EXCLUSIVE: While this Oscar season has brought no shortage of controversy, the awards shows have been largely apolitical. That might well change Sunday at the Oscars because of a potential clash over the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. You’ll be able to tell because of the visible lapel pins attendees and nominees might wear.
Brigade was formed by a group of high-powered Hollywood publicists who coalesced the day after the vicious Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 to focus on messaging in support of Israel and the Jewish cause. The group, which has grown to over 700 in all segments of film and TV and organized screenings of unedited footage of atrocities that Hamas terrorists took on October 7, sent a fiery letter this morning to the organizers of Artists4Ceasefire. That group is a collective of over 550 artists and advocates also formed in October to press for a permanent ceasefire, full hostage release and delivery of aid to Gaza. These factions are both on the side of peace and compassion, but their allegiances seem on opposite sides with the perception that Brigade’s sympathies are pro-Israel while Artists4Ceasefire’s sympathies fall with the Palestinian citizens who’ve watched their homes decimated in Israel’s efforts to root out Hamas from future attacks.
Brigade is responding to an Artists4Ceasefire email to its members, asking them to wear its support pins, which depicts an open hand with a heart in its palm.
Below is the letter from Brigade that Deadline has secured. It was sent in black lettering on an orange background, which is the color associated with 10-month-old Kfir Bibas and 4-year-old Ariel Bibas. Hamas last week returned their bodies and the body of their mother Shiri. While Hamas claimed the children were killed in an Israeli airstrike, the Israel Defense Forces said an autopsy proved someone used their bare hands to strangle the children, a revelation that has complicated the ceasefire and delayed the freeing of hostages on both sides, and created an international uproad.
It seems from here that the politics of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire is so complex that for well-meaning Hollywood folks trying to show support for a humanitarian crisis to be placed on one side or other by wearing a pin, probably isn’t the smartest thing here, but what do I know?
Here is the letter from Brigade, followed by the email from Artists4Ceasefire.
To the Red Hand Supporters,
We turned the other cheek when you pinned a symbol of Jewish murder to your awards lapels.
We took the high road when you cried for a ceasefire that already existed before Hamas shattered it on October 7th.
But today, we will not be silent.
On February 20th, the same day the world learned 10-month-old Kfir Bibas and his 4-year-old brother Ariel were strangled to death by their terrorist captors in Gaza, you doubled down—urging celebrities to proudly wear your bloodstained red hand pin.
Have you no shame?
That pin is no symbol of peace. It is the emblem of Jewish bloodshed.
In 2000, Palestinian terrorists in Ramallah lynched two innocent Israelis, ripped them apart limb by limb, and held up their blood-soaked hands to a cheering mob. That infamous image is now your “ceasefire” badge.
And on the very day it was discovered that the Bibas babies—innocent Jewish children—were strangled to death by the terrorist’s bare hands, you asked Hollywood to wear it with pride.
Is this ignorance?
Or is this deliberate, calculated malice?
It’s not peace.
You Claim to See Humanity on Both Sides. Yet You…
❌ Ignore the facts surrounding the historic barbaric October 7 terror attack on Israel
❌ Push your anti-Israel narrative even after Israel agreed to ceasefires with Hamas AND Hezbollah.
❌ Refuse to condemn Hamas’ grotesque, sadistic ceasefire tactics.Did you speak up when Hamas:
– Returned hostages on the brink of death, frail, bruised, and starved?
– Executed Israeli captives AFTER a ceasefire was reached?
– Traded mutilated corpses while laughing in the faces of grieving families?*Actors, Actresses, Filmmakers and people of our Hollywood Community, Read This Before You Wear That Pin Again* Would you proudly wear the emblem of a lynching?
Would you parade the symbol of people who strangled babies with their bare hands?
Because that is what the red hand represents.
To those who wore it without knowing—now you know.
To those who knew and wore it anyway—we see you and we will not be silent.
Members of the Brigade
Here is the email from Artists4Ceasefire program manager Isabel Naturman, which has been redacted in the mention of names of specific recipients and was sent before Sunday’s Spirit Awards:
Dear <REDACTED>
Hoping this finds you safe and well. Our big congratulations to you and <REDACTED> on the Spirit Awards nomination — I’m reaching out to see if <REDACTED> might consider wearing an Artists4Ceasefire pin at the ceremony this weekend and add her name to our letter.
Artists4Ceasefire is a collective of over 550 artists and advocates, formed in October 2023 to amplify the global call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, full hostage release, and delivery of lifesaving aid in Gaza. The pin is a representation of our continued advocacy for these demands, and symbolizes support for universal human rights and lasting peace.
Over the past year, artists like Mark Ruffalo, Ava DuVernay, Nicola Coughlan and Ayo Edebiri have worn the pin to major award shows, premieres, and on press tours. It would mean so much to have your help in continuing to strengthen our effort to save lives, and send a message that compassion must prevail.
If there’s interest, let us know, and we’ll send more info and a pin right away. We’re conscious of all that’s happening in this time, especially in LA, so we truly thank you both so much for considering.
With appreciation,
isabel
—
Isabel Naturman
Program Manager
