Debra Messing reveals she felt ‘unsafe’ in U.S. and seeking Israeli citizenship
The actress confirmed she is in the process of applying for dual Israeli citizenship
Actress Debra Messing has revealed she is considering relocating to Israel, saying she feels “safest there” amid ongoing personal struggles linked to online backlash and political tensions.
The Will & Grace star, 57, who was born and raised in New York City and is Jewish, opened up about her emotional and mental health challenges during a recent interview with Sky News at a Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA) event in Sydney, Australia.
“It has been the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced,” Messing said, describing the impact of online hate she says she has faced in recent years after publicly sharing her views and speaking out against antisemitism.
“It has been a real struggle, and it has been up and down. I felt incredibly depressed for a period, and I felt enraged, and I really needed help from a therapist.”
Messing also confirmed she is in the process of applying for dual citizenship and is seriously considering a move from the United States to Israel.
“There was a moment where I was feeling like the United States was no longer safe. Especially in New York City,” she said. “When I’m in [Israel], that is home, and regardless of all of the missiles, I feel safest there.”
The actress further shared that she felt emotionally isolated following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, saying her experience shifted her life perspective and strained relationships within the entertainment industry.
“I remember sitting in my kitchen and watching the news and going cold,” she recalled. “I feel like my life is everything before October 7 and everything after.”
Messing added that she felt “betrayed and abandoned” by some in Hollywood after speaking out, saying she had expected more support from her long-time professional community.
Despite her difficulties, the actress said she remains hopeful.
“What gives me hope is that we’re still here after 3,000 years,” she said. “We are living in a darker time, but we are still showing our light, and we will get through this together.”
