Steven Spielberg, whose Holocaust drama “Schindler’s List” came out 30 years ago, has yet to comment publicly on the Hamas terror attacks against Israel on Oct. 7. A group of Holocaust survivors is trying to convince him to change that.
“I have admired your career and especially your work to tell the world about the horrors of the Holocaust, in film, and in helping to document the experiences of tens of thousands of survivors,” wrote David Schaecter, 94, president of the Holocaust Survivors’ Foundation USA.
“That is why I, along with countless other survivors, are so heartbroken that, since Oct. 7, 2023, you have not spoken out and publicly taken a stand against terrorism, against Hamas and the millions who celebrate the shedding of Jewish blood—and want more,” Schaecter added in the letter, a copy of which was provided to JNS.
“With all my heart, I encourage you to speak out for the children, women and men kidnapped and held hostage, and in support of Israel and Israel’s right to defend herself,” Schaecter wrote.
He added that many in Hollywood have publicly stood against Israel. Others have supported Israel, but “their numbers are far too few,” he wrote. “Mr. Spielberg, ‘Schindler’s List’ was about one man having the moral courage to risk his life to save others. We are not asking you to risk your life. We are asking you to use your voice.”
“As the premier Jewish filmmaker in the world, your silence now is a comfort for our enemies,” the letter added. “We do not need another film in three years about the horrors of Oct. 7. Instead, we need you and others to speak out now, when it truly matters.”
The Holocaust Survivors’ Foundation USA told JNS that it had been informed that Spielberg read the letter, but the filmmaker has not responded.
