WASHINGTON (JTA) — Jane Fonda should not be vilified for her stance on a Toronto film festival’s spotlight on Tel Aviv, an Atlanta Jewish leader says.
David Minkin, a past president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, in an article in the Huffington Post described Fonda as an ardent supporter of Israel and said her vilification by Jewish media outlets is an overreaction.
Fonda joined dozens of other stars and personalities who signed a letter criticizing the Toronto International Film Festival for honoring Tel Aviv as the inaugural city in its new City to City series.
"People like Jane Fonda, and her co-signers including Danny Glover, Naomi Klein and Eve Ensler, are part of the school of thought that believes that ignoring one side’s experience, no matter which side that is, is a surefire recipe for ongoing fighting and conflict," Minkin said. "Not everyone agrees with that approach, but it’s a valid one that aims for a just peace for all parties in the region."
Several Jewish Atlanta-based figures spoke out in agreement with Minkin. They include Rabbi Philip Kranz of Temple Sinai; Rabbi Josh Lesser of Congregation Bet Haverim; Stephanie Davis of the Atlanta Women’s Agenda Advisory Council; journalist Jan Jaben-Eilon of The Jerusalem Report; and prominent Atlantans Nola Miller, Charles Miller and Glenda Blum Minkin.
