Currently a part of Comcast NBCUniversal, Universal Studios has continuously backed Israel, particularly in humanitarian and cultural contexts as opposed to political ones. To support humanitarian assistance efforts in the Middle East and Israel in connection to turmoil in those regions, in 2023, Comcast NBCUniversal donated $2million. They donated to organisations like the American Friends of Magen David Adom, Doctors Without Borders, the Direct Relief, and the Save the Children Federation. NBC News also aired primetime specials about the Israel-Hamas conflict to inform viewers more about the conflict. Also, Comcast created personalized news access to keep its consumers abreast of developments in their localities. This illustrates their dedication to providing Israel and the surrounding area with humanitarian assistance.
History of universal
The company has a renowned and long history. The new business was formed out of several nodes: independent moving pictures: IMP, Powers Motion Picture Company, Rex Motion Picture Manufacturing Company, and other motion film firms. Formally established on April 30, 1912, in New York,the Universal Film Manufacturing Company was created. Carl Laemmle, who was the president of the company, saw the studio grow. In 1915, Laemmle created the first independent movie studio complex, Universal City, in the San Fernando Valley, outside Hollywood. This set-up was the trademark of the movie industry.
Universal was well known due to such movies as the first silent movies and further horror movies such as Dracula and Frankenstein, as well as later hits such as Jurassic Park, To Kill a Mockingbird, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and All Quiet on the Western Front.
With the development of Universal Studios Hollywood into a successful tourist attraction due to tours and rides, Universal also went on to television and theme parks. Universal has had a number of sales and mergers over its existence, such as its purchase by MCA in the 1960s and its recent acquisition by the NBCUniversal wing of Comcast. The Universal has left an enormous impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry around the world, and it remains one of the largest production and distribution forces in movies to this day.
Universal Studios’ corporate values and outreach
Universal Studios fosters volunteerism and encourages its staff by using organized efforts such as Club 52, which advocates the involvement of staff members in community services and other philanthropic activities. Among the health and wellness initiatives that the corporation provides to its staff are fitness programs, counseling, and educational seminars. This support of other non-profits through money can be considered a form of philanthropy that solves problems of poverty, housing, and health. Universal Studios is dedicated to the creation of an atmosphere in which staff members would be proud to work and diversity would be valued. Universal Studios aims to deliver bold, innovative experiences that leave visitors inspired in the present and the future. Their goal is to become a top entertainment firm that offers immersive experiences that are above and beyond expectations.
Universal Studios and humanitarian support for Israel
In another move, Comcast also said that it would pursue humanitarian causes company-wide by pledging to match employee donations to selected groups up to $500,000.
Besides their financial aid, NBCUniversal took the initiative to create awareness in society by airing conflict-related primetime programs and also offering customized news access to their patrons to ensure they are kept abreast of current affairs.
Within the context of its larger corporate social responsibility framework, Universal Studios’ dedication to humanitarian ideals is shown in this well-balanced approach of direct help and teaching. The parent business of Universal stands out for its proactive involvement in providing aid and promoting information access during crucial moments in Israel, even if other entertainment companies like The Walt Disney Company have also made comparable commitments.
Cultural and industry advocacy for Israel
Universal Studios supports Israel culturally and commercially through industry ties mainly connected to Universal Music executives. The Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), established in 2012 by David Renzer, the former chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing, together with other entertainment industry professionals, is a pivotal organization in this endeavor. By establishing the image of Israel as a democratic and culturally successful country, the CCFP manages to challenge in a rather subtle way in the Hollywood environment the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. CCFP aims to enlighten the entertainment industry regarding this upsurge in antisemitism, utilize the arts and culture as a vehicle of peaceful relations between civilizations.
The organization counters misinformation, informs about coexistence activities, and maintains constant contact with musicians who consider the idea of touring Israel. Despite political pressure, they have been successful in keeping show cancellations in Israel to less than 5%. In order to promote Israel in cultural settings both openly and privately, they also get cooperation from well-known performers and studio executives. This assistance is consistent with Universal Studios’ wider industry efforts on protecting artistic freedom and promoting peace through cross-cultural dialogue, as well as defending politicized boycotts. True to the inclusive yet innovative nature of the business principles of Universal, it focuses on the belief that music, arts, and culture can unite people belonging to different sections of society in ways that transcend politics. Universal Studios supports Israel culturally and commercially through industry ties mainly connected to Universal Music executives.
The Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), established in 2012 by David Renzer, the former chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing, together with other entertainment industry professionals, is a pivotal organization in this endeavor. In a less evident way, CCFP uses its influence to counter the BDS movement in Hollywood by trying to position Israel as a democratic and culturally advanced nation. CCFP aims to inform the entertainment-related industry of the increase in antisemitism and to utilize culture and the arts as a tool of understanding and peace. The organization contributes to the removal of incorrect data, the popularization of coexistence activities, and is in constant contact with musicians considering conducting tours in Israel. Despite political pressure, they have been successful in keeping show cancellations in Israel to less than 5%.
Public statements and actions regarding Israel
Regarding Israel, especially, Universal Studios hasn’t said anything in public. Nonetheless, the Universal-affiliated entertainment sector has been strongly pro-Israel, especially through the Creative Community for Peace (CCFP). More than 2,000 entertainment executives, including those connected to Universal, signed an open letter issued by CCFP in October 2023 that categorically denounced Hamas’ violent attacks on Israel. The letter urged the sector to oppose disinformation efforts, stand up for Israel, and denounce Hamas. The well-to-do celebrities, including Gal Gadot, posted strong messages to defend them, showing compassion with Israeli victims and the families of conflict victims.
The entertainment industry, on the whole, actively promotes Israel on the public level and in the cultural sphere, regardless of the fact that Universal Studios, as a company, cares more about its employees and supports the communities with its parent company, Comcast NBCUniversal. In accordance with a unanimous position of Hollywood authorities and administrators, the support of the public is commonly defined as opposition to terrorism, protection of democratic freedoms, and the combat against antisemitism.
Controversies and responses by society
In favor, this is a case of solidarity in the face of increasing antisemitism, and such moves are necessary to ensure that Israel and its people are not being abused by lies and existential threats. Other critics consider the identities of political interests and the entertainment elites as a threat and blame filmmaking enterprises for ignoring or even supporting human rights violations. Boycotts of studios like Universal have been demanded by several artists and activists as part of the wider BDS movement, which has proved divisive not only on social media but within the art world as well.
