WASHINGTON, DC: Jewish actress Debra Messing took center stage at the 'March for Israel' rally in Washington on Tuesday, November 14, addressing a massive crowd of nearly 300,000 supporters.
Amidst challenges and a surge of hate, Messing delivered a powerful message of unity and hope, emphasizing the strength found in solidarity.
Debra Messing's emotional take at 'March for Israel' rally
As the actress began her speech, “Debra, we love you!” rang out from the audience and set the tone for her passionate dialogue.
“I know you are in pain. I know you are afraid. I know you feel alone and abandoned by people you thought were your friends. I know you feel misunderstood and maligned,” she said. “I know because I do, too.”
Despite the challenges, Messing encouraged "looking out at all of us today, also know that we are not alone because we have each other.”
Describing the current situation as testing times, Messing highlighted “a tsunami of hate has crashed down upon us and then a deafening silence. We see clearly now. We see naked, virulent Jew-hatred being disguised as a noble call for liberation. And we reject it.”
What does Debra Messing do now?
Messing recently starred as herself in Billy Eichner’s critically acclaimed LGBTQ romantic comedy 'Bros'. She is all set to appear with Robert De Niro in 'Alto Knights', an upcoming American gangster film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi. The film stars Robert De Niro in a dual role as 1950s mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello
Referencing the tragic death of pro-Israel rally-goer Paul Kessler, Messing questioned, “What does Israel’s defense in response to a terrorist attack have to do with an elderly Jewish man in California killed for holding an Israeli flag?”
She declared, “This is madness. This is terrorism. But we will win. We always have. We are strong, resilient and devoted. And we will not lose ourselves. We will worry for our global Jewish family and also hurt for the innocent Palestinians used as human shields by Hamas. We will work to eviscerate Hamas and also pray for a free and flourishing Gaza.”
Debra Messing calls for global solidarity in the release of hostages
Messing expressed her concern for both the global Jewish family and innocent Palestinians caught in the crossfire.
“We will remember and work for the release of the 240 hostages as well as for the safety of the 2.2 million Gazans also held hostage by Hamas. We will pray for the success of the IDF in a war Israel did not start and did not want but a war Israel will win … because we must,” she said.
With chants of "Bring them home!" echoing through the crowd, Messing called for sustained efforts to ensure the safety of those held hostage and expressed solidarity with affected families.
“It has been 38 days since the 240 hostages were taken. Mothers, brothers, babies, grandmothers … we cannot allow the world to move on. We must not rest until these families are made whole. We have a number of them here with us today. In solidarity with them. I’d like to ask you to hold up your placards, their faces, for a moment of silence.”
Netizens divided by Debra Messing's take at 'March for Israel'
A user tweeted, "Not a fan. But she gets a pass for this."
Another added, "Ironic. The insane liberalism she espouses has led to this rise in antisemitism."
A third tweeted, "Debra Messing a huge liberal is part of the problem. She backs all of them until it hits her doorstep."
"So happy to see you supporting our Jewish population!" read a tweet. "This rally shed light on who supports atrocities in Gaza," stated a user.
