More than 40 movie stars signed on Friday a petition supporting the Harry Potter star’s pro-Palestinian stance after her social media post about Palestinian solidarity drew ire from Israeli officials.
“We join Emma Watson in support of the simple statement that ‘solidarity is a verb’ including meaningful solidarity with Palestinians struggling for their human rights under international law” said in a statement signed by more than 40 movie industry notables.
“We recognize the underlying power imbalance between Israel the occupying power and the Palestinians the people under a system of military occupation and apartheid” the letter said.
Signatories to the pro-Palestinian missive include: Mark Ruffalo Susan Sarandon Gael García Bernal and Viggo Mortensen award-winning screenwriter James Schamus (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) Oscar-nominated directors Asif Kapadia (Amy) Mira Nair (Salaam Bombay) and writer/producer Oren Moverman (The Messenger).
Palme d’Or winner Ken Loach (I Daniel Blake) actors Michael Malarkey (The Vampire Diaries) and Matt McGorry (Orange Is the New Black How to Get Away with Murder) also signed on.
Last week an Instagram post on Watson’s account shared a picture from a pro-Palestinian rally with the phrase “Solidarity is a Verb”.
Israeli officials quickly condemned the post last week which was liked by more than one million social media users.
