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“After the horrific terrorist attacks on Jews in Israel last weekend, we must all do what we can to support the innocent people who are experiencing so much pain, violence and uncertainty – especially children,” Bob Iger said tonight as Walt Die Disney Company announced that it is donating $2 million to humanitarian aid in Israel.
The Disney contribution comes as Hollywood greats such as Jeffrey Katzenberg, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav and Haim Sabin have spoken out in support of Israel after the most murderous day against Jews since World War II. Paramount Global and agencies WME, CAA and UTA have also offered their support both publicly and internally.
“We condemn these attacks, the hatred that motivated them and all acts of terrorism and will continue to work to find more ways to provide support in the region and to honor the victims, their families and all those affected by this war. ” said Disney CEO Iger this evening, using language similar to what he had already 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 frightening the last few days have been as the brutality unfolded,” Iger said in a memo to a Jewish Disney employee group yesterday.
Disney will match up to $25,000 from employees in charitable donations related to the Middle East crisis
Hamas’ horrific push across the Gaza border on October 7 left 1,200 people slaughtered and nearly 3,000 injured. In addition, hundreds were returned to Gaza as hostages. Surprised, Israeli forces retaliated with airstrikes on Gaza and what appeared to be a planned ground invasion.
President Joe Biden has expressed unequivocal support for Israel against “the feigned act of evil” in a series of well-received speeches since the Hamas attack. More than two dozen Americans were 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 to provide emergency medical and blood banking services in Israel, and $1 million to a number of other nonprofit organizations providing assistance to children in Israel Israel receives the other million dollars.