‘Red Alert’ Shines a Light on Antisemitism and Hollywood’s Inaction After October 7

‘Red Alert’ Shines a Light on Antisemitism and Hollywood’s Inaction After October 7

Throughout my nearly four-decade career in film and television, I have championed numerous causes. Working alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds has enriched my journey. This commitment to inclusivity preceded the rise of the so-called ‘woke’ generation; it was simply my worldview.

However, everything changed on October 8, 2023, the day after the tragic attacks in Israel. Suddenly, my phone fell silent. The calls I once received from a broad array of colleagues ceased. I no longer heard the familiar voices asking if I was okay or inquiring about loved ones in Israel. The Instagram posts from friends shifted to expressions like, ‘I’m trying to understand’ or ‘It’s complicated.’

Calls for Understanding Amid Atrocities

What was there to understand? Thousands of terrorists invaded Israel, committing acts of horror that left innocent people dead in their beds. The situation was far from complicated.

Equally concerning was the response from my peers. Many chose silence, while some outright denied the atrocities. Others appeared to justify the terrorism they witnessed. A striking example was the display of a red handprint, a symbol associated with two Israeli reservists murdered and mutilated in the violence.

A Clarity on Antisemitism in Hollywood

As a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 1995, I began to see the antisemitism bleeding into the industry. An industry that purports to uphold values of inclusion and empathy turned its back when our fellow Jews faced brutality. Even worse, some chose to blame Israel for the violence.

A Call to Action: Introducing ‘Red Alert’

Faced with this disheartening reality, I felt compelled to take action. The result is my scripted TV series on Paramount+, titled ‘Red Alert.’ My team and I created this project not just to entertain but to honor those who suffered during this traumatic period, including victims and survivors of violence.

This series represents a mission to shed light on their stories—an effort to illustrate the truths of these extraordinary individuals marginalized or overlooked by Hollywood and society at large. It is especially crucial now as the discourse shifts toward reconciliation; acknowledging the truth is an essential first step. Through ‘Red Alert,’ we dramatize that truth.

Universal Stories with Global Resonance

We aimed to appeal to a global audience, selecting narratives that resonate widely. The stories we chose highlight family bonds and underdog triumphs—such as a middle-aged mother racing to save her son, who simultaneously helps neighbors, or a father rescuing his child while ensuring the safety of an IDF unit. These narratives reflect a multicultural Israel, where many Arabs also faced violence. Ordinary individuals emerged as heroes in these extraordinary circumstances.

A Transformative Journey for All Involved

For me, working on ‘Red Alert’ has been a transformative journey. The characters in our show are based on actual individuals, some of whom joined us on set. This included a man whose wife was killed, a mother grieving her daughter, and a woman whose quick thinking saved one of our cast members’ relatives. Engaging with these stories has profoundly impacted me.

Changing the Conversation Through Drama

When viewers watch ‘Red Alert,’ I hope they find themselves moved by this powerful drama and that it fosters a new dialogue. For friends on the progressive side who have misconstrued the reality—excusing acts of terror and casting Israel in a negative light—I hope this series offers a clearer understanding of the undeniable truths.

A Lasting Legacy of Truth and Heroes

As the news cycles evolve, specific events may fade from collective memory. Yet ‘Red Alert’ serves as a lasting testament to the truth and the everyday heroes in Israel. This series strives to ensure that their stories are heard and remembered, shining a spotlight on the resilience of humanity in the face of unspeakable violence.