Last week, Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem and several other Spanish starts published an open letter in local Spanish newspapers condemning Israel for its role in the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The letter specifically urged the EU to “condemn” the bombing of civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Wishing to clarify her stance, Cruz released a statement after the letter was published. “My only wish and intention in signing that group letter is the hope that there will be peace in both Israel and Gaza,” Cruz said. “I am hopeful all parties can agree to a cease fire and there are no more innocent victims on either side of the border.”

Facing criticism for also being a signatory to the letter, Javier clarified his position in his own statement.

“While I was critical of the Israeli military response, I have great respect for the people of Israel and deep compassion for their losses,” Bardem said. “I am now being labeled by some as anti-Semitic, as is my wife – which is the antithesis of who we are as human beings.”

Given the controversial subject matter of the letter, not everyone was thrilled by its release or satisfied by Cruz and Bardem’s clarification. “I am asking all my peers who signed that poison letter against Israel to examine their motives,” actor Jon Voight told The Hollywood Reporter on Saturday. “Can you take back the fire of anti-Semitism that is raging all over the world now?”

Voight singled out Cruz and Bardem for being “oblivious to the damage they have caused.”