Jewish advocate Hen Majig stars in a short documentary that explores the cost of speaking out publicly in a time of rising anti-Semitism.
The film depicts the preparations for a wedding in which the Israeli-born activist and her husband Mark Jorden, whose social media posts have been shared by celebrities including Pink, Amy Schumer and Gal Gadot, “grapple with serious issues of acceptance, community, and resilience in the aftermath of October 7th,” according to the synopsis.
In one emotional moment, they begin making a guest list for their big day and take inventory of the relationships they lost because of Matzig’s remarks.
“Making ‘Uninvited’ meant letting people in at the most vulnerable parts of my life,” Mazzig told Page Six. “I’ve lost friends and loved ones because of my identity and public life, and it was shocking to see that loss extended to Mark as well. He didn’t choose a public life like I did, but he still had to bear the social cost of loving me.”
Sadly, Matzig’s experience is not unique to some in the Jewish community.
“I wish I could tell you that there is a shortcut to getting over a loss like that,” he continued. “That’s not true. Losing a loved one because they are openly Jewish or, like my husband, a contiguous Jew, is a grief that most of us never expected.”
He also offered encouragement to others going through similar experiences.
“The people who stay, and the people who show up when you least expect it, become the family you choose,” he says. “They remind you that you are not alone. Don’t shrink yourself to make others comfortable. People worth building a life with will never ask you to hide yourself in order to get love.”
Mazzig has built a large following by speaking out against anti-Semitism and tackling the complexities of the Israel-Hamas war. The New York Times once described him as a “whisperer to the stars” for helping celebrities understand the nuances of conflict. While Matzig is an outspoken supporter of Israel, he has also consistently expressed support for the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
In an interview with the NYT, Mazzig said his advocacy work is rooted in the pursuit of peace.
“All my life, I have been told to be ashamed of parts of my identity: my parents, my gay identity, my progressiveness, my pro-Israel, my Zionist, my pro-Palestinian identity,” he said. “There were always people who disagreed with me.”
“I think that’s what has prepared us to deal with this situation where a lot of people are so angry, there’s a lot of hate, there’s a lot of shame,” he added. “But I know how to confidently stand up for what’s right without compromising my values.”
The director of this film is Maya Surfand. Schulefand and Mazzig’s Mazzig Media produced with support from Boo Productions.
