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Debra Messing, Noa Kirel Help Post Signs Across Times Square About Israeli Hostages Taken by Hamas
by Shiryn Ghermezian
Debra Messing during the Will & Grace 25th Anniversary Celebration at The Paley Center for Media in New York NY on June 5, 2023. Photo: Usphotography/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect
Jewish-American actress Debra Messing, Israeli pop singer Noa Kirel, and Israeli actress-turned-activist Noa Tishby along with others posted signs across Times Square in New York City that feature images and descriptions of some of the hundreds of Israelis kidnapped by the Hamas terror organization, demanding their immediate return.
“My heart hurts for the families of these innocents- Muslim, Christian, Jewish -all,” Messing said in an Instagram post that includes a picture of her putting up the posters in Times Square. “The most important thing is the rescue of these hostages. Please pray for the hostages’ safe return and the defeat of Hamas. Pray for the physical safety of all the innocent Palestinians and Israelis who are suffering. Pray for peace everywhere.”
Messing also wrote a “personal request,” asking that the posters not be taken down by “young, passionate, far left students” after videos circulated online showing youths, and many others, tearing down similar signs around the world. “There are videos of these posters being ripped down,” Messing said. “That does nothing but hurt the families who want us all to remember their loved ones, as they await news. Pray for peace.”
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Tishby — an Israeli actress and producer turned activist who was Israel’s first ever special envoy for combating antisemitism and the delegitimization of Israel — organized the group who walked around Times Square putting up the posters. Jewish content creator Amanda Hirsch, who goes by the Instagram handle Notskinnybutnotfat, joined in, as well as Israeli entrepreneur Eliad Cohen.
In a video she uploaded on social media, Tishby talked about the innocent men, women, children, and elderly who are “held, tortured, wounded, and raped” by Hamas, adding that “the world needs to stand with Israel.”
Tishby and Messing were among the more than 1,000 celebrities and entertainment executives who signed an open letter published last week that denounced Hamas’ violent terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and called for the return of hostages taken by the terrorist organization. They both also joined global female leaders, activists, and the National Council of Jewish Women in demanding the release of the hostages in a separate letter, also published last week.
Israeli officials announced on Thursday that more than 200 people are confirmed to be hostages in Gaza, while between 100-200 more remain missing.
