Does Adam Sandler support Israel? His public statements and actions

Editorial Team

Credit: AP Photo/Evan Agostini

Adam Sandler has come out publicly to support Israel. He has also been proud of his Jewish roots and has condemned cultural boycotts of Israel. Although he has never visited Israel, he has stated that he has a great desire to visit it. Sandler is pro-Israel in most of his political views; he has played the part of promoting peace and empathy towards innocent individuals in the Israeli-related crises.

His video You Don’t Mess With the Zohan also propagates a good message of Israeli-Palestinian peace and has a liberal Zionist mindset. As much as Sandler is a supporter of Israel, he is normally not a controversial person, as he is always careful when making pronouncements on issues on the ground.

Who is Adam Sandler?

Adam Richard Sandler was born on September 9, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, to Stanley and Judith (fore) Sandler. Sandler’s father was an electrical engineer. Sandler’s mother was a nursery school teacher known as Judy. He has three older siblings (from oldest to youngest): Valerie, Elizabeth, and Scott.

Sandler’s family is Jewish, and both his mom’s and dad’s sides are of Russian Jewish descent. Sandler grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, where his family relocated when he was merely six years old. Sandler graduated from High School (Central High School), which was the best high school in Manchester.

The relationship of Adam Sandler with Israel

Adam Sandler relates well with Israel, given that he has strong pro-Israel sentiments and, realistically, a strong sense of pride in his Jewish heritage. Israel is the first on his bucket list, although he has never visited it. He has also protested against cultural boycotts of Israel and has even said that he does not like performers who do not want to perform in Israel.

In the context of the film You Don’t Mess With the Zohan, though Sanders did not really visit Israel before, by portraying the character of an Israeli, he added more believability to his cultural affiliation with the country. He is a proponent of the peace cause between the Israelis and the Palestinians, yet not provocative when addressing the contemporary socio-political crisis.

Adam Sandler’s criticism of anti-Israel boycotts and Roger Waters

Roger Waters, a co-founder of Pink Floyd, also a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, has also been subjected to the stinging critique of anti-Israel boycotts by Adam Sandler. By not playing in Israel, Roger Waters is basically telling Israelis a f*** you, Sandler told the Howard Stern Show, and he scowls at performers who target Israel and not other countries as well.

Sandler emphasized his high opinion of Israel and his Jewish pride. He condemned the mistreatment of Israel as unfair and hateful and praised Howard Stern, who was against Waters. Sandler is criticized because he is defending the rights of the Israelis, who are the victims of this exclusion and the cultural boycotts, which he sees as discriminatory against Israel.

Expressions of Jewish pride and identity in Adam Sandler’s work

Adam Sandler, in his works, makes Jewish pride and identity common through his funny sketches, movies, and even music that focus on Jewish culture and practices. Sandler uninhibitedly employs his Jewish origins in his roles and performance, and often blends humor, Jewish holidays, and Jewish traditions.

His famous song, the Hanukkah Song, has become a modern Jewish song that boasts and, amusingly, glorifies Jewishness. Jewish culture in the media is also represented by movies such as the Hebrew Hammer and Eight crazy nights, which revolve around Hanukkah and Jewish characters. 

As Sandler plays the roles of parts in the Jewish-themed and Jew-referenced Wedding Singer and Big Daddy, his roles evolve to portray Jewish identity. By openly embracing his Jewishness through unapologetic comedy and affection, Sandler is preserving and furthering the Jewish culture in the mainstream entertainment industry, where many celebrities would tend to disidentify with their own culture.

Personal life of Adam Sandler

Since 2003, Sandler and Jacqueline “Jackie” Sandler (née Titone) have been married. She became a follower of Judaism, Sandler’s faith. Sadie (born May 2006) and Sunny (born November 2008) are the couple’s two kids. Sandler is the son-in-law of Joseph H. Titone, a politician. Sandler frequently includes his wife and kids in his movies.

Each of Sadie and Sunny has made at least two appearances in the Hotel Transylvania film series. Jared, Adam’s nephew, has also appeared in his movies, including Pixels and Home Team. 

It has been widely publicized that Sandler loves basketball and is skilled at the street version of the game. Individuals who have played with Sandler have complimented his creative passes to other players, and Sandler regularly seeks pick-up games during his travels. During his play, two injuries were caused to him, which were a broken ankle and a shoulder injury that required surgery. He also has a reputation for dressing loosely while playing.

In 2007, Sandler gave a 1$ million gift to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America based in Manchester, New Hampshire. Sandler has kept his political views to himself. He is registered as a Republican, according to reports. He gave $2,100 to Rudy Giuliani’s 2008 presidential campaign and performed at the 2004 Republican National Convention.

In addition, Sandler gives donations to the affected families of Israeli wars and Jewish causes. Hence, his attachment towards Israel symbolizes a union of personal, political, and cultural support, which is based on the fact that he is a Jew, and even his resistance against boycotts that discriminate against Israel.

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