Palestinian poet and writer Mosa Abu Toha has publicly criticized Hollywood actor James Woods for his unwavering support of Israel amid its devastating military campaign in Gaza. Abu Toha’s remarks came in response to Woods’ emotional reaction to the destruction of his Los Angeles home in recent wildfires.
In a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), Abu Toha shared an open letter addressing Woods, juxtaposing images of Gaza’s rubble-strewn streets with a screenshot of the actor tearfully discussing his loss during a television interview.
“When our house was bombed on October 28, 2023, I did not have a house or a safe place to go on the air and watch it bombed,” Abu Toha wrote, highlighting the stark contrast in circumstances between his life under siege and Woods’ public grieving.
Abu Toha detailed his own losses, including being unable to return to the ruins of his home due to Gaza’s ongoing occupation. He also mourned the death of his friend, Ma’rouf Al-Ashqar, who was killed in January 2024 while helping recover remnants of Abu Toha’s cherished book collection.
“His name was Ma’rouf Al-Ashqar. He had a sweet voice and was an avid reader of Russian literature, especially Dostoevsky. Does this bother you?” Abu Toha asked Woods.
He went on to recount another tragedy in October 2024, when his aunt’s house was bombed, killing her daughter and 15 others. “Many are still buried under the rubble to this day. Does this mean anything to you?”
Abu Toha criticized Woods’ public display of grief, calling out the actor’s perceived hypocrisy. “How dare you get on the air and cry?” he wrote, accusing Woods of mourning his personal loss while supporting policies and actions that have caused unimaginable suffering in Gaza.
The post has ignited widespread discussions online, with many condemning the double standards in empathy shown toward victims of tragedy based on their nationality and circumstances. Abu Toha’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the moral responsibility of public figures to advocate for justice and humanity.
