Debra Messing openly declares her continuous combat against antisemitism, expressing unwavering Jewish pride: "I've never felt prouder of my Jewish identity"
In a world where tensions run high, Debra Messing, the fearless actress and outspoken activist, uses her platform to stand against the rising tide of antisemitism. Just hours after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, Messing took to social media to denounce the tragedy, calling it an "unprovoked massacre" and a coordinated terrorist attack. Over 15 months later, Messing continues to fight against the global spread of hate, using her voice to combat antisemitism and support Israel.
While some in Hollywood have been reluctant to speak up, Messing is undeterred. "I don't think I've ever felt as proud of being a Jew," she told CNN in an interview in December. "It really has awakened in me a pride and a strength I think that was lying dormant, and I think I was too scared to reveal."
The "Will & Grace" star has been speaking out against antisemitism for years, but October 7 changed her life. "I think I was in the shadows prior to October 7," Messing admitted. "I actually didn't realize how much the antisemitism that I have experienced throughout my entire life had affected my ability to be out and proud, so to speak, as a Jew."
Now Messing is serving as executive producer on a documentary titled "October 8," which delves into the rise of antisemitic violence, protests on college campuses, and the spread of misinformation across social media. Directed by filmmaker Wendy Sachs, the documentary explores the extremism that has gripped America and the bias in media reporting that has portrayed the conflict between Israel and Palestine as a fight against Israel rather than a fight against terrorism.
To better understand the situation, Messing traveled to Israel to meet with representatives of the Israeli Defense Force, families of hostages, and survivors of the Nova music festival, where nearly 400 innocent festivalgoers were massacred and dozens more were taken hostage into Gaza. Messing felt compelled to go and bear witness so that she could come back and share their stories, knowing she would be met with criticism and scrutiny.
"Being the eyes and ears for everybody who does not have the opportunity to go there has put me in a vulnerable position as a public-facing person who is speaking out about a highly polarizing issue," Messing admitted. "I felt very alone and often scared and despairing, but it was so clear to me, if not now, when? And it just was not an option to stay silent."
Despite the challenges, Messing remains hopeful. "One of the most beautiful parts of Judaism, for me, is that it is always about finding the light in the dark and bringing light into the dark," she said. "I believe that that can change everything."
"October 8" premieres in theaters nationwide on March 14, with plans to release it on streaming platforms after its theatrical run. Future generations will look back on this time and wonder how we let it happen. But with fiery voices like Debra Messing leading the charge against hate, there is a glimmer of hope that we can turn the tide and find a brighter future for all.
- Debra Messing, endeavoring to combat antisemitism and support Israel, is executive producing a documentary titled "October 8" that exploring the rise of antisemitic violence, protests on college campuses, and the spread of misinformation across social media.
- Messing, despite experiences of antisemitism throughout her life, is not deterred and talks about her enhanced pride in her Jewish identity, declaring, "I don't think I've ever felt as proud of being a Jew."
- In a polarizing world, Messing, despite facing scrutiny and criticism, bravely traveled to Israel, met with representatives of the Israeli Defense Force, families of hostages, and survivors, and is determined to share their stories, shedding light on the situation and working towards a brighter and more tolerant future.
