What Special Gift Did Arnold Schwarzenegger Offer to Survivors of the Hamas-Israel Conflict? What Does It Symbolize?

Arnold Schwarzenegger has been an advocate against anti-semitism for most of his life. After recently receiving an award from LA’s Holocaust Museum, the 76-year-old met with survivors of the October 7 incident that kickstarted the Israel-Hamas conflict. The bodybuilding legend met and spoke to the survivors, condemned the attack, and offered them a symbolic gift.

The former Governor of California on the incident that sparked the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Besides condemning the violence, Schwarzenegger lamented the deaths of innocent Israelis and Palestinians. However, the former bodybuilding champion also praised the resilience of the survivors and thanked the families for sharing their stories. He also explained why he chose to gift each one of them with a bronze eagle.

A thoughtful gift from Arnold Schwarzenegger 

After speaking to the survivors, the seven-time Mr. Olympia told everyone that he had a gift for all who came to meet him. A man stood up from his chair and handed Arnie a bust of an Eagle made of bronze. “Now why Eagle?” asked the the 76-year-old fitness icon. “Because the eagle represents something that is flying high and soaring,” said Schwarzenegger.

Schwarzenegger further elaborated on his symbolic gift. The Hollywood action star said the Eagle soars above all birds. However, “it can only fly with the wind,” Schwarzenegger said. “So, today… I’m saying let the rest of the world be the wind for the Jewish people… This is what this (gift) is all about,” explained the 76-year-old in an exclusive video published by TMZ.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has contributed to many causes over the years. One of them is advocating against anti-semitism. The author grew up in post-Second World War Austria and learned about the horrors of the Holocaust from his mentor, Fredi Gerstl.

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Despite his father working as a Sturmabteilung (SA) for Germany during the Second World War, Schwarzenegger grew up with different values. Recently, Arnie also commented on the root cause of the ongoing conflict.

Arnie’s opinion on the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict

While appearing on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, the bodybuilding legend spoke on the ongoing conflict. The former governor condemned the violence and said it was “unnecessary.” The 76-year-old also explained the root cause behind the reignition of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The bodybuilder said a lack of communication and transparency has resulted in war and needless violence. He also explained that throughout history, violence didn’t lead to a solution, and the leaders of the world have to come together to solve the pressing issue.

Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed sadness that an incident such as the October 7 attack transpired. However, he also honored the resilience of the survivors.

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