow White remake's performance and the broader implications for public discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Key Points: Actress Sarah Alami asserts that speaking out for Palestine in Hollywood does not lead to rewards, refuting claims by Gal Gadot that pressure to criticize Israel caused the Snow White remake to flop; Alami states that celebrities who have been vocal against Israel have faced negative consequences. Alami shares her family's history, including 12th-century land ownership in Jerusalem and her DNA confirming her Palestinian heritage, directly countering narratives that Palestine was an empty land before Israel's creation. She details personal repercussions for her activism, such as losing work and friends, and notes a pervasive 'shameful silence' among many in the entertainment industry regarding the conflict. The podcast criticizes figures like Maia Morgenstern and Dalia Kurtz for perceived hypocrisy and misinformation, and expresses strong disapproval of Gal Gadot's 2014 post praying for Israeli soldiers amidst civilian deaths in Gaza. The hosts and Alami express disappointment with Chef José Andrés for posing with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, viewing it as a disrespectful use of his organization for propaganda after the actions taken against Palestinian civilians. The conversation emphasizes the need to understand the historical context and grievances that led to events like October 7th, arguing that justifications for Israeli actions are becoming increasingly hollow as documented evidence of destruction and civilian casualties mounts.

Context: This episode of the 'Bad Hasbara' podcast features actress Sarah Alami, known for her outspoken stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The podcast hosts, Matt Leeb and Daniel Mate, engage with Alami to discuss the challenges faced by individuals in the entertainment industry who advocate for Palestine, the historical context of the land, and the broader geopolitical narratives surrounding the conflict. Alami shares her family's deep roots in Palestine and her personal experiences with professional backlash for her activism.