The $30 million question

Dame Helen Mirren has spoken out about a disturbing street altercation in London where she was subjected to an anti-Semitic slur by an activist.

The incident, which occurred in November, involved Tom Carroll, a far-Left activist with a history of posting abusive anti-Semitic content online.

As the acclaimed actress, now 80, walked near Tower Hill with her husband, director Taylor Hackford, 81, they were confronted by Carroll.

Video footage captured the encounter, showing Dame Helen initially smiling and asking the man if he was "OK" before he unleashed a torrent of abuse,calling her an "evil Zionist bitch" and directing profanity at both her and her husband.

Israel's complex legacy

Dame Helen reflected on the broader context of rising hatred, stating that "evil forces are rising everywhere, even in a country like Israel."

This comment comes in the shadow of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, a conflict that has intensified global debates and tensions.

The actress, who portrayed Israel's former Prime Minister Golda Meir in the 2023 biopic "Golda," shared nuanced thoughts about the state of Israel.

She recounted her youthful idealism about the nation , forged from her parents' generation's profound shock at the Holocaust, but acknowledged that even in its early years, "they were doing wrong."

A personal connection

Dame Helen's support for Israel is long-standing and rooted in personal history.

She has previously stated, "I believe in Israel because of the Holocaust," and has opposed cultural boycotts against the country.

Her connection is also personal; she has "such great friends from Israel," and her first two boyfriends were Jewish, including an Englishman with whom she travelled to Israel as a young woman and worked on a kibbutz after the Six-Day War in 1967.

Why repeat the past?

Dame Helen poignantly asked , "How could you possibly repeat the actions of what was done to you as people to other people?"

This refers both to the Holocaust and the current situation in Gaza.

Last month, she joined several other celebrities in signing an open letter supporting Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The Metropolitan Police have acknowledged the circulating video, confirming an investigation is underway as officers attempt to contact the victims to determine if they wish to report the incident,which is beieved to have taken place at the end of last year.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, but the Metropolitan Police have confirmed that they are working to identify the perpetrator and determine if they will face charges.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about anti-Semitism and the need for greater awareness and education about the issue.

Dame Helen's comments about Israel's complex legacy have also sparked debate, with some praising her nuanced perspective and others criticizing her for not being more critical of the country's actions.