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Hollywood Becomes Involved-Toda Raba!

Thank you Hollywood, some of us have been waiting for those that have the platform to use it now. This time for Israel.

Many weeks ago how great it was when Howard Stern and Bill Maher and Joan Rivers, 3 very smart and sharp people (3 of my favorites) spoke up. It was what many of us wanted to hear as we were just in the beginning of this current war. I personally sent on the links of these stars to many I know and even posted it to Linkedin as I felt that I could reach colleagues around the world that way in one quick post. But we have been needing more of that sort of participation and attention on Israel from the stars.

Until then I had been wondering where the Hollywood Jews and non Jews alike were, since there had not been nearly enough speaking out from that group. The Creative Community for Peace has now been heard and written about at long last! It would be even more profound should they consider going over to Israel to truly be enlightened and exposed to the situation everyone is faced with. The petition was an excellent beginning to show support for the region. While numerous concerts and various performances were canceled over this summer maybe there is a way to bring that energy back to the country. My husband and I were supposed to attend the Paul Anka show (a gift to us) and that was one of the shows that many in Israel did look forward to. We could begin bringing in support once again from these entertainers.

There may be an opportunity here for the actors and musicians to take the stage in Israel. They will be in good company if they do so as they may recall Cindi Lauper and Barbara Streisand recently visited. We need Paul Simon (my husband and I saw you and Garfunkel way back in 1983 when we married-do you recall), and Paul McCartney and Elton John PLEASE return to Israel and how about a little Jackie Mason (a personal favorite.) Of course the list is endless. It would be wonderful for Arnold S. and Sylvester S.and Mayim B. to actually lead the way on to these flights.

I feel good about this sort of speaking out from the “famous” and the CCFP for stepping up to the situation and I also think that perhaps the best is yet to come from them all! There are over 200 executive signatures on the petition along with nearly 200 well known stars. It has been said that there are more that could also become involved. This could be the next mission to take place in Israel. The voice of the stars could be extremely instrumental at this point. Israel needs more from this platform. With the cooperation and participation of those that signed (and those that perhaps want to sign but didn’t get the chance to sign) the petition in support of Israel could help everyone in the region. It would get plenty of attention if the “hollywood” community traveled to Israel. They could demand a new focus on what needs to be done in order to stabilize the region at long last. That community has come to the rescue and supported so many critical times and issues that have erupted in the world.

I hope there are plans being made as I write, perhaps a huge show from the entertainers will be on the agenda. The next step from Hollywood is crucial and I hope to see them take center stage.

About the Author
Allyson Altit is from New York. She has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years as a leisure specialist. Her area of expertise is in European destinations and Israel. She has been involved with charity work for the Hadassah organization as well. In 2009 she graduated from Queens College majoring in Jewish studies. She has just completed writing her first novel...