LA Israel Film Festival Honors Debra Messing and Rabbi Marvin Hier

The Israel Film Festival in Los Angeles honored actress Debra Messing and Rabbi Marvin Hier at its annual awards ceremony last Friday (June 6) held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. The event drew public figures and Hollywood industry leaders.

Messing, an Emmy and SAG Award winner, received the 2025 Achievement in Film and Television Award for her artistic contributions and human rights advocacy. Rabbi Hier, founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance and a two-time Oscar winner, was awarded the 2025 Humanitarian Award.

Festival founder and director Meir Fenigstein, who received a certificate of appreciation from Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, addressed the audience: “I’m incredibly proud that no matter what happens in the world or in Israel, we continue to produce this event year after year.”

In a poignant moment, Yehuda and Yotam Cohen, father and brother of Nimrod Cohen, abducted on October 7, 2023, and held captive for over 600 days, called for the immediate release of all hostages.

In her acceptance speech, Messing said: “I’ve always believed storytelling is our most powerful tool to reveal humanity in all its forms. Especially now, when many Israeli films are rejected from festivals or removed from platforms, it’s more vital than ever to support Israeli filmmakers and amplify their art. They tell essential stories of resilience, innovation, survival, family, and identity.”

Rabbi Hier emphasized: “I believe cinema’s role in shaping our values and future will only grow. Your work has never been more important and necessary than today, when our world needs guidance more than ever.”

The 37th Israel Film Festival in Los Angeles, running November 5-20, 2025, showcases Israel’s film and television industry and fosters cultural exchange between the American and Israeli entertainment sectors. Founded in 1982, the festival remains a key platform for Israeli cinema.