DeepSummary
In this episode, host Jay Ruderman interviews actor Brett Gelman, known for his roles in shows like Fleabag and Stranger Things. Gelman discusses his Jewish upbringing in Highland Park, Illinois, and how it shaped his identity and values. He talks about his journey into comedy and the impact of his newfound fame from working on acclaimed shows.
Gelman opens up about his activism and advocacy against antisemitism, especially in the wake of the October 7 attacks in Israel. He shares his experience of visiting hospitals in Israel and speaking to victims, and the backlash he faced for his stance, including canceled book tour appearances due to safety concerns.
The conversation delves into Gelman's perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the misrepresentation of Jewish identity in Hollywood, and the line between criticizing Israeli policies and being antisemitic. He also addresses the lack of Jewish representation in the entertainment industry and the need for more inclusion and understanding.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Brett Gelman's Jewish identity and upbringing have greatly influenced his values and activism against antisemitism.
- The October 7 attacks in Israel had a profound impact on Gelman, prompting him to visit hospitals and support victims.
- Gelman faced backlash and canceled book tour appearances due to his outspoken stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- He criticizes the misrepresentation of Jewish identity in Hollywood and the lack of inclusion and understanding.
- Gelman advocates for better representation of Jewish stories and perspectives in the entertainment industry.
- He believes there is a line between criticizing Israeli policies and being antisemitic, and many cross that line.
- Gelman sees subtle forms of antisemitism in progressive movements that overlook the marginalization of Jewish people.
- He remains committed to speaking out and advocating for his community despite potential career consequences.
Top Episodes Quotes
- βSo there's a lot of subtle things that's playing into this really disgusting aspect of progressive thought that has completely removed the jew as a marginalized person.β by Brett Gelman
- βBut I don't think that they're helping the Palestinians either. But, yeah, they started calling to, you know, I'm doing a book tour, which is custom that you go around when you have a book coming out. You go to certain cities, you go to bookstores to do appearances, maybe read something, do some meet and greet, sign some books. And some of these protesters called some of these bookstores and intimidated them and got them to pull out of hosting me.β by Brett Gelman
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Episode Information
All About Change
Jay Ruderman
5/1/24
Brett Gelman is best and more recently known for his work on shows like Fleabag and Stranger things, but the actor has been around for years. Throughout his career heβs also been a vocal advocate against antisemitism and Jewish inclusion in Hollywood. Following the October 7 attacks, Brett stepped up his activism and has been a steadfast supporter of the Israeli victims of the massacre, making visits to hospitals in the days following, sharing their stories on social media, and recentering the conversation.
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Brett joined host Jay Ruderman for a conversation about his Jewish upbringing, being a public figure who speaks out, his latest book, to his desire to see more Jewish inclusion in Hollywood.
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