Where was Adam Sandler after October 7th?

Adam Sandler, a beloved Jewish comedian whose career has proudly showcased his heritage, missed out on a role that could have cemented his image as a fierce defender of the Jewish people: Sergeant Donny “The Bear Jew” Donowitz in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds.

The Inglourious Basterds story is a fascinating “what-if” for Sandler fans. Tarantino, who worked with Sandler on Little Nicky in 2000, envisioned him as the Boston-born Jew who brutally dispatches Nazis with a baseball bat, a role that embodied raw Jewish strength and defiance. Sandler was thrilled about it, telling Tarantino, “I get to beat up Nazis with a bat? This is gonna be awesome!” according to Tarantino on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast. But with Funny People filming at the same time in 2009, Sandler had to step back, and Roth took the bat, bringing a visceral energy to the character.

Fast forward to the aftermath of October 7, 2023, when Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel sparked a wave of support from Jewish and non-Jewish celebrities.

Eli Roth was among those who stood firmly with Israel, posting a video message on X via Israeli actress Noa Tishby, declaring, “The Bear Jew is with you. The Inglourious Basterds are with you,” in support of the Israeli Defense Forces. His words rang true, evoking the same fierce resolve as his Basterds character.

Sandler, however, has been less vocal, prompting questions from some in the Jewish community. Known for films like You Don’t Mess With the Zohan, where he played an Israeli soldier with a comedic yet proud Jewish identity, Sandler has long embraced his heritage.

In a 2022 interview with AARP, he called Israel “top of his bucket list” to visit, and in 2015, he told Howard Stern he was “disgusted” by those who unfairly criticize Israel.

Yet, after October 7, his response was measured. On October 13, he posted on Instagram, “My heart is shattered by the brutal attacks on Israel,” expressing love for the victims and praying for peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. He didn't just disable comments, avoiding public debate; he also specifically refused to choose a side, conveniently seeming to forget his Jewishness (or at least, not to mention it at a time when antisemitism was 'on fleek').

Sandler did join a significant effort on October 23, 2023, signing an open letter with over 200 celebrities, including Amy Schumer, Gal Gadot, and Jerry Seinfeld, as part of the #NoHostageLeftBehind campaign.

Addressed to President Joe Biden, the letter praised his “unshakable moral conviction” and urged the release of over 200 hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. The letter, backed by stars like Madonna and Bradley Cooper, was a strong show of solidarity, but Sandler’s involvement was quieter compared to Schumer’s frequent Instagram posts or Roth’s bold video message.

Some fans expressed disappointment over Sandler’s restraint. A March 2025 post on X from @Betar_USA called his silence on antisemitism and the hostages “despicable,” reflecting frustration among those who expected more from a star who has made millions celebrating Jewish identity.

Others, however, defend Sandler, noting his October posts and the letter as meaningful contributions, especially given his tendency to avoid political controversies. A December 2023 Ynet article suggested Sandler’s cautious approach might stem from fear of backlash, as he blocked comments on his post to avoid the flood of criticism he received, with one follower quipping, “Oh, now you remember you’re Jewish. It’s a Hanukkah miracle!”

In contrast, Roth’s outspokenness has been unmistakable. His Basterds role as the “Bear Jew,” a symbol of Jewish vengeance, seems similar to his real-life stance, as he publicly aligned himself with Israel’s fight against Hamas. Roth’s message, tying his character to the IDF’s efforts, struck a chord, especially for those who saw parallels between the film’s Nazi-hunting commandos and Israel’s response to terror.

Sandler, whose comedic persona leans more toward warmth than militancy, may not fit the same mold, but his quieter approach has left some longing for the fiery spirit he might have brought to the “Bear Jew.”

Sandler’s Jewish pride is undeniable, from The Hanukkah Song to You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, which starred his daughters and wife. His 2008 film Zohan even tackled the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with humor, promoting a vision of coexistence, albeit in a lighthearted way. But in the wake of October 7, when the Jewish community sought vocal champions, Sandler’s limited public engagement, despite his early post and the Biden letter, stood in contrast to Roth’s brave stand.

Whether due to personal style, fear of backlash, or a desire to stay above politics, Sandler’s relative silence has been disappointing, to say the least, leaving fans to wonder what the “Bear Jew” might have said in his shoes.