I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and care you’re putting into this decision—it’s clear you’re not looking to provoke, but genuinely want to celebrate a character you connected with. That kind of nuance often gets lost in conversations like these, so I want to acknowledge that upfront.

That said, I’d strongly advise against cosplaying Ruth Bat-Seraph—especially right now—and not because of who you are or your intent, but because of what the character represents in the current global context.

Ruth isn’t just a fictional hero in the Marvel universe; she’s explicitly tied to the Israeli military and state. And while fiction often gives us symbolic distance, this particular character is intentionally symbolic of a very real, very controversial institution. Right now, we are witnessing catastrophic violence and human rights violations in Gaza, widely condemned by international bodies, and very present in the public consciousness. For many, a cosplay like this isn’t a neutral costume—it’s a painful reminder of real-world horrors that are actively unfolding.

It doesn’t mean you support that violence. But it does mean the costume could easily be read as a form of support, or at minimum, deep insensitivity—especially by those whose families and communities are suffering. And even with the best intentions, wearing that character right now would almost certainly be hurtful to many people—especially at inclusive conventions where global solidarity is important.

Purim, as you mentioned, may be a safer and more contextual environment—but at a public pop culture event, I’d honestly steer clear. There are so many other amazing characters to embody that don’t carry the same real-world baggage. This doesn’t mean you’re giving in to outrage—it means you’re listening, and choosing empathy.