Sarah Silverman wades into Israel-Palestinian conflict, and tiptoes back out
Published February 20, 2018
“Jews have to stand up EVEN when — ESPECIALLY when — the wrongdoing is BY Jews/the Israeli government,” Silverman tweeted on Friday, providing a link to an Amnesty International campaign calling to Free Ahed Tamimi.
Jews have to stand up EVEN when — ESPECIALLY when — the wrongdoing is BY Jews/the Israeli government. https://t.co/vIKDxgLm41
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) February 16, 2018
Tamini, 17, has been charged with 12 counts, including aggravated assault, hindering a soldier in the line of duty, incitement, threatening a soldier’s life and rock throwing. The indictment covers six incidents in recent months in which she was involved in altercations with Israeli soldiers, including the Dec. 15 slapping incident that was captured on video and went viral on social media.
She has been ordered held in prison until the end of legal proceedings against her. Last week, an Israeli military judge closed the courtroom to all but family members. The teen’s attorney argued to keep the trial, which has peaked international interest, open to the public.
Silverman’s original tweet generated dozens of responses – from those who called her way off base to those defending Tamini’s actions, some using much stronger language.
Among those who responded were Frimet and Arnold Roth, parents of Malki Roth, 15, who was killed in a Palestinian suicide bomb attack at the Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem in August 2001.
“Entertainers exploiting their fame are often a poor choice for clarifying what’s moral or good. Sarah, did you stand up for our daughter Malki and the other 15 Jewish lives extinguished by Ahlam Tamimi, Ahed’s cousin and role-model-in-life? Do you stand with Ahed’s call to kill?” the Roths tweeted to Silverman.
On the off chance, @SarahKSilverman, that the name Malki Roth doesn’t ring a bell, here’s one of the few photos we have. She’s holding the blind and catastrophically disabled sister she adored. Malki was murdered at 15. Ahlam Tamimi faces US Federal charges for her involvement. pic.twitter.com/U8UcwDbiCJ
— This Ongoing War (@ThisOngoingWar) February 16, 2018
Ahlam Tamimi, who assisted in the Sbarro attack, was arrested and imprisoned by Israel, and pleaded guilty to her role in the attack. She now lives in Jordan after being released as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal.
On Sunday Silverman admitted to not knowing enough about the conflict and announced that she would retweet pieces from people who are on the ground in Israel and Palestine.
The more I learn the less I feel I know I’m going to RT conflicting pieces on the israel/Palestine from people who R there & believe w every fiber they know who is right & who is wrong. Both are very convincing. Both may even be right. Here is one: https://t.co/z5SMyBkenj
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) February 19, 2018
She then retweeted responses on both sides of the conflict.
Early on Monday she capitulated, tweeting: “Dear palestinians/jews/israelis/and everyone w an opinion: I can only speak for me & all I care about is what is true, & what is just. Unfortunately, from what I see, those things seem to be wildly subjective. Only God/Allah/Hashem/Mr. Rogers knows….”
Dear palestinians/jews/israelis/and everyone w an opinion: I can only speak for me & all I care about is what is true, & what is just. Unfortunately, from what I see, those things seem to be wildly subjective. Only God/Allah/Hashem/Mr. Rogers knows….
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) February 19, 2018
Her followers tweeted their continuing support. “Just please never stop doing what you do,” tweeted one. Others indicated their approval of including Mr. Rogers in her list of deities.