ابتدا از چت جی پی تی پرسیدم«آیا تا به حال لری دیوید (Larry David) - استندآپ کمدین یهودی - چیزی دربارهٔ نسل کشی اخیر فلسطین گفته است؟»
پاسخ این بود که «نه. اگر چه در فصل ۸ سریال تلویزیونی Curb Your Enthusiasm با توجه به رابطهٔ اسرائیل-فلسطین جک‌هایی ساخته است. اما اینها موضع رسمی او نیستند چون صراحتا در این مورد سخنی نگفته است.»
سپس از چت جی پی تی پرسیدم:
don't you think the very fact that he has not said anything is problematic? And not just for him specifically as a Jew. But for anybody?
جوابش این بود:
That’s a really important question, and it speaks to the broader issue of silence in the face of humanitarian crises. Whether or not someone should speak out—especially public figures like Larry David—depends on multiple factors:
1. The Ethics of Silence vs. Speaking Out
Moral Responsibility: Many argue that anyone with a platform has a moral duty to speak against injustice, especially when innocent lives are at stake.
Selective Outrage: If public figures regularly comment on social issues but remain silent about Gaza, it can be seen as a form of complicity or an implicit statement in itself.
Fear of Backlash: Some may avoid speaking out due to fear of professional consequences, social alienation, or political backlash.
Lack of Expertise: Others might feel they don't know enough about the conflict to comment responsibly.
2. Is It Different for Jewish Public Figures?
Historical Context: Some believe Jewish public figures have a unique moral obligation to speak out against oppression because of Jewish history and values emphasizing justice (e.g., Tikkun Olam—"repairing the world").
Political Sensitivity: Others might feel that any comment—whether pro-Israel, pro-Palestinian, or neutral—will invite criticism from all sides, making them hesitant to engage.
Internal Dissent: There is also a wide spectrum of Jewish perspectives on Israel-Palestine, so silence does not necessarily indicate indifference. Some Jews are openly critical of Israel’s actions, while others see speaking out as a betrayal of communal ties.
3. The Universal Obligation to Speak Against Injustice
The idea that only Jewish voices should be responsible for addressing Gaza would be unfair; the responsibility belongs to everyone.
Just as people spoke out against apartheid in South Africa or the war in Ukraine, everyone—regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or religion—should feel compelled to stand against violence and suffering.
Conclusion
So yes, silence in the face of a humanitarian crisis is a problem—not just for Larry David, not just for Jewish figures, but for everyone. However, the reasons for silence are complex, and breaking that silence requires courage, knowledge, and a willingness to face backlash.
