In a glamorous affair at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, United Talent Agency’s vice chairman Jay Sures was celebrated for his dedication to the Jewish community during a time of growing antisemitism.
A Star-Studded Night
Prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including top TV creators Chuck Lorre, Steven Levitan, and Darren Star, surrounded Sures at the Jewish Federation Los Angeles gala. The evening marked a dual occasion, celebrating his commitment to the Jewish community while acknowledging a global rise in antisemitic incidents.
A Sobering Backdrop
The event unfolded against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, following a prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. Though international efforts led to a truce, the situation remains precarious, with ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Introductions and Activism
Sures took to the stage after a glowing introduction by billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso, who recognized him as “a devoted family man” and “a heavy hitter in the world of television and entertainment.” Sures humorously acknowledged his mother’s presence, joking that she would be prouder if he were a “Jewish doctor.”
Facing Antisemitism Head-On
Sures remarked on personal experiences with antisemitism, sharing the story of a protest at his home by Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA. The group accused him of supporting organizations involved in “genocide and weapons manufacturing”—a stand-in for supporting Israel.
The protests turned his home into a scene of intimidation, filled with vandalism and threatening placards. Yet, his wife’s fearless stance was a testament to resilience. “Don’t mess with a recently converted 5-foot-10 Slovakian Jew,” Sures joked.
A Tribute to Family and Legacy
During his speech, Sures paid homage to his late father, an Israeli War of Independence veteran, while praising his mother for her awareness and influence on his activism.
“My mother has a strong sense of right and wrong,” he said. “She’s been talking about antisemitism for years. And honestly, I turned a blind eye. I didn’t think it really existed, but she was right. And it’s because of her that I use my various platforms to stand up for what’s right, no matter if it’s popular or not.”
Concluding his address, Sures implored attendees to unite in combating hate and ignorance through education. “Antisemitism has reared its ugly head in places we never mentioned,” he continued. “My family saw it firsthand and was horrified by what happened at our home. But it just made me more resolute to fight back. My hope is that in tonight’s gathering we find power to counter hate and ignorance through education. We all must be fighters.”
Reporting based on the original article; quotes reproduced verbatim.
