French TV Host Arthur Criticizes Industry Peers’ Silence on Israeli Hostages Amid Gaza Conflict
PARIS – Television personality Arthur publicly expressed disappointment with the lack of vocal support from friends within the French entertainment industry regarding the release of hostages held in Gaza, during an appearance on France 2’s “What an Era!” on October 11. The host, promoting his new book “I lost a Bedouin in Paris,” revealed a growing sense of vulnerability as a Jewish individual in France since the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and lamented what he described as a feeling of abandonment.
Arthur’s comments come as the war in Gaza continues to fuel heightened tensions and debates across Europe, particularly concerning expressions of solidarity and condemnation. His critique highlights a broader concern about the complexities of navigating public discourse on the conflict, and the pressures faced by public figures to take a stance. The situation underscores the delicate balance between advocating for peace and acknowledging the human cost of the war for all involved, including the families of hostages.
The host recounted a November 2023 interview with France inter radio where he disclosed needing personal security due to his Jewish identity, to protect both himself and his family. He explained to Léa Salamé that, for the first time, he felt defined by his religious affiliation. “For the first time in my life,I was looked at through the prism of Jewishness,” he stated,reflecting on the shift in perception since the start of the conflict.
Arthur further elaborated on his frustration, sparked by a segment with journalist Sonia Devilliers of France inter and “The A Libéré,” and an earlier intervention by Hugo Clément. He voiced anger “because empathy has no flag,” specifically referencing the silence from his ”milieu” – a term he used to describe fellow artists, actors, and singers - concerning the plight of Israeli hostages. Despite this disappointment, he clarified he held no resentment towards his colleagues.
“What’s to stop us from saying ‘release the hostages’ and ‘ceasefire’ simultaneously occurring?” Arthur questioned, emphasizing his belief that advocating for both humanitarian goals is absolutely possible. He also shared that he felt a sense of “abandonment” experienced by the Jewish community in France during this period.
