Montana Tucker
Montana Tucker is an American dancer, singer, and social media influencer recognised for her efforts to educate younger people about the Holocaust, Israel and antisemitism.[1] Tucker's online presence reportedly includes a combined following of over 11 million followers on TikTok and Instagram. Tucker reportedly uses her platform to address social issues such as body image, anti-bullying, and the importance of remembrance. Her interest in Holocaust education stems from her family history; her grandparents, Lilly and Michael Schmidmayer, survived Auschwitz and whose stories were documented by the USC Shoah Foundation to preserve Holocaust memory and awareness.[2][3] In June 2022, Tucker visited Auschwitz with her mother to honor her family's legacy and document her experiences in a TikTok series, How To: Never Forget. The series, viewed over seven million times, was later adapted into a documentary, aimed at engaging younger audiences. Tucker reports losing masses of online followers due to the shift in content but argues the need for education to counter antisemitism and ensure the preservation of Holocaust memory.[2][4][5] In 2024, Tucker a video of her performing with survivors of the Nova music festival massacre, together with the Lilach Friedman's Dance Ensemble, was filmed at the site of the massacre.[6]
In 2023, Tucker appeared on the film Holiday Twist where she played the character "Cheryl".[7][8] She also appears on the soundtrack for the 2021 film Step Up 2: The Streets.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ Hostein, L. (2024). "Montana Tucker on Fighting Israel’s Digital War". Hadassah Magazine. August 2024. Accessed November 25, 2024.
- ^ a b Eldor, K. (2023). "TikTok Star Montana Tucker Is Bringing Holocaust Awareness To A Younger Generation". Forbes. April 18, 2023. Accessed November 25, 2024.
- ^ "USC Shoah Foundation Institute testimony of Michael Schmidmayer". United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Accessed November 25, 2024.
- ^ Saval, M. (2023). "TikTok Star Montana Tucker Expands Reach of Moving Holocaust Doc Via YouTube". Variety. January 26, 2023. Accessed November 25, 2024.
- ^ Lebovic, M. (2022). "TikTok influencer Montana Tucker makes Holocaust docu-series for Gen Z". Times of Israel. November 7, 2022. Accessed November 25, 2024.
- ^ "Montana Tucker: 'Come to Israel and see it with your own eyes'". Jerusalem Post. November 13, 2024. Accessed November 25, 2024.
- ^ Urban, S. (2022). "‘Holiday Twist’ Adds Sean Astin, Neal McDonough to Cast (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. June 23, 2022. Accessed November 25, 2024.
- ^ Grobar, M. (2023). "Family Film ‘Holiday Twist’ Starring Sean Astin, Neal McDonough, Kelly Stables & Others Secures Nationwide Theatrical Release ". Deadline. October 18, 2023. Accessed November 25, 2024.
- ^ "Montana Tucker". LaPalme Magazine. June 15, 2021. Accessed November 25, 2024.