Late Monday evening, the renowned 'Stranger Things' actor Noah Schnapp shared a profound video, voicing his heartfelt wishes for the innocent hostages in Gaza to be reunited with their families, and equally praying for the cessation of the tragic loss of innocent lives in Palestine. Schnapp addressed the online backlash stemming from his social media posts related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, emphasizing his firm stance against any killing of innocent people and revealing that he has gained significant insights from candid discussions with friends of Palestinian descent.
In a nearly two-minute TikTok video, Schnapp offered a heartfelt statement, clarifying his position. "My thoughts and beliefs have been gravely misinterpreted, and I wish to set the record straight from the heart," he said. "My sole desire is for peace, safety, and security for all innocent people affected by this devastating conflict."
Schnapp continued, "I believe that anyone with a shred of humanity yearns for an end to the hostility on both sides. I unequivocally oppose any killing of innocent individuals, and I hope you all do too. My dream is to witness these two communities living peacefully side by side in that region."
The actor faced scrutiny in November after a video surfaced of him alongside others smiling and displaying stickers bearing slogans like "Hamas is Isis" and "Zionism is sexy." Additionally, social media users claimed that he had liked an Instagram clip from the Israeli TV show 'What a Wonderful Country,' which satirized allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia in higher education.
In his TikTok, Schnapp acknowledged that following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, he had engaged in numerous candid discussions with friends from Palestinian backgrounds. "These conversations have been invaluable, and I've learned so much," he said. "One crucial realization is that we all aspire for the same things — the liberation of innocent hostages in Gaza and an end to the tragic loss of lives in Palestine, especially the countless women and children who are suffering."
Concluding his message, Schnapp expressed his hope that in 2024, people online would exhibit greater understanding and compassion. "We are all human, and we share a common bond. Let us love, support, and stand together in solidarity," he said.
Initially, following the Hamas attack on October 7, Schnapp, along with many in Hollywood, issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Israelis who had been senselessly attacked. However, in a since-deleted post, he also acknowledged his Jewish American identity and expressed his fear for his "brothers and sisters in Israel." He went on to condemn the brutal murders of innocent civilians and called for peace between Palestinians and Israelis, urging everyone to choose humanity over violence.
