Days after Spanish actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem penned an open letter to voice their opinion over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; actor Jon Voight is accusing the celebrity couple of spreading anti-Semitism, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Cruz, Bardem and several other Spanish stars described Israel's actions against Palestinians in Gaza as "genocide," and blamed the country for the renewed violence.
"Gaza is living through horror these days, besieged and attacked by land, sea and air," the letter stated. "Palestinians' homes are being destroyed, they are being denied water, electricity (and) free movement to their hospitals, schools and fields while the international community does nothing."
The letter also asked Israel to "lift the blockade," urging the country to "open border crossings to facilitate the mobility of the population, the entry of medical equipment, medicines and food." After the release of the letter, the couple clarified their opinions, stating that they hoped people on both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict would find peace.
In response, Voight wrote in an opinion column for The Hollywood Reporter stating that the couple helped "incite anti-Semitism" by condemning Israel's part in the Gaza conflict. He also wrote the two were ignorant, and should "ask forgiveness from the suffering people in Israel."
"I am asking all my peers who signed that poison letter against Israel to examine their motives," Voight wrote. "Can you take back the fire of anti-Semitism that is raging all over the world now? You have been able to become famous and have all your monetary gains because you are in a democratic country: America. Do you think you would have been able to accomplish this in Iran, Syria, Lebanon, et cetera?"
He continued: "You had a great responsibility to use your celebrity for good. Instead, you have defamed the only democratic country of goodwill in the Middle East: Israel. You should hang your heads in shame. You should all come forth with deep regrets for what you did, and ask forgiveness from the suffering people in Israel."
In the letter, Voight, who is also known as Angelia Jolie's father, started by providing a brief background on the history of Israel, and also stated that he believes Israel should be supported in its struggles against their enemies.
Voight isn't the only celebrity who was upset with the open letter. Jackie Mason and Israeli actress Noa Tishby have both penned open responses criticizing the couple's message.
