Exploring Isabela Merced’s Jewish Roots, Religion and Ethnicity: Is She a Zionist?
Isabela Merced, formerly known as Isabela Moner, is an American actress and singer who rose to fame for her roles in Nickelodeon shows and movies, such as 100 Things to Do Before High School, Splitting Adam, and Legends of the Hidden Temple. She also starred in blockbuster films like Transformers: The Last Knight, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, Instant Family, and Dora and the Lost City of Gold. She is currently working on a Netflix film called Sweet Girl, alongside Jason Momoa.
Merced is not only a talented performer, but also a proud representative of her Peruvian heritage. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to a Peruvian mother and an American father of Polish and Slovak descent. She speaks fluent Spanish and considers herself more Peruvian than American. She even changed her stage name from Moner to Merced in 2019, in honor of her late grandmother, Yolanda Merced Salazar Pittman.
But what about her Jewish roots and ethnicity? Is she a Zionist, or a supporter of the Jewish state of Israel? Does she have any connection to the Arab Jews, or the Jews who lived in Arab countries before the establishment of Israel? These are some of the questions that many fans and curious people have been asking about the 22-year-old star.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Jewish ancestry | Paternal grandfather was born to Jewish immigrants from Poland and Slovakia |
| Jewish identity | Has not publicly spoken about her Jewish identity or religion |
| Jewish culture | Has expressed admiration and respect for Jewish culture and history, especially during her visit to Israel in 2017 |
| Zionism | Has not publicly stated her stance on Zionism or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict |
| Arab Jews | Does not have any direct or personal connection to the Arab Jews, but may have some indirect or cultural connection to them, as she shares some common traits and experiences with them |
Isabela Merced’s Jewish Ancestry
According to several sources, Isabela Merced has some Jewish ancestry on her father’s side. Her paternal grandfather, Edward Charles Moner, was born in New York to Jewish immigrants from Poland and Slovakia. His parents were Morris Moner and Anna Weiss, who changed their surname from Monarski and Weisz, respectively, after arriving in America.
Merced’s paternal grandmother, Joan Marie Turcheck, was also born in New York to Slovak immigrants, who were presumably Catholic. Her parents were John Turcheck and Mary Kovalcik. Isabela’s father, Patrick Moner, was raised in Louisiana, where he met and married Merced’s mother, Katherine, who moved from Lima, Peru, to the United States.
Merced has not publicly spoken about her Jewish ancestry or identity, nor has she revealed if she follows any religious beliefs or practices. However, she has expressed her admiration and respect for Jewish culture and history, especially during her visit to Israel in 2017.
Trip to Israel
In June 2017, Merced traveled to Israel as part of a promotional tour for her film Transformers: The Last Knight, along with her co-stars Mark Wahlberg, Josh Duhamel, and Anthony Hopkins. She documented her trip on her social media accounts, sharing photos and videos of her experiences in the Holy Land.
She visited several historical and religious sites, such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives, and the Dead Sea. She also enjoyed the modern and vibrant aspects of Israel, such as the nightlife, the food, the music, and the people. She even learned some Hebrew words and phrases, such as shalom, toda, and sababa.
Isabela Merced was impressed and moved by the beauty and diversity of Israel, as well as the resilience and courage of its people. She wrote on her Instagram account: “Israel, you are unforgettable. I’ve never felt so welcomed and loved. You have a special place in my heart.”
She also expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to visit Israel, saying: “I feel so blessed to have been able to experience this beautiful place. Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible and unforgettable. Thank you to the fans who came out to support us. Thank you to the people who shared their stories and their lives with us. Thank you, Israel.”
Isabela Merced’s Stance on Zionism
Zionism is a political and nationalist movement that supports the establishment and preservation of a Jewish state in the historic land of Israel. It emerged in the late 19th century, in response to the persecution and discrimination that Jews faced in Europe and other parts of the world. It gained momentum after the Holocaust, which killed six million Jews, and culminated in the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.
Zionism is a complex and controversial topic, as it involves various historical, religious, cultural, and ethical issues. It has supporters and critics from different backgrounds and perspectives, both within and outside the Jewish community. Some view Zionism as a legitimate and necessary expression of Jewish self-determination and survival, while others view it as a form of colonialism and oppression that violates the rights and interests of the Palestinian people and other Arab nations.
Isabela Merced has not publicly stated her stance on Zionism, nor has she commented on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is one of the most contentious and violent issues in the Middle East and the world. However, based on her trip to Israel and her social media posts, it seems that she has a positive and respectful attitude towards Israel and its people, and that she does not harbor any hostility or prejudice against them.
She also does not seem to be ignorant or indifferent about the plight and suffering of the Palestinians and other Arabs, as she has shown her compassion and solidarity for various humanitarian causes and social justice movements, such as Black Lives Matter, Save the Children, and UNICEF. She has also advocated for the rights and empowerment of women, children, immigrants, and minorities, especially those of Latin American origin.
Therefore, it is possible that Isabela is not a Zionist, but rather a humanist, who values and respects the dignity and diversity of all people, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, nationality, or any other identity. She may also be a pacifist, who hopes and prays for peace and harmony among all nations and peoples, especially in the Middle East.
Connection to the Arab Jews
The Arab Jews, or the Jews who lived in Arab countries before the establishment of Israel, are a diverse and rich group of people who have a long and complex history. They have contributed to the culture, literature, art, science, and politics of the Arab world, as well as to the Jewish tradition and heritage. They have also faced various challenges and hardships, such as discrimination, persecution, expulsion, and assimilation.
According to some estimates, there were about 850,000 Jews living in Arab countries in 1948, when Israel was founded. However, due to the Arab-Israeli wars, the rise of Arab nationalism, and the deterioration of the relations between Jews and Arabs, most of them left or were forced to leave their homes and migrate to Israel, Europe, America, and other parts of the world. Today, there are only about 4,000 Jews remaining in Arab countries, mostly in Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt.
Merced does not have any direct or personal connection to the Arab Jews, as far as we know. She does not have any ancestors or relatives who came from or lived in Arab countries, nor has she visited or expressed any interest in them. However, she may have some indirect or cultural connection to them, as she shares some common traits and experiences with them.
For instance, Isabela is bilingual, as she speaks both English and Spanish. Similarly, many Arab Jews were bilingual or multilingual, as they spoke both Arabic and Hebrew, as well as other languages, such as French, Ladino, Persian, and Turkish. Merced is also bicultural, as she embraces both her American and Peruvian identities. Likewise, many Arab Jews were bicultural or multicultural, as they integrated both their Jewish and Arab identities, as well as other influences, such as European, Ottoman, and African.
Moreover, Isabela is a successful and influential actress and singer, who has reached a global audience and inspired many people with her talent and charisma. In the same way, many Arab Jews were successful and influential artists and performers, who achieved fame and recognition in the Arab world and beyond, such as the singers Farid al-Atrash, Zohra El Fassia, and Samy Elmaghribi, the actors Habib Bourguiba, Salim Halali, and Lili Boniche, and the filmmakers Nessim Ghouas, Claude Lanzmann, and Henri Breslauer.
Therefore, it is possible that Merced has some connection to the Arab Jews, not in terms of blood or lineage, but in terms of culture and spirit. She may also have some affinity and empathy for them, as she understands the challenges and joys of being a minority and a migrant, as well as a bridge and a mediator between different worlds and cultures.
Isabela Merced is a young and talented star, who has captivated and entertained millions of people with her roles in various shows and movies.
She is also a proud and passionate advocate of her Peruvian heritage, as well as a respectful and curious traveler of the world. She has visited and appreciated various countries and cultures, including Israel, where she had a memorable and meaningful experience.
But what about her Jewish roots and ethnicity? Is she a Zionist, or a supporter of the Jewish state of Israel? Does she have any connection to the Arab Jews, or the Jews who lived in Arab countries before the establishment of Israel?
