Rabbi Slams Adam Brody as "Ignorant Jew" Over "Free Palestine" Remarks

Rabbi Steve Leder, who served as a technical consultant for the Netflix show "Nobody Wants This," has publicly criticized actor Adam Brody for his pro-Palestinian statements, calling him an "ignorant Jew." Leder's remarks came in response to Brody's recent comments in GQ, where the actor expressed his belief that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute a "genocide" and stated his support for a "free Palestine."

Leder, a former senior rabbi at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, posted a video on Instagram addressing Brody directly. He stated that his role on "Nobody Wants This" was to ensure authenticity regarding Judaism in the show. "Your pronouncement the other day about a genocide in Gaza was truly shocking, not only because of your misuse and mischaracterization of the word 'genocide'—there is no genocide in Gaza," Leder said in the video. He added, "You, by your own admission are a relatively ignorant Jew, and your ignorance really showed the other day."

Leder further criticized Brody's casual use of the term "genocide," comparing it to ordering a table at a restaurant. "If you’re gonna use a word like 'genocide,' you oughta know what it means. And by the way, being so flippant about a word like 'genocide'—'hey put me down for [thinking it’s a] genocide' like you’re asking for a table for two at Craig’s is disgusting," Leder stated. He concluded his message by advising Brody, "if you know nothing about something, you should say nothing about it."

Brody's comments came amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of 251 individuals. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel's subsequent offensive has led to at least 73,922 Palestinian deaths. A ceasefire was established in October 2023, facilitating the release of hostages, but further progress has stalled. Israel continues to conduct airstrikes in Gaza, while Hamas has not disarmed.

Brody plays Rabbi Noah Roklov in "Nobody Wants This," a character who begins a romance with an agnostic podcaster. Leder had previously worked with Brody and his co-star Kristin Bell to ensure the accurate portrayal of Jewish culture and practices in the series. Brody himself admitted in the past that he had limited knowledge of Judaism despite playing Jewish characters, stating, "I barely got bar mitzvahed and retained nothing from it." His performance in the show earned him Best Actor in a Comedy Series at the Critics Choice Awards in February 2025.