The world of Italian music and culture takes a stand on the crisis in Gaza

Italian cinema – finally, one might say – is taking a stand against the killing of civilians in Gaza . It is doing so with Alberto Barbera , director of the Venice Film Festival. It is doing so with Riccardo Milani , director of Like a Cat on a Highway , with Ricky Tognazzi , with Giulio Base , director of the Turin Film Festival, with Steve Della Casa , host of Hollywood Party, and with 500 other industry professionals.

The social media post —shared, for example, on Alberto Barbera's Instagram page—reads: "Every day we see images we don't want to see , images that keep us awake at night. Faces of children, mothers, fathers: innocent victims of an all-consuming war."

“All wars are ferocious and every day we see their cruelty being inflicted on defenseless civilians ,” continues the message, which was posted by many directors, actors and producers at 12:30 yesterday , creating the first “social bombing”.

The message continues: “We cannot remain indifferent. We cannot get used to horror. Now, however, we are faced with another horror: the death sentence from hunger and thirst awaiting a population of children, women, and elderly people . It is unacceptable. It is inhumane. We cannot remain indifferent. We appeal to the humanity we have left. We must react. It is time to say, all together: Enough!”

"I was asked to join this social media campaign, and I enthusiastically did so," says director Riccardo Milani . "It seemed like the least I could do, from a human perspective." Giulio Base also participated in spreading the message, which would appear to affirm only basic and absolutely acceptable principles. But, on the contrary, attacks, verbal conflicts, and heated debates broke out on some message boards: so much so that some of the signatories were forced to delete the message from their feeds to avoid the flood of ignominious comments.

Dario D'Ambrosi , founder of Teatro Patologico, where he gives space and a voice to actors with mental health issues, writes on his profile: “Our work is based on creativity. But how do you find the strength to create in the morning, when you wake up with a lump in your throat, sadness in your eyes, and anger in your heart? Children, women, the elderly, human beings are being destroyed, while I, with all my energy, try every day to save my disabled children from suffering. What is the point of our art if those who should see it, listen to it, experience it… are no longer there?”

Musicians are also taking action. Piero Pelù is among the first to take action. Together with Antonio Aiazzi , Gianni Maroccolo of Litfiba, the tribute band I Bandidos, Afterhours and Bandabardò , Emma Nolde, Fast Animals and Slow Kids, Ginevra di Marco and the Tre Allegri Ragazzi Morti, he will participate in Sos Palestina!, a large concert born from Pelù's desire to raise funds to help Doctors Without Borders in their relief efforts for the Palestinian population, scheduled to take place at the Cascine Ernesto De Pascale Amphitheatre in Florence on September 18 .

"A veritable massacre/genocide of the civilian population is underway in Palestine, with a long and controversial history," Pelù emphasizes. "Even today, at this very moment, Netanyahu's Zionist Israeli government continues its unpunished and megalomaniacal massacre of children, women, men, doctors, journalists, and humanitarian workers . Palestine must be helped as a matter of urgency, and my anger and frustration at what I see in some independent news outlets sparked the idea for SOS Palestine!, a fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders, which has been helping the civilian population in Palestine (Gaza and the West Bank) for many years. I want to thank with all my heart the generous artists who immediately responded to my call."

Zerocalcare has signed the event's poster. Tickets are already on sale on Ticketone . All proceeds will go to Doctors Without Borders, and all artists will participate free of charge.

And the Jewish community? What does it say? Musician Enrico Fink , head of the Jewish community of Florence since 2020, writes on his Facebook page: “This hunger must end, this war must end. The first thing, immediately, is for the dying to stop. And for those languishing in those tunnels to return home.” Enrico Fink doesn't directly name Benjamin Netanyahu or the Israeli government, but writes: “I remain increasingly convinced that this conflict doesn't divide the hearts of us distant spectators into 'pro-Israeli' or 'pro-Palestinian,' but divides us between those who want peace, and those who instead want the total victory of our side and the defeat of the other. In this division I know where I stand, now and always.”

Singer Noa is shown on her Instagram profile holding a sign that reads, "Save Gaza from hunger." Enrico Fink has announced a forthcoming initiative with singer Noa in Florence.