Debra Messing’s Unwavering Support for Israel and the Fight Against Antisemitism

A Powerful Response to Tragedy

Hours after Hamas launched its devastating attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, actress and activist Debra Messing took to social media to condemn the violence, calling it an unprovoked massacre and the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Messing, who is Jewish, was clear in her stance: “This is not a two-sided conflict. This is a coordinated terrorist attack. The only thing that should be in your mind and heart today is compassion and prayers for Israel.” Her words resonated deeply with many, but they also marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life—one where she would use her platform to advocate for Israel and combat the growing wave of antisemitism worldwide. Over 15 months later, Messing continues to amplify her support, even as she faces challenges and criticism in doing so.

A Personal Awakening: Embracing Jewish Pride

For Messing, the events of October 7 were a turning point. In an interview with CNN, she reflected on how the attack awakened a pride and strength she had previously kept hidden. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt as proud of being a Jew,” she said. This newfound sense of identity was a departure from her past, where she admits to having been “in the shadows” about her Jewishness. Messing revealed that the antisemitism she had experienced throughout her life had subtly impacted her ability to openly embrace her heritage. However, the horrors of October 7 changed everything, pushing her to step into the spotlight and advocate for her community with unprecedented courage.

"October 8": A Documentary to Shed Light on Antisemitism

Messing is now serving as an executive producer on a documentary titled October 8, which explores the surge in antisemitic violence, campus protests, and misinformation following the Hamas attacks. Directed by filmmaker Wendy Sachs, the film delves into the complexities of the conflict, emphasizing the rise of extremism and the challenges posed by social media and media bias. Sachs clarified that the documentary is not about litigating the war in Gaza, but rather about the broader struggle between extremism and democracy. “What’s happening in Gaza is horrific,” she said, “but that’s not what this is about. This is about what we’re seeing in the streets of America, on college campuses, and on social media.”

The documentary, set to premiere in theaters and on streaming platforms on March 14, has already been submitted for Oscar consideration. 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 people were massacred and dozens taken hostage. Her trip was driven by a sense of duty: “I felt compelled to go and to bear witness so that I could come back and share their stories and not be called a liar.”

Feeling Abandoned by Hollywood

Despite her unwavering commitment, Messing has faced significant challenges, particularly within the entertainment industry. She expressed disappointment and even betrayal at the lack of support from her Hollywood peers. “I thought there would be an army of activists and celebrities who would be out,” she said in the documentary, referring to the relative silence of many in the industry. In an interview with CNN, she expanded on this sentiment, stating, “I have been an activist for 25 years and I have marched and stood behind every leader of every marginalized community that has been seeking equity and inclusion. The thing that I have had to mourn the most is the fact that when I look to my right and my left, the people who I supported were not with me.”

Overcoming Obstacles to Tell an Important Story

The journey to create October 8 was not without its hurdles. Director Wendy Sachs revealed that the documentary was initially met with resistance from Hollywood, with many agents and agencies hesitant to touch the project. “I’ve been told by pretty much every agent and every agency in Hollywood, ‘Great film. No one’s going to touch it,’” she shared. The fear of backlash, boycotts, and public controversy made it difficult to secure support. However, the persistence of Messing and Sachs eventually led to the film being acquired by Briarcliff Entertainment, which is handling its distribution in the U.S.

Sachs praised Messing’s courage in the face of increasing hate and misinformation, especially on social media. “Debra has a courage that I haven’t seen in so many others, and I applaud her for that,” Sachs said. “It’s really hard. There’s a lot of hate out there.”

A Message of Hope and Unity

Despite the challenges, Messing remains optimistic about the power of storytelling to educate and unite. She emphasized that the conflict is not about taking sides but about recognizing the shared humanity of all people. “What is happening in Gaza is devastating. Any loss of life is devastating. War is devastating,” she said. “The thing that has been very hard to understand is how people can’t seem to hold two things at once—how you can be pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel at the same time.”

Messing concluded her interview on a hopeful note, drawing on a core principle of her faith: “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. I believe that that can change everything.” Through her advocacy and the release of October 8, Messing hopes to inspire empathy, understanding, and unity in the face of division and hatred.