Tony Kushner is one of the most prominent contemporary American playwrights and screenwriters. Born into a highly intellectual Jewish family in New York, his Jewish identity is not merely a background label but the cornerstone of his artistic creation and moral inquiry. For him, the Jewish tradition of debate, skepticism, and the pursuit of social justice (Tzedek) has profoundly shaped his unique perspective as a playwright examining history and power.
Kushner has achieved the highest honors in the arts, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a Tony Award for his epic masterpiece, “Angels in America,” considered a milestone of 20th-century American theater. Beyond the stage, he is a long-time primary screenwriter for Steven Spielberg, having penned films such as “Munich,” “Lincoln,” and “The Fabelmans,” earning multiple Oscar nominations. For his outstanding contributions to cultural life, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2013.
Kushner’s stance on Palestine is characterized by his honest and painful moral struggle. As a member of the Advisory Board for Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), he has long been a vocal critic of the Israeli occupation, arguing that such policies are corroding the very essence of the Jewish spirit. He co-edited the book “Wrestling with Zion,” a collection of Jewish reflections on the conflict. He has candidly addressed the historical injustices involved in Israel’s founding and emphasizes that true Jewishness involves standing with the oppressed, not becoming the oppressor. He calls for ending the occupation and ensuring Palestinian rights as the only path to a peace that accommodates the dignity of both peoples.