“In the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks targeting Jews in Israel this past weekend, we must all do what we can to support the innocent people experiencing so much pain, violence, and uncertainty – particularly children,” declared Bob Iger tonight as the Walt Disney Company announced it is donating $2 million for humanitarian relief in Israel.
The Disney contribution comes as Hollywood leaders like Jeffrey Katzenberg, Warner Bros Discovery’s David Zaslav, and Haim Sabin, have spoken out in support of the Israel after the single most murderous day against Jews since World War II. Paramount Global and agencies WME, CAA, and UTA have also offered their support publicly as well as internally.
“We condemn these attacks, the hate that motivated them, and all acts of terrorism, and we will continue working to find more ways to provide support in the region, and to honor the victims, their families, and all those affected by this war, Disney CEO Iger said tonight, in language similar to what he has previously expressed to employees over the past five days. “First, I know that many of you have loved ones in Israel, and I cannot imagine how terrifying the last few days have been seeing the brutality unfold,” Iger told a Jewish Disney staffers group in a memo sent yesterday.
Disney is matching up to $25,000 from employees in charitable donations related to the crisis in the Middle East
The horrific Hamas surge over the border from Gaza on October 7 has left 1,200 people slaughtered and nearly 3,000 people wounded. Additionally, hundreds have been taken back to Gaza as hostages. Caught by surprise, the Israeli Defense Force has struck back with airstrikes on Gaza and a ground invasion seemingly in the works.
President Joe Biden in a number of well received speeches since the Hamas attack has stated unequivocal backing of Israel against “the sheet act of evil.” Over two dozen Americans have been confirmed among the dead
Disney’s donation will be split in half. Magen David Adom, an affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, will receive $1 million, that provides emergency medical and blood banking services in Israel, and $1 million to A variety of other nonprofit organizations that provide aid to children in Israel with receive the other $1 million.
