Sydney Sweeney Sparks Backlash After Cozy Moment With Freed Israeli Hostages Leaves Fans Divided
Sydney Sweeney is facing strong reactions online after meeting with two Israelis who were previously held hostage by Hamas.
The moment came to light after pro-Israel advocacy group StandWithUs shared a photo of the actress standing with Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or. According to the group, the pair were taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks and later freed from Gaza in June 2024 during an Israeli military operation. In the photo posted by StandWithUs, Sweeney stands between them, smiling, with her arms placed behind their backs.
Sweeney kept her look simple for the meeting. She wore a light-colored turtleneck sweater, short denim bottoms, and black knee-high boots. Argamani wore a loose brown dress and jacket, while Or was dressed casually in a T-shirt and dark pants. The image appears to have been taken outdoors, possibly on a patio.
Actress Sydney Sweeney alongside Hamas captivity survivors Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or.
— StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) January 13, 2026
Noa and Avinatan were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, from the Nova Festival in southern Israel. Noa was rescued from Gaza in June 2024 during an IDF operation, and… pic.twitter.com/yYBhMfN89n
After the photo was shared, reactions quickly poured in across social media. Some praised the actress for showing support. Israeli diplomat Itai Biran wrote on X, “Turns out it’s not just the jeans that fit well, it’s the values too.” The UK National Jewish Assembly also posted praise, saying, “Brilliant actor, and genuinely admirable to see her take the time to meet them and show support.”
Several fans echoed that support in the comments. One person wrote, “Respect to her for being a celebrity and a human. Seems rare these days…” Another added a comment referencing her recent American Eagle ad campaign, “3 people who are having great genes.” That campaign itself stirred debate after some viewers accused it of promoting harmful ideas.
Still, not everyone reacted positively. Many users criticized Sweeney for appearing with a group tied to pro-Israel advocacy. Others brought up her rumored connection to music executive Scooter Braun, who has previously helped raise funds for both Israeli hostage families and Palestinians in Gaza. One comment simply read, “Ewww.” Another said, “That’s the disappointment of the year.”
This is not the first time Sweeney’s fashion or public choices have drawn political attention. In December 2025, she wore a gown from Israeli designer Galia Lahav at the Los Angeles premiere of her film The Housemaid. She also wore a dress from the same designer at Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos’ wedding in Italy.
Some social media users pointed to a larger trend of celebrities speaking out in support of Israel. One person commented, “You can trot out Nicki Minaj, Sydney Sweeney, Erika Kirk, Roseanne Barr or whoever you think will convince us that we REALLY need to support Israel, foreign wars and corporations, but it won’t work.” Another wrote, “How much more tone deaf can she be?”
Celebrity actions are now judged instantly and harshly, especially when politics are involved. Some people see Sweeney’s meeting as kind and human. Others see it as a statement they strongly disagree with. Either way, the reaction shows how divided the public is right now. What do you think about Sydney Sweeney’s appearance with the former hostages? Share your thoughts in the comments.