Susan Sarandon Enrages Jewish Activists

Susan Sarandon angered the Jewish Voice for Peace group when she attended a cocktail party last month.

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The party washeld at the new Madison Avenue jewelry store of Lev Leviev, a diamond-dealing real-estate tycoon who owns the former NY Times and the Apthorp building on the Upper West Side.

NY Post reports that the group sent the Academy Award-winning actress a letter asking her to "publicly sever ties" with Leviev, whom they are boycotting because he supports Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

Sources say that they activists were outside of Leviev's store launch in mid-November on the sidewalk with Palestinian flags shouting: "You're glitz, you're glam, you're building on Palestinian land" and "Occupation is a drag, just say no to your gift bag."

Sarandon reportedly "tried not to notice the yells outside." Her rep denies her alliance with Leviev.

The group has posted its letter to the actress on her website demanding that she join their boycott.

"As longtime admirers of your work on social justice issues and as Jewish activists, we promote a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestine conflict. We... call your attention to the crimes of Lev Leviev and to urge you to publicly sever all connections with him and his company.

"Leviev is a very dangerous force not only in Israel. His real estate development projects have been roundly criticized for shoddy building, harsh treatment of workers and dangerous buildings and work sites.

As Jews who yearn and work for a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis, we implore you to take a public stand against Leviev. Your recent public appearance with him makes it seem as if you support his efforts, and we're certain this is not the impression you want to give."

Leviev's rep denies the allegations saying, "These protests are inaccurate in their charges against LEVIEV diamonds. LEVIEV is a rigorous supporter of the UN-mandated Kimberly Process concerning conflict-free diamonds and ensures that all gemstones - of all colors- are sourced through internationally recognized legal and ethical guidelines."