Dozens of Hollywood stars praise Biden, demand release of Israeli hostages

Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Dozens of Hollywood's top stars, producers and writers penned an open letter to President Joe Biden on Monday praising his efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and demanding that all be freed.

Written under the hashtag #NoHostageLeftBehind, the letter celebrated the recent releases of two American and two Israeli hostages in Gaza amid the three-week-old war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

But with an estimated 220 hostages still being held captive "by terrorists," the signers -- including such top acting and recording stars as Amy Schumer, Justin Timberlake, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bradley Cooper, Katy Perry and Regina Spektor -- said their joy at the releases is "tempered by our overwhelming concern" over the others.

After thanking Biden for his "unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people," the show business leaders urged more efforts be made.

"We all want the same thing: Freedom for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace," the wrote. "Freedom from the brutal violence spread by Hamas. And most urgently, in this moment, freedom for the hostages.

"We urge everyone to not rest until all hostages are released. No hostage can be left behind," they concluded.

Other celebrities lending their names to the letter included Sacha Baron Cohen, Ewan McGregor, Gal Gadot, Courteney Cox, David Oyelowo, Harvey Keitel, Jack Black, James Brolin, Jason Sudeikis, Jeff Goldblum, Jerry Seinfeld, Jesse Plemons, Jon Hamm, Jordan Peele, Judd Apatow, Julia Garner, Julianna Margulies, Rosie O'Donnell, Seth Meyers, Sharon Stone, Zoe Saldana, Henry Winkler, James Corden, Juliette Lewis and Molly Shannon.

In addition, a Who's Who of Hollywood producers and corporate leaders also signed the open letter, including Paramount Global controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, former Sony Pictures chief Amy Pascal, Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer, legendary music and film executive David Geffen, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz and top television producer Greg Berlanti.