There is a kerfuffle on (Anti-)Social Media about Noa Cohen playing the Blessed Virgin Mary in the upcoming Netflix movie “Mary.”
The reason is because Noa is an Israeli Jew — and there are other Israeli’s in the Netflix movie too.
The fuss is for a couple of related reasons. One is based on the allegation that a ‘genocide’ is currently occurring in Gaza and Lebanon.
…not really relevant to a historical movie, but okay.
The main thrust seems to be based on a sort of “cultural appropriation” of Palestinian identity.
…and even suggestions that the role should have been played by a Palestinian actress!
The latter idea is fairly odd, considering that modern-day Palestinians are Muslim!
MARY
The trailer for Mary looks AWESOME! (See for yourself!) If the end result is anything as good as the trailer, Netflix has a hit on their hands.
HISTORY
Emily Schrader on X (@emilykschrader) put it bluntly:
Click image to link to video on 𝕏
Only a complete imbecile with absolutely no historical literacy would be upset about a Jewish Israeli actress being cast to play Mary, the mother of Jesus, who by the way, was a Jew…born to 2 Jewish parents, in the land of Israel.Mary was not a Muslim or a Palestinian because neither of those existed yet.
Elica Le Bon gives an excellent historical summary on the topic. Click the image to link to her video:
In her bio on 𝕏, Elica claims to be a “Daughter of Iran.” On Instagram, she notes “I am not Jewish and have no ties to the land. I’m middle eastern from a Muslim background.”
CULTURAL ASSIMILATION of the image of Mary
I love seeing images of the Blessed Virgin Mary & the Holy Family, through the eyes of different cultures. Some beautiful Marian images are in the title.
The typical western image is of a fair skinned, blue-eyed Virgin Mary and there is even an auburn-haired Celtic version! In all likelihood, Mary had a darker complexion and brown eyes, but no-one truly knows.
Each culture’s assimilation helps the local people feel closer to the Mother of Christ — our Mother — though we really do know that she did not appear that way!
MARIAN APPARITIONS
Curiously, the Blessed Virgin Mary has presented herself in Marian apparitions as resembling the nation she is appearing to — Our Lady of Akita, Japan; Guadalupe, Mexico; Kibeho in Africa.
ISLAM & MARY
Mary is held in esteem in Islam. She is mentioned numerous times throughout the Koran, which also narrates the Virgin Birth!
It is possible for a Muslim actress to be the most talented person to portray Mary, and if so, she should get the job! That said, it would be distinctly odd to specifically seek out a Muslim to play the Mother of Christ, based on modern (divisive) concepts of Identity Politics.
Dr. Kevin Hay
You can follow Kevin on 𝕏 ( Twitter ) @ kevinhay77