Hollywood, politics, and the media are heavily influenced by those with a Jewish background. Every year Jewish celebrities help shape the planet we live on. They do this via the development of enlightening forms of media and the support of charitable organizations. On top of this, Jewish celebrities are constantly involved in establishing political agendas that support a greater cause.
There are thousands of Jewish celebrities who act as societal influencers. It’s hard to narrow down those who are the “most influential”. However, we have decided to shed light on five celebrities who we feel have contributed heavily to the 2018 community.
Daveed Diggs
Daveed Diggs became an instant star upon his breathtaking performance in Lin Manuel-Miranda’s Broadway show Hamilton. With the ability to dance, rap, sing, and act, Daveed took audiences by surprise with his role as Thomas Jefferson.
It was only a matter of time until Daveed branched out into other forms of entertainment. Daveed can be seen in the hit TV show Black-ish, SVU, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and the animated film Zootopia.
Daveed was born in Oakland, California to his mother who is a Caucasian Jew and his father who is African-American. He always embraced his multi-cultural background which he said shaped him as a person.
Despite winning a Tony award and a Grammy award, Daveed is consistently partaking in charity events and fundraisers. Recently, Daveed was a guest keynote speaker for the Berkeley High School Development Group. As a BHS alum, Daveed helped bring in over $50,000 during the BHS Development Group’s annual Business Partners & Friends Luncheon. This fundraiser was an all-time record for the group. It’s why we put Daveed in our “2018 list of Top Five Most Influential Jewish Celebrities.”
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is a legendary influencer in Hollywood. As a political commentator, comedian, writer, producer, and director, Jon Stewart is most famous for hosting The Daily Show. His political commentary and comedy bits have shed light on major political issues. This commentary has helped sway the nation’s opinions and views on world issues.
Jon Stewart is also the definition of a Jewish mensch, especially in the charitable world. He has supported the following charities: American Foundation for AIDS Research, Amnesty International, Autism Speaks, the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Comic Relief, Feeding America, Friars Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, MusiCares, NEXT for Autism, Parkinsong Foundation, Red Cross, Robin Hood, Seeds of Peace, Stand Up To Cancer, and Television Academy Foundation.
Natalie Portman
This incredible actress is also a film producer and director with dual citizenship in Israel and America. You’ve seen her in her Oscar-winning performance of Black Swan, in her role as Jackie Kennedy in the film Jackie, and as Evey in V for Vendetta. Natalie brings eclectic and charismatic characters filled with joy and excitement to the big screen.
As an animal rights activist, an advocate for environmental protection, and an ambassador for the international group, Free The Children, Natalie Portman never ceases giving back to the community. Portman has been an advocate in both Israeli politics and American politics, as she continuously voices her opinions and support for various political agendas. It’s because of these contributions that we put Portman on our “2018 list of Top Five Most Influential Jewish Celebrities in 2018.”
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg is easily one of the most influential celebrities in the Jewish community. As one of Hollywood’s biggest producers, Spielberg holds the throne for integrating Jewish cultural advocacy throughout Hollywood. In 1993, Spielberg produced Schindler’s List which went on to win seven Oscar awards. This film was one of the first major blockbusters to shed light on the horrid and inhuman events that took place during the Holocaust.
Spielberg is known for producing and/or directing some of the biggest movies of all time such as E.T., Saving Private Ryan, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. On top of these incredible movies, Spielberg is known for having supported the following charities: American Humane Association, BID 2 BEAT AIDS, Bush Clinton Katrina Fund, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Entertainment Industry Foundation, Film Foundation, Healthy Child Healthy World, International Medical Corps, Joining Forces, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation (RED), Righteous Persons Foundation, and the USC Shoah Foundation Institute.
Mark Zuckerberg
As the creator of the largest social media platform of all time, Mark Zuckerberg has taken our generation into a new world. With new ways of communicating, advertising, connecting with friends & family, and sharing information, Mark Zuckerberg is one of the biggest contributors to digital evolution.
On top of his contributions to the digital world, Zuckerberg has donated millions of dollars to charitable organizations. He donated $120 million to support education in underserved communities in the Bay Area, $75 million to the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, $25 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fight Ebola, and $100 million to the Newark Public School System. Zuckerberg actually stated that he plans to donate a total of $46.6 billion dollars to “advance human potential and promote equality.”
The Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School is a prestigious NYC Jewish Day School in the heart of New York City. Located in the Upper East Side, this Jewish Day School promotes academic growth through community and collaboration.