Jewish advocate Hen Mazzig is starring in a short documentary exploring the cost of being a public voice in a time of rising antisemitism.
The film follows the Israeli-born activist—whose social media posts have been shared by celebrities including Pink, Amy Schumer and Gal Gadot—and his husband, Marc Jorden, prepare for their wedding as “they grapple with profound questions of acceptance, community and resilience in the aftermath of October 7,” according to a synopsis.
In one emotional moment, they begin to start the guest list for their big day and take stock of the relationships they had lost for Mazzig speaking out.
“Making ‘Uninvited’ meant allowing people into one of the most vulnerable parts of my life,” Mazzig told Page Six. “I have lost friends and loved ones because of my identity and my public advocacy, but seeing that loss extend to Marc was devastating. He did not choose a public life in the same way I did, yet he was forced to carry the social cost of loving me.”
Mazzig’s experience is sadly not an isolated event for some in the Jewish community.
“I wish I could tell you there’s a shortcut through that kind of loss,” he continued. “There isn’t. Losing people you love because you’re openly Jewish, or Jewish adjacent like my husband, is a grief most of us never expected to carry.”
He also offered encouragement to others navigating similar experiences.
“The people who stay, and the ones who show up when you least expect it, become your chosen family,” he said. “They’re the reminder that you’re not alone. Don’t shrink yourself to keep anyone else comfortable. The people worth building a life with will never ask you to hide who you are to earn their love.”
Mazzig has built a large following by speaking out against antisemitism and addressing the complexities of the Israel-Hamas war. The New York Times once described him as “a whisperer to the stars” for his work helping public figures communicate the nuances of the conflict. While he is an outspoken supporter of Israel, Mazzig has also consistently voiced support for Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
Speaking to NYT, Mazzig said his advocacy is rooted in the pursuit of peace.
“My entire life, I was told to be ashamed of part of my identity: my parents, my gay identity, being progressive, being pro-Israel, being Zionist, being pro-Palestine,” he said. “There were always some people who took issue with me.”
“I think that is what prepared me to deal with this time where a lot of people are very angry, and there’s a lot of hate, and there’s a lot of shame,” he added. “But I know how to be confident in standing up for what’s right without compromising my values.”
The film is directed by Maya Schulefand. Schulefand and Mazzig’s Mazzig Media produced with support from Boo Productions.
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