David Schwimmer, former "Friends" star, calls out Hollywood’s silence on Antisemitism at ADL event

David Schwimmer urged his fellow Jewish Hollywood figures to be more vocal in speaking out against antisemitism. Speaking at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual Never Is Now conference in New York City, the Friends star acknowledged that “speaking out often comes at a cost” but warned that silence does not help the community.

“My career has given me an incredible platform, a chance to talk about the issues that matter to me, and on a good day, a chance to be heard over the noise that drowns too many people out,” Schwimmer said. “I believe with that privilege comes a responsibility to use my voice in moments like this, at a time of danger, bigotry and violence.”

The actor, who has previously spoken out against antisemitism, including Kanye West’s antisemitic remarks, shared that he has personally experienced backlash for speaking up. “Like so many others, I’ve been attacked and threatened by people I’ve never met. I’ve been abandoned by people I thought were friends and by organizations I thought were allies, but I’ve also found amazing moments of meaning and solidarity, and I want to remind you that there are so many good people out there who have our backs, incredible allies that we can we will get through this together, that our spirit is unbreakable, our joy is irrepressible.”

Schwimmer also criticized public figures who have remained silent, including those who have benefited from their Jewish identity in entertainment. “I get that speaking out is hard. Plenty of people I respect, even some of my heroes in entertainment, music and sports, have chosen to keep a low profile and sit this one out, including some whose careers have been made by leaning into their Jewish identity, and others who have won acclaim for playing Jews onscreen. Some of them are doing a lot behind the scenes, privately and in their own way, but so many have chosen not to say anything publicly at all. And if I can say something directly to them: I really wish you would.”

He urged them to take a stand, saying, “I wish you would stand up. I wish you would speak out, because your voice would be so meaningful to your fans who love you, to your community members who need you, to folks who can use just a little solidarity right now. No one’s asking you to solve the conflict of the Middle East. Just say that you stand with your Jewish friends, colleagues, and neighbors against hatred and what’s happening on our college campuses and in our schools and to Jewish-owned businesses is totally unacceptable.”