The only consistency in culture’s ‘inclusion’ is its exclusion of Jewish culture - opinion

Op-ed argues that the entertainment industry applies a double standard to inclusion, excluding Jews and Israelis. Cites Adidas apologizing for featuring Israeli amputee Shalev Biton, Macklemore's one-sided political concert performance, and Susan Sarandon blaming 'Zionists' for her blacklisting. Argues that inclusion principles collapse under BDS pressure and that the industry's consistency is its exclusion of Jewish identity.

Op-ed by Sarah Hilderding argues that the entertainment industry's commitment to inclusion consistently excludes Jewish and Israeli identity. The piece opens with Adidas apologizing for featuring Israeli amputee Shalev Biton, a former IDF soldier who lost his leg in Operation Guardian of the Walls, in a campaign promoting a single-shoe service for amputees. Actor Javier Bardem amplified language associating Biton with 'child killers,' leading to Adidas' apology. The author notes Adidas founder Adi Dassler was a Nazi Party member, arguing the company should understand the consequences of deciding some identities are less worthy of representation. The piece then discusses Macklemore using Ed Sheeran's concert to call for 'Free Palestine' and accuse Israel of genocide, without acknowledging the October 7 massacre of hundreds at a music festival. Messina Touring Group later confirmed Macklemore would not appear on remaining tour dates after venues refused to host him. Finally, the op-ed addresses Susan Sarandon's complaint about Hollywood 'blacklisting' at the Venice Film Festival, where she blamed 'Zionists' for her industry exclusion. The author notes Sarandon previously apologized for saying frightened Jews were getting 'a taste' of Muslim experience in America. The piece argues that inclusion principles that require BDS approval are not principles but branding.