In a world where silence can be mistaken for indifference, Juliet Stevenson, a beloved figure in British acting and often considered a national treasure, boldly voices her disappointment over the profound lack of response from her industry regarding the ongoing crisis in Gaza. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite her fame and influence, many of her peers remain remarkably quiet about one of the most urgent human tragedies of our time.
Over the past two years, Stevenson has assumed a prominent role beyond her craft, emerging as an outspoken advocate for Palestinians. She participates actively in demonstrations, delivers speeches, signs petitions, pens opinion columns, and produces films—all aimed at highlighting the brutalities inflicted by Israel on Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Her unwavering commitment demonstrates how artists and actors can harness their platforms to challenge injustice.
Recent headlines echo her activism, covering stories such as the rallying of UK celebrities for Gaza, the arrest of individuals calling for a pro-Palestinian 'Intifada' in the UK, the near-death experiences of hunger strikers demanding action, and the bans placed on aid groups by Israel that obstruct essential humanitarian assistance—especially vital supplies for women and children.
Last week, alongside distinguished figures like Judi Dench, Meera Syal, and Sienna Miller, Stevenson co-signed a letter directed at Justine Roberts, founder of Mumsnet, a widely-used online community where mothers from diverse backgrounds discuss everything from child-rearing to international conflicts. The appeal urges Roberts to pressure the UK government into facilitating access for maternity clinics stranded in Egypt to enter Gaza and to allow NGOs to deliver crucial aid—particularly items like menstrual hygiene products, which are desperately needed.
Mumsnet has responded with plans for Roberts to meet with the group, symbolizing a potential shift in public advocacy.
In a heartfelt interview with Al Jazeera, Stevenson explained why she believes British mothers bear a moral duty to support Palestinian parents, how her activism roots trace back to her personal history, and her resolve to continue speaking out despite potential professional repercussions.
Al Jazeera: Why focus your appeal on Mumsnet?
Juliet Stevenson: Mumsnet reaches around nine million users each month in the UK. It’s influential because it connects with the heart of the electorate—mothers from all walks of life, crossing divisions of class, faith, and ethnicity. This campaign is about mothers supporting mothers. The situation faced by mothers in Gaza is unimaginably brutal and heartbreaking. We want to inspire British mothers to speak up on behalf of their counterparts in Gaza, within their own communities, and Mumsnet provides a powerful platform for that. Many people feel a strong desire to act but are unsure how; this campaign offers a tangible way for them to join the cause.
Al Jazeera: As a mother yourself, how has witnessing this crisis affected you emotionally?
Stevenson: It's beyond words—sometimes, I feel completely overwhelmed. Every parent around the world loves their children fiercely, and Palestinian parents love theirs just as deeply. So I ask, how can our politicians remain passive while these parents endure such unimaginable suffering? The number of child amputees in Gaza has increased more than ever before. Many children have lost entire families; some are orphaned, wandering alone. Pregnant women are starving and giving birth prematurely, with their babies often too underweight or weak to survive. The healthcare system in Gaza is largely destroyed, leaving hospitals minimally functional and severely lacking supplies for maternal and neonatal care. Infant mortality rates have skyrocketed, and miscarriages have surged by 300%. If anyone with empathy sees these facts, I believe they would be haunted by what they witness.
Al Jazeera: You've advocated for Palestinian rights for many years—what motivates you, especially considering the risks to your career?
Stevenson: Learning about the Palestinian plight struck me as an urgent and unjust story from the very beginning. My husband is Jewish, and his mother was a refugee from Vienna during Nazi Austria's annexation. I deeply understand the need for Jewish people to feel safe and secure, especially after the trauma of the Holocaust. However, many Jews now express that what the Israeli government has done since 1948 is neither just nor wise. The UK bears some responsibility for these historical injustices. I’ve read extensively—Edward Said, Palestinian writers, Israeli voices—to form a nuanced perspective. I care about Israeli citizens' safety, too, but the current brutal tactics against Gaza and the occupied territories are counterproductive and destructive for everyone involved.
Regarding my career, if my truth and beliefs cause colleagues to distance themselves, I honestly prefer that. I refuse to compromise my integrity or mute my voice. When I look back at my life, I want to be proud of the choices I made, especially if they challenged the status quo. I love acting and value my platform, yet I believe that standing up for innocent children far outweighs the importance of professional approval.
Al Jazeera: There’s a noticeable silence among many prominent figures in the arts about Gaza. Why do you think that is?
Stevenson: I am profoundly disappointed. I expected more from my industry, where outspoken voices have historically spoken against oppression. Today, many remain silent, allowing intimidation and bullying to silence them. Choosing silence in the face of genocide actively colludes with injustice—not a passive act, but an active decision. Historically, we condemn those who turned a blind eye during the Holocaust; why do we not hold ourselves to the same standard now? I wish more actors, artists, and cultural leaders would speak out, because the arts have always reflected human experience and moral conscience. If we neglect to address what’s happening in Palestine, I wonder what our purpose is.
Al Jazeera: Do you see restrictions on speech within your industry now, making it harder for voices to be heard?
Stevenson: Absolutely. It has become increasingly difficult to speak freely about Palestine without facing repercussions. While some, like Vanessa Redgrave, have always championed human rights, many others remain cautious, possibly out of fear. The recent surge of public support seemed promising, but sadly, that momentum appears to be waning—there’s an illusion of a ceasefire, but in truth, violence persists. Media coverage can be limited or manipulated, and Israel’s formidable propaganda apparatus significantly influences public perception. This makes it harder for the truth to reach wide audiences.
Al Jazeera: What keeps you motivated to persist?
Stevenson: It’s crucial to maintain awareness of Palestine’s struggles. Sustaining its visibility in the media energizes advocacy and keeps the movement alive. My personal outlook has evolved—you’ll find many of my friends and allies sharing a common determination rooted in hope. My lifelong mantra is, “Despair is a luxury we cannot afford,” and I hold onto that daily.
Al Jazeera: Does your family support your activism?
Stevenson: My husband, Hugh Brody, feels his Jewish identity deeply, though he’s not religious. Our children identify as Jewish, and many of our friends share the same background. Despite diverse opinions, most Jewish friends strongly oppose the current actions of the Israeli government. They stand against the idea that criticizing Israel is anti-Semitic—such equating of critique with hatred is dangerous. It implies all Jews are responsible for Israel’s policies, which is simply not true. Hugh, a writer and anthropologist, has participated in marches and Holocaust remembrance events within the activist community, which gives me strength. Knowing that my family stands with me brings comfort amid the ongoing battle for justice.
