At a dazzling event held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, United Talent Agency’s vice chairman Jay Sures stood among prominent figures in the entertainment industry to address the pressing issue of rising antisemitism.
The gala, organized by the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, honored Sures for his unwavering dedication to the Jewish community during a time when antisemitism is reaching alarming levels. Guests included influential TV creators like Chuck Lorre, Steven Levitan, and Darren Star, all gathered to support Sures in his mission.
A Night Amidst Tension
The backdrop of the gathering was the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, brokered after a lengthy conflict between Israel and Hamas. Amid the humanitarian challenges, the gala served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for peace and understanding.
Introduction by Rick Caruso
Rick Caruso, the billionaire real estate developer and former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, introduced Sures with admiration, describing him as “a devoted family man” and a formidable figure in television and entertainment. In accepting the honor, Sures lightheartedly quipped that the only accolade to make his 92-year-old mother prouder would be if he were “receiving an award for being a Jewish doctor.”
From Humor to Harassment
Sures soon shifted to sobering realities. He recounted an incident where his home was invaded by approximately 50 masked protesters. This group, Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA, accused him of supporting organizations linked to “genocide and weapons manufacturing,” essentially targeting him for his ties to Israel.
The demonstration at his residence involved vandalism with red handprints, caution tape, and threatening messages. Protesters circled the car of Sures’ wife, Linda, who courageously held her ground. “Don’t mess with a recently converted 5-foot-10 Slovakian Jew,” Sures humorously remarked.
A Family’s Influence
Paying tribute to his roots, Sures honored his late father, who fought in Israel’s War of Independence in 1948. However, it was his mother who inspired his steadfast defense of the Jewish community.
“My mother has a strong sense of right and wrong,” he shared. “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.
Reflecting on recent threats, he added, “Antisemitism has reared its ugly head in places we never mentioned. 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.
