Michael Rapaport, a comedian and actor known for his pro-Israel stance, asserts that his advocacy has impacted his ability to secure acting roles in Hollywood.
In an interview with i24 News, Rapaport stated he holds “not the slightest bit of regret” despite these reported career setbacks.
While he acknowledges a history of receiving threats—a consequence he describes as commonplace regarding political views and social media interactions—Rapaport indicated that recent challenges in his professional life are of particular concern. He noted, “I feel like I’ve always gotten threats… there’s been… some issues in terms of getting jobs as an actor.”
Rapaport emphatically declared he felt no alternative but to express his support. “However, I don’t have the slightest bit of regret. There was no choice. ‘Well, if you do this, this is going to happen’ or ‘If you do this, this won’t happen.’ Being supportive of Jews, being supportive of Israel, being supportive of our people, was not a choice. It is very natural and organic to me.”
The conflict has also led Rapaport to reassess his relationships within the entertainment industry, with him expressing disappointment in many colleagues. “There’s so many people that I have lost respect for…They present themselves as empathetic, as worldly, as compassionate… They’re completely full of s—.”
Rapaport’s activism intensified following the October 7th attacks and was particularly galvanized by instances of hostage posters being torn down in New York City. He described this act as deeply affecting him, especially the destruction of posters featuring the Bibas family.
- Shiri Bibas
- Kfir Bibas (10 months old)
- Ariel Bibas (4 years old)
These family members were taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7th attacks. Israeli authorities have since confirmed their deaths while held captive.
“The thing that I see the most, that resonated with me the most, is the ripping down of the posters,” Rapaport stated. “And I know that doesn’t hurt anybody, but it hurts my soul,” he added, emphasizing how shocking the tearing down of the Bibas family posters was.
