Debra Messing Receives Honor at Israel Film Festival Luncheon

On June 6, 2025, Debra Messing, the Emmy-winning actress and producer, was honored by members of the Jewish film community at the Israel Film Festival (IFF) sponsorship luncheon held at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. This event, which precedes the 37th annual IFF scheduled for November 5-20, aims to recognize the financial support of sponsors essential for the festival's success and to promote Israeli culture through film.

Meir Fenigstein, the festival's executive director, noted the importance of the luncheon in acknowledging its benefactors. He stated, "The sponsorship luncheon serves to acknowledge the tremendous financial support of its benefactors as well as its individual and corporate sponsors, without whom the Festival would not exist." Fenigstein, who has a background in music, emphasized the urgency of supporting Israeli filmmakers, especially in the wake of a noticeable decline in their representation at major film festivals.

The urgency for support has intensified following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel, which have led to a significant rise in antisemitism both in the United States and globally. Messing, who executive-produced the documentary *October H8TE – The Fight for the Soul of America*, which explores the alarming rise of antisemitism on college campuses, echoed these sentiments during her acceptance speech for the 2025 IFF Achievement In Film and Television Award. She remarked, "The work you’ve done, Meir, in creating a space where Israeli stories can be seen and heard, especially now, is not just important. It is urgent."

The actress continued, highlighting the challenges faced by Israeli filmmakers: “Especially now, when so many Israeli films are being denied entry into festivals or pulled from platforms – it’s more vital than ever that we support Israeli filmmakers; that we watch their work and help amplify their art. Because they are telling stories that matter. Stories of resilience, innovation, survival, family, and identity.”

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian also attended the luncheon, sharing her reflections on cultural diplomacy and recognizing the festival with a proclamation from the City of Beverly Hills. She acknowledged the longstanding support of the local community for the festival, emphasizing its cultural significance.

Additionally, Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Museum of Tolerance and a two-time Oscar winner, received the 2025 IFF Humanitarian Award. His remarks included personal anecdotes and light-hearted Yiddish expressions, bringing warmth to the gathering.

In conclusion, Messing encapsulated the sentiment of the event, stating, "The bloodthirsty contempt, the gas-lighting, the lying. It has been crushing. Exhausting. But through it all I’ve also seen the extraordinary power of our community. The way we show up for each other. The way we lead with love, always looking for the light. We are still here. And we are louder, prouder, and more unified than ever. Let’s keep making room for stories that matter. Let’s support artists who dare to tell the truth. And let’s keep standing together—with dignity, with strength, and with hope for a better tomorrow."

The upcoming Israel Film Festival promises to be a vital platform for showcasing Israeli stories, reinforcing the importance of cultural diplomacy in today's socio-political climate.