UJF Of Stamford, New Canaan And Darien To Host Actor Michael Rapaport

STAMFORD, CT — The United Jewish Federation (UJF) of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien and UJA-JCC Greenwich are inviting the community to come out for a special event with Jewish advocate, actor and comedian Michael Rapaport on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.

Rapaport, whose career in Hollywood has spanned 30 years and more than 60 films, will join the UJF at Ripowam Middle School in Stamford for an informative conversation on his Jewish heritage, his current views on antisemitism and Israel, and more.

Since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, Rapaport has advocated for Israel and the Jewish people.

"He continues to be dedicated to combating antisemitism, raising awareness, fostering understanding, and standing in solidarity with the Jewish community," the UJF od Stamford, New Canaan and Darien said in a news release. "Rapaport has become a critic of misinformation and hate, and this has included defending Israel and Jews in various venues and media outlets. He has also visited Israel several times since Oct. 7."

Event co-chair Molly Rafalowicz said the UJF is "thrilled" to host Rapaport, a "brazenly outspoken Zionist and Jewish advocate."

"He's emboldened individuals to use their online platforms to share pro-Israel content when so many are fearful of backlash and cancel culture," Rafalowicz said in a news release. "In the darkest year for Jews since the Holocaust, advocates like Mr. Rapaport are a beacon and a constant reminder, we are not Jews with trembling knees."

A native New Yorker, Rapaport has starred in the sitcom "The War at Home," and has had roles in Hollywood blockbusters like "True Romance," "Cop Land," and "Beautiful Girls," and made memorable appearances in television hits such as "Friends" and "Atypical."

He also directed his award-winning documentary "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest." Rapaport is surrently starring in Hulu's "Life & Beth," and hosts the I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast.

"I am looking forward to the upcoming Federation event featuring Michael Rapaport, where he is expected to captivate the audience with his candid and humorous stories from his career in Hollywood," added event co-chair Leslie Moskowitz in a news release. "Attendees can anticipate insights on his Jewish heritage and how it has shaped his life and work. The Q&A format will be fun allowing the audience to learn more about his roles and experiences in the entertainment industry and his current views on antisemitism and Israel. I hope to see you there."

Tickets are available online here.

General admission prices are $75 per person through Sept. 3 and $100 per person after Sept. 3. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The event co-chairs include Joui Hessel, Meredith and Oren Isacoff, Leslie and Michael Moskowitz, Samantha Himelman and Seth Niedermayer, and Molly and Adam Rafalowicz.