Disney’s Marvel Entertainment is once again stirring controversy, this time by altering the identity of a long-standing Israeli character for its upcoming film “Captain America: Brave New World.” This move appears to be yet another example of Disney’s troubling pattern of progressive pandering and apparent antisemitism.
Ruth Bat-Seraph, a character introduced in Marvel comics over four decades ago, was originally portrayed as a Mossad agent with superhuman abilities. Her alter-ego, Sabra, was a nod to her Israeli roots. However, in a disturbing twist, Disney seems to have caved to pressure from anti-Israeli activists who protested the character’s inclusion in the film.
The Times of Israel reported that after facing backlash in 2022, Disney promised a “different approach” to the character. Now, as the movie’s release approaches, it’s clear what that “different approach” entails – a complete erasure of Sabra’s Israeli identity.
In the recent trailer release, there’s no mention of Sabra or her Israeli background. Instead, Ruth Bat-Seraph is described as “a former Black Widow” and a “high-ranking U.S. government official.” This drastic change has understandably upset pro-Israel activists.
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Hen Mazzig, a vocal pro-Israel advocate, didn’t mince words in his criticism. On social media, he accused Marvel of erasing “the only Israeli superhero.” In a Jerusalem Post op-ed, Mazzig further elaborated on the implications of this decision: “The erasure of Sabra’s Jewish identity is also a slap in the face to the American Jews who literally invented the comic book superhero genre.”
Marvel and the superhero universe was started by American Jews as an escapism to the antisemitism they were witnessing during the Nazi era.
Sabra, an Israeli Mossad agent, was created as part of the series in the 1980s.
The decision to erase her Israeli background of Sabra… pic.twitter.com/MZnJzD1CvW
— Creative Community for Peace (@CCFPeace) July 16, 2024
This isn’t the first time Disney has faced accusations of bowing to political pressure or displaying antisemitic tendencies. The company’s willingness to alter character backgrounds to appease certain groups while seemingly disregarding the concerns of others is becoming a troubling trend.
It’s worth noting that Israeli actress Shira Haas was cast to play the role, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. By stripping away the character’s Israeli identity, Disney isn’t just changing a fictional backstory – they’re potentially undermining the cultural significance of having an Israeli actress in a prominent superhero role.
As of now, Disney and Marvel have remained silent on the matter, offering no explanation for the drastic changes to Ruth Bat-Seraph’s character. Their silence speaks volumes about their priorities and values.
As “Captain America: Brave New World” approaches its Valentine’s Day 2025 release, it remains to be seen how audiences will react to this reimagined version of Ruth Bat-Seraph.
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One thing is clear: Disney’s handling of this situation has once again highlighted their willingness to compromise artistic integrity and cultural representation in the face of progressive ideologies and political pressure.
