Rabbi and Jewish Leaders Criticize Adam Brody for ‘Genocide’ Comment

Rabbi Steve Leder, who worked as a technical advisor for Netflix’s show “Nobody Wants This,” criticized actor Adam Brody for remarks regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. Leder’s comments came after Brody described the situation in Gaza as “genocide” during an interview.

Leder addressed Brody directly through an Instagram video, reminding him of their previous collaboration. “Hi Adam, you might not remember me. My name is Rabbi Steve Leder, and I was the technical advisor for Season 1 of ‘Nobody Wants This,'” Leder began. He emphasized his role was to ensure the authenticity of Brody’s character and the portrayal of Judaism in the series.

Rabbi Leder called Brody’s statements “ignorant” and argued that Brody misrepresented the situation in Gaza. He took issue with Brody’s use of the term “genocide,” asserting it was inaccurate and disregarded actual genocides in other countries.

“Your pronouncement the other day about a ‘genocide in Gaza’ was truly shocking,” Leder stated. “If you’re going to use a word like ‘genocide,’ you ought to know what it means.” He also criticized Brody’s casual attitude toward such a serious accusation.

In the interview with GQ magazine, Brody had expressed his view, saying, “Put me down as thinking it’s a genocide. I’m hopeful that another administration can really do some good and correct some of these policies that are helping that situation be as awful as it is.” Brody’s remarks led to further backlash.

Fox News Digital attempted to reach Brody’s representatives for comment but received no immediate response.

Rabbi Yaakov Menken, executive vice president of the Coalition for Jewish Values, also criticized Brody’s comments. Menken labeled him “ignorant” for his statements, noting, “While Hamas was holding, torturing, raping and murdering hostages, only a bigot would call the effort to free those hostages ‘genocide.’” He also highlighted that “an ignorant Jew is no less likely than anyone else to fall prey to hateful indoctrination.”

Menken further stated, “As even photographer Motaz Azaiza now admits, Hamas could have ended the conflict in Gaza at any moment, simply by releasing the hostages. In no genocide in history have the victims controlled the off switch.”

Other organizations, such as the Israeli-American Council, also reacted strongly to Brody’s remarks. They expressed “revulsion at the ignorant and harmful statement” and warned against the potential for violence spurred by such claims.

The news highlighted ongoing tensions and differing views among prominent public figures, showcasing the complexities surrounding the situation in Gaza.