Paulina Porizkova Says ‘Staying Silent Is Not An Option’ Amid Hamas Attack On Israel

Model Paulina Porizkova is speaking out about the Hamas attacks on Israel and encouraging others to do the same.

On Monday night, the author of “No Filter: The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful” shared an Instagram post that had originally been shared by comedian and actress Amy Schumer.

Although she is a critically acclaimed author, even Paulina Porizkova had trouble trying to come up with the words as to what to say. Instead, she decided to repost Amy Schumer’s Instagram post in order to respond to the attack on Israel.

“It is absolutely reasonable and logical to be opposed to the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY calling for the protection of Jews in Israel and around the world. Hamas is a terrorist organization that is attacking civilians by land, air, and sea,” the statement began. “The images of kidnapped Israelis are shocking and devastating.”

“Given the thousands of years of persecution of Jews, please know that your Jewish friends - even if they are not in Israel are hurting and are fearful when things like this happen and non-Jews are silent,” it continued. “I understand many of us are afraid to voice an opinion because the crisis there is so nuanced and hard to understand, and we are afraid of saying the wrong thing. But we can - and must - always use our voices to denounce terrorism and the senseless murder of civilians.”

Paulina shared the statement on her own Instagram page, adding, “Since the news of the horrors that are unfolding in Israel, I have been laboring over what to say and how to say it. But this says it better than anything I’ve come up with- so I’m reposting. Staying silent is not an option.”

Unfortunately, not everyone was pleased with her measured response. “Well, this is disappointing; where was your voice with the Palestinian children that have been killed over the last few years? Maybe you don’t see that footage but let me tell you it isn’t pretty seeing the Israeli army arrest and kill them. Be on the right side of history. Do you feel the same way about apartheid South Africa and indigenous land?” one user asked.

Many fans were quick to come to Paulina’s defense. “You’ve extrapolated a lot there which he hasn’t said. She starts off with Palestinian sympathies,” one fan wrote. “She doesn’t post about the monstrosities Israel commits on the Palestinians every day but comes forward when there’s retaliation,” another follower commented.

“Anyone who condones violence against civilians is sick. There is never a justification for it. If you think there is, there is something wrong with you. Innocent people were slaughtered. Teenagers were abducted and murdered at a music festival,” a third fan chimed in.

“Terrorism is terrorism. They do not care who is killed or which side they kill. Hamas kills just as many Palestinians as they do anyone else. What is disappointing is that a woman is siding with terrorism and you are nothing but a dog in their eyes. You are someone to beat, rape, mutilate, and kill while they are laughing and videoing it to show around the world. Senseless killing needs to stop. Whatever side needs to stop! But, terrorism is complete hatred and evil. They will never stop as long as people like you condone it, and justify it. That is their excuse, that is their lie for their actions,” another follower shared.

Another netizen commented, “I’m not sure why it would be difficult to speak out in support of Israel. Terrorism is deplorable. Period.” Paulina responded, “Yeah, one would think. But have a look at the comments here already.”

As the debate in her comments raged on, one user wrote, “As an American Jew (who does NOT agree with Bebe) the comments on this feed scares me. Sadly regular people are voicing widespread antisemitism.” Paulina replied, “Unfortunately, I have to agree. It’s many of the comments here that scare me as well.”