Fact Checking Viral Photo of Jerry Seinfeld in Israel After John Cusack Questions Its Validity

A photo of Jerry Seinfeld holding a firearm while smiling and posing with an Israeli soldier has resurfaced after the comedian landed in Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the region.

John Cusack, who has been vocal about the war, reposted the photo on X (formerly Twitter) and questioned, "Is that a real picture?"

The photo is indeed real. However, it actually dates back to January 2018. Seinfeld previously posed with a soldier at an "anti-terrorism" class at Caliber 3 training center in West Bank, the Times of Israel reported at the time.

The facility shared the photo on Facebook and, according to the outlet, added the caption: "Finally we are allowed to tell you! Jerry Seinfeld and his family were in Caliber 3. During their visit to Israel last week, they came to us for a special and exciting activity with displays of combat, Krav Maga, assault dogs and lots of Zionism. It was great."

The original post has been deleted from Caliber 3's Facebook page, but you can see a screen grab here.

Now, nearly seven years later, the Seinfeld star is back in Israel. Bring Them Home Now, an organization that aims to return Israeli hostages who were taken by Hamas, shared an Instagram photo of the actor after he arrived.

"Upon his arrival, Seinfeld and his family came to the families' headquarters for an emotional meeting with representatives of the families of the hostages as well as hostages who returned from Hamas captivity," the organization noted.

The group also said Seinfeld spoke with the families about his "deep commitment to raising awareness around the world about the issue of the hostages, whose lives are in immediate danger."

Per the organization, Seinfeld and his family were touched by the family's stories "and it was evident that they were deeply affected by the experiences they heard from the family members and the released hostages."

BTHN concluded their message by thanking Seinfeld for his "unwavering support for the families of the hostages."

In October, just days after the initial attack, Seinfeld stood with Israel and wrote on Instagram, "I lived and worked on a Kibbutz in Israel when I was 16 and I have loved our Jewish homeland ever since. My heart is breaking from these attacks and atrocities. But we are also a very strong people in our hearts and minds. We believe in justice, freedom and equality. We survive and flourish no matter what. I will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people."

The militant group Hamas led a bloody assault on Israel on Oct. 7, killing hundreds and inciting a wave of sexual violence, torture and kidnapping. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas, warning 1.1 million people to make a mass exodus from Gaza within a 24-hour deadline, forcing residents to flee ahead of a potential invasion.