Rabbi Condemns Actor’s Gaza ‘Genocide’ Claims as ‘Ignorant’
Rabbi Steve Leder criticizes actor Adam Brody for his ‘ignorant’ remarks on Gaza and genocide, citing his role in the Netflix series.
2 min read
Rabbi Steve Leder, a former rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, has criticized actor Adam Brody for his recent comments labeling Israel’s actions in Gaza as ‘genocide.’ Leder, who served as a technical adviser on the first season of Brody’s hit Netflix rom-com Nobody Wants This, took to Instagram to express his disappointment with the actor’s remarks.
Rabbi’s Response to Brody’s Comments
Leder called Brody’s accusations ‘ignorant,’ stating, ‘You by your own admission are a relatively ignorant Jew, and your ignorance really showed the other day.’ He added, ‘Here’s some technical advice: If you know nothing about something, you should say nothing about it.’ Brody, who portrays a Jewish Rabbi in the series, has previously expressed a lack of knowledge about his Jewish heritage, including stating in 2024 that he ‘barely got bar mitzvahed and retained nothing from it.’
Brody’s Comments on Gaza
Brody recently told GQ magazine that he believes Israel is guilty of genocide in Gaza. He also expressed concerns about Hollywood becoming ‘too conservative,’ and mentioned the impact of recent events like the pandemic, a potential second Trump term, and the Israel-Gaza conflict. He stated, ‘Put me down as thinking it’s a genocide. Put me down as wanting a free Palestine.’
Rabbi’s Criticism of Brody’s Use of the Term ‘Genocide’
Leder was not pleased with Brody’s comments, calling the actor’s use of the term ‘genocide’ ‘disgusting.’ He noted, ‘Your pronouncement the other day about a ‘genocide in Gaza’ was truly shocking. Not only because of your misuse and mischaracterization of your use of genocide — there is no genocide in Gaza, there are genocides in other countries happening, but you failed to mention any of them.’
Brody’s Role in the Series
Leder was a senior rabbi at the Synagogue where Nobody Wants This creator Erin Foster converted to Judaism and was hired to ensure the show portrayed Judaism authentically. He also oversaw Brody’s portrayal of a rabbi in the series. Leder’s critique highlights the importance of accurate representation and the responsibility of public figures to speak with knowledge and care.
Source: Breitbart
