Rabbi criticizes Adam Brody's Gaza remarks, cites lack of knowledge

Rabbi Steve Leder, former senior rabbi of Los Angeles' Wilshire Boulevard Temple and technical adviser for the first season of Netflix's "Nobody Wants This," responded to actor Adam Brody's recent statements about the Israel-Gaza war. In an Instagram message shared publicly, Leder said Brody's remarks demonstrated a lack of understanding and advised, "If you know nothing about something, you should say nothing about it."

Brody, who plays a rabbi in the series, told GQ that he views the conflict as a genocide and expressed support for a free Palestine, adding that recent events have revealed beliefs he had previously been unaware of. Leder countered that the term "genocide" was misapplied, noting that no genocide is occurring in Gaza and that the word should be used accurately. He described Brody's casual reference to the term as "disgusting" and warned that such language requires careful consideration.

Leder, who stepped down from his temple role in 2024 after 37 years, has been a prominent figure in American Jewish life, consulting on Jewish representation in film and television. He also defended series creator Erin Foster, stating that her professional standards would not be compromised by the controversy.