Mark Hamill criticized for backing Israel after terror attacks.
Mark Hamill Faces Backlash for Supporting Israel Following Terrorist Attacks
“Star Wars” star Mark Hamill found himself in hot water over the weekend after expressing his support for Israel in the wake of unprovoked terrorist attacks by Hamas.
The 72-year-old actor took to social media to share images of the American and Israeli flags, accompanied by the caption, “America stands with Israel [fist emoji] #ALWAYS.”
America stands with Israel ✊#ALWAYS pic.twitter.com/kM3e9S125s
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) October 8, 2023
Since then, Hamill’s post has garnered a staggering 23.7 million views and counting.
However, it didn’t take long for Hamill to realize that not all of his followers agreed with his stance on Israel. Many criticized him, labeling America and Israel as the evil ”empire.”
“Free Palestine,” one person wrote.
Free Palestine 🇵🇸
— Hussain✌✊ (@Itx_Hussain54) October 8, 2023
Another individual commented, ”The Palestinians are literally the Rebellion – bro if you were this age when the original trilogy first came out, even when George Lucas explicitly stated how the movies were inspired by the Vietnam War, you’d think South Vietnam and the USA were the good guys.”
The Palestinians are literally the Rebellion – bro if you were this age when the original trilogy first came out, even when George Lucas explicitly stated how the movies were inspired by the Vietnam War, you’d think South Vietnam and the USA were the good guys.
— American Partisan 🇺🇸⚙️🌾 (@partisan1776) October 8, 2023
Amidst the backlash, one Twitter user used a Star Wars gif and exclaimed, “Nooo! Didn’t expect you would join the dark side so easily Mark! #FreePalastine.”
Nooo! Didn’t expect you would join the dark side so easily Mark!
#FreePalastine 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/9aQHK8rK1r— AlmoXGame (@MontherVII) October 8, 2023
Many of the comments centered around Hamill’s iconic “Star Wars” character, Luke Skywalker, who fights against the empire and leads the rebels to victory. However, some seemed to overlook the fact that the “Star Wars” franchise is fictional, unlike the real lives lost in the recent attacks.
“I loved in Star Wars when Luke said ’we need to stand with the Empire against these rebel terrorists,'” one person sarcastically remarked.
I loved in Star Wars when Luke said “we need to stand with the Empire against these rebel terrorists” https://t.co/xcQ1xcahtL
— punished evan (@eeesssjjj) October 8, 2023
Another account chimed in, stating, “Star Wars is literally about a small resistance ‘terror’ cell overthrowing an empire,” implying that the rebels in “Star Wars” were terrorists.
Star Wars is literally about a small resistance “terror” cell overthrowing an empire https://t.co/jlVEdNnvdR
— 🫡🏴 (@corncommunist) October 8, 2023
Meanwhile, another tweet simply stated, ”Luke Skywalker rooting for the empire. Wild times.”
Luke Skywalker rooting for the empire. Wild times. https://t.co/CCTIJNQnHX
— People’s City Council – Los Angeles (@PplsCityCouncil) October 8, 2023
Another critic voiced their opinion, saying, “Luke Skywalker joined the dark side and supports apartheid & illegal occupation.”
Luke Skywalker joined the dark side and supports apartheid & illegal occupation. https://t.co/yfsuF6Ezoh
— Ryan Knight ☭🕊 (@ProudSocialist) October 8, 2023
As of now, Hamill has not responded to the criticism or deleted his post, unlike reality star Kylie Jenner, who faced backlash for her support of Israel and subsequently removed her post.
Related: Mark Hamill Uses ‘Star Wars’ Voice To Warn Ukrainians About Air-Raid On App
How can society engage in constructive conversations and respectful exchanges of ideas regarding political conflicts, even when public figures express differing views
Star Wars is literally about a small resistance ‘terror’ cell overthrowing an empire.
— Talking About Movies (@TalkMoviePod) October 8, 2023
Despite the backlash, Hamill has not shied away from expressing his support for Israel. He defended his stance in a subsequent tweet, writing, “Israel has the right to defend itself against these unprovoked terrorist attacks. We must stand with our allies and condemn acts of violence.” He also emphasized the importance of peace and finding a solution that benefits all parties involved.
While it is not uncommon for celebrities to voice their opinions on political matters, their viewpoints often come with consequences. Hamill’s support for Israel has led to some fans questioning whether they can separate the actor from his iconic Star Wars character, Luke Skywalker. The internet has become a platform for fans to express their disappointment and for critics to label Hamill as a supporter of the “dark side.”
However, it is essential to remember that public figures, like Hamill, have the right to express their opinions, even if they are not in line with popular sentiment. It is through open dialogue and the respectful exchange of ideas that progress can be made. While not everyone may agree with Hamill’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is crucial to engage in constructive conversations rather than resorting to personal attacks or dismissing opposing viewpoints outright.
Hamill’s decision to support Israel is reflective of his personal beliefs and values. As an individual, he has the right to express his political opinions, just like anyone else. It is important to recognize that celebrities are entitled to their own views and should not be
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