Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have made another significant charitable donation, this time giving $1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support children in Israel and Gaza. The couple has previously made generous contributions to various causes, including matching donations up to $1 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and donating $500,000 to Indigenous-focused safe water charity Water First Education & Training Inc. They also gave $1 million split between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and donated $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s financial assistance program for performers facing economic hardship during the actors’ strike.
The ICRC, on October 7, sent medical supplies to a hospital in Gaza following Hamas terrorist attacks. Their assistance includes body bags, stretchers, and efforts to assess damage to sewage and water treatment facilities. They are also working to locate and gain access to individuals held hostage to establish contact with their families and provide medical treatment.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are among the first celebrities to publicly provide financial aid to both Israel and Gaza during the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. The conflict continues to escalate, with Israel’s military preparing for potential “next stages of the war” against Hamas. Many other celebrities, including Jennifer Garner, Adam Sandler, Yara Shahidi, Kerry Washington, and Martha Stewart, have also expressed support for the innocent victims of the war.
