Debra Messing‘s Childhood Trauma, Overcoming Jew Hatred and Embracing Her Jewish Identity

Debra Messing on antisemitism, Jewish identity, October 7th & defending Israel – actress and activist joins Jonah Platt LIVE at the Jewish Federation of Broward County. Debra Messing (Will & Grace) gets deeply personal about growing up Jewish in Rhode Island, facing overt antisemitism as a child, hiding her Jewish identity in school, and how attending Brandeis University was the first time she ever felt safe. She opens up about advocating for Grace's Jewish identity on Will & Grace, her response to October 7th, speaking at the March for Israel in Washington D.C. in front of 300,000 people, and the social media backlash she faced for defending the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Debra also discusses the toll that antisemitic hate in the comments took on her mental health, how she pivoted her approach to advocacy, and why she believes the silence of pro-Palestinian voices on Iran is the "boldest example of hypocrisy." This is a must-watch for anyone passionate about Jewish identity, Israel advocacy, combating antisemitism, and standing up for what you believe in. 🎙️ Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is a podcast exploring what it means to be Jewish today — through culture, identity, history, and honest conversation. 📍 Recorded LIVE at the Jewish Federation of Broward County 🔗 Follow Debra Messing - https://www.instagram.com/therealdebramessing 00:00 – Growing Up Jewish in Rhode Island 01:00 – Overt Antisemitism in Childhood 03:00 – Hiding Her Jewish Identity at School 04:45 – Advocating for Grace's Jewishness on Will & Grace 05:30 – October 7th & the March for Israel 07:00 – Social Media Backlash for Defending Israel 11:30 – Iran, Hypocrisy & Speaking Out #DebraMessing #BeingJewish #JonahPlatt #JewishIdentity #Antisemitism #Israel #October7 #JewishFederation #WillAndGrace #JewishPodcast #IsraelAdvocacy #ProudJew