Netflix attacked for casting Jew to play Mary

Netflix is under fire over its new biblical drama “Mary.”

Their egregious offense, according to the left? They’ve hired Israeli Jews to play…Jews. Social media erupted this week after the trailer was released with calls for boycotts revealing an astounding ignorance of the Bible and history.

The production features 21-year-old Noa Cohen as Mary, plus Ori Pfeffer, and Ido Tako. Most of the hate has been directed towards Cohen’s portrayal of Mary, mother of Jesus, despite clear biblical record outlining the Jewish lineage of Jesus connecting him and his mother to King David.

The film also features Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins as King Herod leading a gripping and “murderous hunt” of Joseph, Mary and Jesus.

READ: What science tells us about Jesus developing in the womb

Much of the hate has come from pro-Palestinian activists who wrongly assert the term Palestinian is religious an that Mary and Jesus were Palestinians. As Israeli news outlets have quoted historians. “Palestinian is not a religious identity, and the figures depicted were Jews,” reports Israel Hayom.

Witness her courage, her strength and her faith. MARY premieres December 6. pic.twitter.com/TM9JjEzZV7

— Netflix (@netflix) November 12, 2024

One post claimed Jesus was born in Gaza, stating Netflix thought it was a good idea to cast a Jew to play Mother Mary like [they] aren’t bombing the homeland of Jesus.”

Interviewed about his choice of actors in the lead roles, director D.J. Caruso told Entertainment Weekly that it was “important to us that Mary, along with most of our primary cast, be selected from Israel to ensure authenticity.”

Jews came to the film’s defense on social media, asking who else but a Jew  could depict Mary?

🧵 1) Israeli actress Noa Cohen is starring in the new film “Mary”

The dumb and racist Anti-Israel crowd are losing their minds because a Jewish woman is playing… a Jewish woman.

Here are some examples of their racism.

Some hilariously dumb takes. Some quite frightening. pic.twitter.com/6PSVhQt4m2

— Kosher🎗🧡 (@koshercockney) November 13, 2024

Caruso says he dealt honestly with the story and its biblical accuracy surrounding the details of the birth of Jesus through the film’s writing and production. It was done with “great care” to create “a story that feels both sacred and modern.”

Media outlets report that the arcane response to the new film has devolved into death threats against the actors. Protesters are also calling for a boycott.

The film will be released on Netflix December 6.

–Dwight Widaman