Prominent women in the entertainment industry came together this week for an event at the Nova Exhibition in Los Angeles, co-hosted by Sherry Lansing, former CEO of Paramount Pictures, Jody Gerson, CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, Dana Goldberg, chief creative officer of Skydance Media and Dr. Marcy Gringlas, co-founder and president of Seed the Dream Foundation.
The event, organized by I Believe Israeli Women, a joint initiative of Seed the Dream Foundation and Jewish Women International, offered a private tour of the exhibition followed by a powerful panel discussion featuring a Nova Festival survivor and advocates.
“I am proud that the I Believe Israeli Women initiative has brought together these accomplished women to raise awareness about the sexual violence of Oct. 7,” said Gringlas. “It is critical that we continue to stand with Israeli women, share the truth, and fight the denialism, disinformation and silence.”
The afternoon began with a self-guided tour of the Nova Exhibition, which was created to honor the 405 Nova festival-goers who were killed and the 115 taken hostage during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The exhibition recreates haunting moments from the attack on the music and peace festival, with video footage and personal belongings left behind by attendees.
“The strength and resilience of the survivors is truly remarkable,” said Lansing. “Today is a powerful reminder of the horrors they endured, and the action needed to ensure their stories are included in the global fight to end sexual violence.”
“Standing in this space and hearing these stories brings the pain and trauma of the Nova festival survivors to the forefront,” said Goldberg. “We cannot allow their suffering to be forgotten; we must remain steadfast in our ongoing fight for justice and healing.”
The panel discussion—featuring Elica Le Bon, Iranian American lawyer and activist, Lani Anpo, Indigenous Jewish activist, Tali Biner, Nova festival survivor, and moderated by Alana Newhouse, founder and editor-in-chief of Tablet Magazine—focused on the ongoing impact of sexual violence and the crucial role of advocacy in fighting for survivors.
“These women deserve our complete attention and unwavering support,” said Gerson. “Music is meant to bring joy and unity, and no one should endure violence or fear while celebrating it.”
“Sexual violence is not just an attack on women—it is an attack on our collective humanity,” said Le Bon. “As an Iranian woman, I know the importance of standing against oppression and fundamentalism. When we stand with these women, we reaffirm our commitment to justice and human dignity.”
The discussion offered critical insights into effective advocacy for survivors of sexual violence. Le Bon and Anpo emphasized their activism, and how it contributes to fighting for not only Israeli women but marginalized women everywhere. Biner, who shared her story with the I Believe Israeli Women delegation during their trip to Israel in May, initiated the conversation by giving a harrowing first-hand account of her experiences at Nova on Oct. 7.
“After Oct. 7, I felt compelled to share my story and bear witness for the hundreds who no longer can,” said Biner. “We still need awareness, accountability and action on behalf of those who suffered extreme brutality that day and those who continue to suffer in captivity.”
“The stories of these Israeli women echo the struggles of marginalized women worldwide, and those who stand with indigenous women need to stand with Israeli women,” said Anpo. “Our duty is to ensure all women are heard, believed and supported, then we can begin to repair the world.”
Additional co-hosts included Deborah Marcus, foundation executive at Creative Artists Agency, Melissa Zukerman, managing partner at Principal Communications Group, Rebecca Mall, chief marketing officer at Skydance Media and Lynn Harris, film producer and former studio executive.
“I joined I Believe Israeli Women in the days following Oct. 7 and toured the Nova grounds where I heard from first responders and survivors like Tali about the atrocities they experienced,” said Marcus. “What I heard was both shocking and heartbreaking, and that’s why I am committed to this effort today—because as leaders in our industry, we must always believe and stand up for women who are victims of sexual violence and whose voices are silenced and experiences denied.”
