LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a bid to support "humanitarian efforts" in Israel, The Walt Disney Company has announced a generous donation of $2 million.
This contribution comes as the region grapples with the devastating war in Gaza, which began on Saturday, October 7, 2023, and continues to inflict immense suffering.
The multinational entertainment conglomerate, renowned for its iconic animated films, has earmarked $1 million for Magen David Adom, an organization affiliated with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Magen David Adom is dedicated to delivering essential emergency medical and blood banking services in Israel.
The remaining $1 million will be directed towards various nonprofit organizations operating in the region, with a particular emphasis on those focusing on providing aid to children.
Disney has also encouraged its employees to participate in the Disney Matching Gifts program, in which the company matches eligible charitable donations made by employees, up to $25,000.
Disney CEO Bob Iger's statement
Disney's commitment to providing assistance during this crisis was emphasized by its CEO, Robert A Iger.
He stated, "We must all do what we can to support the innocent people experiencing so much pain, violence, and uncertainty – particularly children. We condemn these attacks, the hate that motivated them, and all acts of terrorism, and we will continue working to find more ways to provide support in the region, and to honor the victims, their families, and all those affected by this war."
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has had catastrophic consequences. Israel has relentlessly bombarded the Gaza Strip, resulting in the tragic loss of over 2,200 lives and more than 8,000 Palestinians being wounded.
The situation has led to the displacement of more than 400,000 people, with an additional 1 million individuals ordered to evacuate southwards from the Strip's northern areas following Israel's threats of a ground invasion.
The sustained Israeli shelling has caused significant damage to critical infrastructure in the besieged enclave, pushing hospitals to the brink of collapse during large-scale evacuations.
On the other side of this tragic conflict, at least 1,300 Israelis have been killed in attacks by Hamas, with thousands more suffering injuries.
Social media outrage
Despite Disney's efforts to provide aid and relief, the company has faced criticism from pro-Palestinian activists online.
"Okay great but what about Palestine too I thought both countries need humanitarian aid," one posted on X.
"Shouldn't they do this for Palestinians too?" another wrote.
"Ending my Disney+ subscription they don’t deserve my money," a comment read.
"So they only care for Israelis suffering but not Palestinians? Deplorable," someone else chimed in.
"They’re on the wrong side of history and we will always remember," another added.
Entertainment industry's support for Israel
While Disney's contribution has faced criticism from some quarters, it has garnered support from over 700 leaders in the entertainment industry.
An open letter released on Thursday, October 12, by the nonprofit organization Creative Community For Peace has received signatures from notable celebrities and entertainment executives, including Gal Gadot, Jerry Seinfeld, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Pine, Mayim Bialik, and many others, as per the Times of Israel.
Gal Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman, expressed her heartfelt support for Israel and wrote, "My heart is aching for the lives lost and families shattered. I'm praying for everyone who has been affected by Hamas's terrorism and brutality. And I hope that the world remains steadfast in their support of the Israeli people."
The open letter calls upon the entertainment community to vocally condemn Hamas, following its brutal terrorist attacks that took place last Saturday.
The letter notes that out of the more than 1,300 Israelis who have lost their lives, the majority were civilians, while citizens from various countries have been identified as either missing or killed in the conflict.
Disney's $2 million pledge is part of a wider response from corporations offering assistance during this harrowing conflict.
The Israeli branch of the fast-food chain McDonald's said it would provide free meals to Israeli soldiers, according to Newsweek and other reports. This decision, like Disney’s, was met with backlash online, The New Arab reported.
