Netflix Casts Settler Actors in Biblical Epic 'Mary' Amid Israel's Genocide against Christians in Palestine
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Netflix has cast two Israeli actors as leads in its upcoming biblical epic, Mary, scheduled for release on December 6. The casting of Noa Cohen and Ido Tako in the roles of Mary and Joseph, respectively, has sparked controversy amid Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians, including the targeted destruction of Christian heritage and the killing of Palestinian Christians in Gaza.
The film, directed by D.J. Caruso, tells the story of Mary’s journey to birth baby Jesus and the family's escape from King Herod's relentless pursuit.
Hollywood star Sir Anthony Hopkins plays the role of King Herod. Caruso, in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, emphasized the desire for "authenticity" in casting, explaining that the decision to cast Israeli actors stemmed from their ability to "bring a unique blend of grace and presence" to the characters. A statement that has been widely criticized, as Israelis are not native to Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus.
However, this casting choice comes amid heightened tensions due to Israel's genocide against Palestinians, particularly the Christian population.
According to reports, Israeli military attacks have led to the deaths of over 50 Palestinian Christians in Gaza since the beginning of the genocide in October, and pressure has been mounting for Christians to flee the region.
Father Abdullah Julio, a Palestinian Catholic priest in Ramallah, highlighted that one of the goals of Israeli aggression in Gaza is the eradication of Christian presence in the region. Julio expressed concerns that, if this continues, Christianity in Gaza could become a distant memory, with churches reduced to mere museums.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Israel's actions against Palestinian Christians, calling them part of a broader genocide against the Palestinian people.
Recently, Israel has taken steps to pressure churches in occupied Jerusalem to pay taxes, a move which the ministry views as an attack on the indigenous Christian presence in the Holy Land.
The casting of Israeli actors in Mary, set against this backdrop of ongoing violence and Christian persecution, has sparked debate. Critics argue that by choosing Israeli settlers to portray key biblical figures, Netflix is overlooking the ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, including Christians, in Palestine.
These critics point out that Israel, as a settler colonial state, has displaced native Palestinians, whose roots in the region date back to the time of Jesus.
