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“I’m asking everyone in this room to open up and create space—space to speak up for brothers and sisters in pain and fear,” Grammy-winning composer Autumn Rowe told a star-studded group of entertainers and industry executives at Creative Said. October 26th Peace Community 4th Annual Peace Ambassador Awards Galaday In Beverly Hills.
Rowe — one of the night’s honorees — grew up in a black Jewish family in the South Bronx and is a prominent activist in the entertainment industry against racism and anti-Semitism. She powerfully drew the attention of the attendees, demanding that they take action against rising anti-Semitic sentiment.
“I ask that when you hear stereotypes casually mentioned in the room, whether they’re anti-Semitic, racist, sexist, or hurt a group of people in any way, take the courage to say, ‘Hey, It’s not actually true and it hurts, which is why…’,” she said.
In recent years, the Creative Community for Peace (CCFP) has become Hollywood’s homegrown resource on issues related to anti-Semitism and cultural boycott of Israel. Whether an artist accidentally shares an anti-Semitic meme on social media or a musician is boycotted for performing in Israel, CCFP works closely with entertainers and their management to step in and support artistic freedom and build cultural bridges And fight BDS.
On that day, entertainment leaders and creative artists came together to address anti-Semitism in an event that felt more like an emergency meeting than just a celebration of ambassadors of peace.
One of this year’s honorees is actor and comedian Eugene Levy, known for critically acclaimed roles in “Stroy Creek,” “American Pie,” “Best in Show” and “Strong Wind.”
Levy spoke to attendees about lessons he learned from an early encounter with anti-Semitism while running for class president in an Ohio high school. During his campaign, someone crossed out his last name and etched the word “Jew” on all of his campaign posters. The young Levy would then deal with it calmly in a speech to the student body—telling the unknown vandal to look in the mirror before emphasizing the pride that he was indeed Jewish. Levy subsequently won the election.
“As a 17-year-old, what I learned from this was, wow, if you can actually get people to feel ashamed of their own shitty thoughts and actions or following other people’s shitty thoughts and actions, then that can be a game changer and An important first step in the eventual elimination of hate and prejudice,” Levy said.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Levy talked about the importance of the work CCFP is doing.
“Well, you just have to look around and look at where we are in the world, look at where this country is, look at what’s happening in Europe — anti-Semitism is on the rise, racial hatred is on the rise, prejudice is on the rise,” Levy said. told the Wall Street Journal.
“Everything is peaking. Unless we find a way to fix it, we’re going to have a lot of trouble. This is one way to fix it. When people work together, positive things can be made.”
Autumn Rowe told The Wall Street Journal that despite the tense atmosphere, the CCFP event gave her hope.
“If we all like 5% performance, I think we can have a huge impact,” Rowe said. “We have to have these conversations. Even if they’re difficult, as to why these things are harmful.”
Other Peace Ambassador honorees of the night included David Dedeck (co-head of global music, United Talent Agency), Brandon Goodman and Danny Rukasin (co-founders of Best Friends Music) and Darren Star (creator and performer of “Emily in Paris” , “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Sex and the City”).
Several winners from the previous three years were in attendance, including Diane Warren (13-time Academy Award-nominated songwriter), Ben Madash (SVP of A&R and President of Unrestricted at Columbia Records), A Don Ben Holling (Global Vice President, A&R, Warner Music Group) and Traci Szymanski (President, Co-Star Entertainment).
The leaders of the CCFP delivered some of the most heated words of the night.
“If you’re an artist, we encourage you to perform in Israel,” said CCFP director Ari Ingel. “Literally, Jews, Arabs, Muslims, Christians, Druze, blacks, whites all come together to watch their favorite bands and support their favorite teams – to connect. They can stand In the positions of artists like Paul McCartney, One Republic, Alicia Keys, they bring a message of peace.”
CCFP co-founder (and former chairman/CEO of Universal Music Publishing) David Renzer addressed Kanye West’s anti-Semitic comments directly.
“We support every artist’s right to free speech, but no one is given a free pass to attack and demonize minorities with this kind of viciousness,” said CCFP co-founder David Renzer. “We are very concerned about the validity of these statements. impact and how they will affect [Kanye’s] fans, especially young people. In the meantime, we hope this will be a moment that finally makes Yeh’s fans and other entertainers better aware of the dangers of anti-Semitism. “
CCFP co-founder Steve Schnur (who is also Electronic Arts’ global executive and president of music) begged the crowd not to be silent.
“Hate can no longer be silent, and neither can we,” Schnur said. “Speak up for our industry, our integrity, and the survival of our common humanity. March, if you’re asked. Scream if you must. Link arms and stand your ground. Speak up. Change from me rise.”
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