Chris D’Elia’s Take on Israel-Palestine Divides Opinions

Comedian Chris D’Elia prefers to steer clear of political content in his performances, which tends to frustrate activists.

So, when he shared his latest thoughts on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, he anticipated some backlash.

D’Elia has made it clear over the years, especially in a recent show, that he doesn’t want to take sides. “People will often ask, ‘Are you going to say something about Gaza?'” he recounted during a gig at the Improv.

His response was, quite frankly, direct: “Where’s that?”

When pressed further with questions like, “Are you for Palestine or Israel?” his quip was, “I don’t watch soccer, I don’t know! I hope they have a good game.”

The audience found the joke amusing, but D’Elia knew that sharing it online would bring a different reaction. “I’m sure the comment section will be a real treat,” he commented, alluding to the anticipated criticism.

Activists on social media were quick to respond.

Responses from the Online Community

“It’s fine to be spineless and stand for nothing,” a user from Lebanon pointed out.

Another commentator, identifying as pro-Palestine, remarked, “You can be funny and advocate for justice too; you don’t have to choose one over the other.”

One user cynically stated, “Damn, Chris has been bought out by [Israel].”

Adding to the criticism, another user asked, “How can we report him?”

Several commentators interpreted D’Elia’s refusal to choose a side as an indication of support for Israel.

D’Elia’s Comedic Style

D’Elia inevitably draws the attention of those who keep a close watch on his commentary, especially regarding political matters, a subject he dabbles in more frequently than he admits.

Earlier this year, he joked about superheroes, suggesting that they all lean Republican. “Who’s Republican, dude? Wolverine! Cyclops! Professor X is, like, ‘Secretly, I’m against these woke, white, liberal women,'” he quipped.

Yet, he has also poked fun at conservatives. Last year, he portrayed them as gun enthusiasts while recalling an encounter with a liberal petition circulator asking for support on abortion rights.