Debra Messing Honored at Israel Film Festival Luncheon

Members of the Jewish film community gathered at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills on June 6 for a luncheon in advance of the 2025 Israel Film Festival.

That the fest’s executive director Meir Fenigstein has a background in rock music — he played drums in ’70s band Kaveret — is fitting considering that his appeal to Hollywood’s Jewish community sometimes sounds like a broken record.

“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,” said Fenigstein of the IFF’s goal: “to bring the best of Israeli culture and movies to Los Angeles audiences.”

There’s urgency to his appeal every year, but since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, which has resulted in a surge in antisemitism in the U.S. and around the world, support for Israel’s film and television endeavors has been waning, with Israeli filmmakers increasingly shut out of major competitions.

Debra Messing, the Emmy-winning actress who executive-produced the documentary October H8TE – The Fight for the Soul of America (chronicling the alarming rise of antisemitism on college campuses), echoed these thoughts in her acceptance of the 2025 IFF Achievement In Film And Television Award. “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,” she said following an introduction by podcast host Jonah Platt. “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.”

Joining the effort was Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, who shared her reflections on cultural diplomacy and recognized the festival with a proclamation from the City of Beverly Hills. Many Beverly Hills residents and businesses have supported and participated in this important cultural event over the years, she noted.

Also recognized was Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Museum of Tolerance and a two-time Oscar winner, with the 2025 IFF Humanitarian Award. He regaled the luncheon attendees with stories of Elizabeth Taylor, peppering in Yiddish-isms to their delight.

But laughs aside, Messing encapsulated the moment in her moving remarks. “The blood thirsty contempt, the gas-lighting, the lying. It has been crushing. Exhausting,” she said. “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 37th annual Israel Film Festival is scheduled for Nov. 5 – 20 in Los Angeles.