Israel haters taunt actor who lost home, blaming his IDF support

Actor Gerard Butler was taunted for IDF support after sharing photo of burnt California home.

By Shiryn Ghermezian, The Algemeiner

Actor Gerard Butler faced a wave of criticism and taunting from pro-Palestinian activists on social media for supporting Israeli soldiers after he shared a photo of his California home that was destroyed by one of the wildfires currently ravaging the state.

Earlier this month, the “300” star attended the annual Friends of the IDF (FIDF) Western Region Gala in Los Angeles, where a record $60 million was raised for programs assisting Israeli soldiers. The event was hosted by Israeli-American philanthropist Haim Saban and his wife, Cheryl.

On Sunday, the Scottish actor posted on Twitter and Instagram a photo of him standing in front of the smoldering remnants of his Malibu home. He said he was “inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters,” and asked his fans to support the Los Angeles Fire Department.

In response, Israel haters commenting on his Instagram photo called Butler a “f***ing Zionist,” a “criminal and a piece of human trash for supporting the IDF,” and claimed that his house burned down “because you support murderers.” One Instagram user wrote, “that [is] what you deserve when you support the Zionists” and another asked Butler, “You ever thought it was Gods karma for raising $60 million dollars for IDF soldiers to kill Palestinians? Just a thought.” Another user wrote “Israhell occupied palestinian land but very soon they will be defeated.”

Twitter users were just as cruel. One commented on Butler’s photo, saying, “That $60 million you helped raise for the scumbag IDF soldiers in Beverly Hills to further oppress the Palestinian people would really come in handy right now wouldn’t it????!!! Your a scumbag Zionist mouthpiece. I don’t feel a bit sorry for you!!!”

Butler was also accused of backing “the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.” One user claimed Palestinians were “constantly losing their homes” to the IDF, “the same terrorists you support and help raise funds for. You should be ashamed.”

Butler has not responded to the criticism, but many pro-Israel social media users came to his defense. One Instagram user wrote, “He has been in ISRAEL and saw the truth. Your lies won’t do. Reality is reality. IDF don’t kill ‘palestinian’ children. We fight against HAMAS terrorists!!! God will always be with us and our beloved ones. God bless Israel and IDF.”