Natalie Portman Voices Support for Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Families Forum

Actress and director Natalie Portman marked International Peace Day by expressing her support for the Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Families Forum. In a social media post shared with her millions of followers, Portman highlighted the forum's work, stating, "Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost their dearest loved ones and refuse to let this grief turn into more violence." She added that instead of succumbing to violence, the families "sit together, listen, and choose reconciliation and fight for peace." Portman praised their efforts as "the most vital and difficult work on the ground, reminding us of our shared humanity."

The Oscar winner, who was born in Jerusalem and holds Israeli citizenship, concluded her message by saying, "I am proud to stand with them. I hope you will too." This statement follows Portman's earlier engagement with Israeli politics. In July, she publicly supported the Arab-Jewish party "A Different Approach" (Makoam Le'kulanu), which was formed by the grassroots movement "Standing Together." The party ultimately decided not to run in the upcoming Knesset elections to avoid splitting the vote.

In a July Zoom call with activists, Portman shared her dismay over the situation in the region, stating, "As many of you, I watch in horror what our people, Jews, Palestinians, and everyone living in this region, are forced to go through following unjust policies and conduct, to put it mildly." She identified herself as "a Jewish woman and an Israeli citizen" with deep love for the people, land, and future of the region. Portman urged a fight against despair, emphasizing the need to "fight for what we love most and what we believe in more than anything."

She also expressed gratitude to activists for offering hope and demonstrating an alternative path, acknowledging their bravery in protesting war, advocating for the return of hostages, opposing the "war of annihilation," supporting children in Gaza, and demanding safer streets and fairer wages. Portman concluded by calling to abandon politics of fear and division in favor of partnership, equality, and hope to build a new way forward.