In a letter sent to its members, the Golden Globes paid tribute to victims of the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza and said it will donate $75,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists, a non-profit org created to promote press freedom worldwide.
“As we have done previously during the Afghanistan and Ukraine conflicts, we remain steadfast in our commitment to support the courageous journalists who take tremendous personal risks to shed light on events and keep the world informed,” said Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne in the letter. The donation is being made to the Committee to Protect Journalists to support their “vital work in reporting from conflict zones.”
The Golden Globes also said it shared in “the profound sadness and horror felt in the aftermath of the tragic and deeply hurtful events unfolding in Israel and Gaza” and expressed its “deepest sympathies for the victims, innocent individuals who are suffering, and those who have lost loved ones or have loved ones in danger.” The org said it continues to “hope for peace and an end to the violence.”
On Oct. 7, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing at least 1,400 civilians in their homes and at a music festival, according to the New York Times. Israel retaliated by launching air strikes in areas of Gaza, which officials estimated killed 2,800 Palestinians, the Times reported. U.S. President Joe Biden landed in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, where he is meeting with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Within the last week, major Hollywood studios and CEOs have publicly condemned the deadly attacks perpetrated by Hamas and said they stood by the Jewish community. The Academy has also postponed its star-studded annual fundraising gala which was set for Oct. 14. due to the “devastating conflict and loss of life happening overseas.”
The 81st Golden Globe Awards will take place Jan. 7. Proceeds from the broadcast provide funding for the Golden Globe’s philanthropy programs. Last year, more than $4.5 million was awarded to a broad range of initiatives, from nonprofit organizations to universities and colleges, film restoration projects and journalists around the world.