‘For me, being Jewish has always been a positive thing’: Jesse Eisenberg on fame, family and giving back

Jesse Eisenberg, the Jewish Hollywood actor and director known for his roles in "The Social Network" and "Now You See Me," recently discussed his decision to donate a kidney in an interview during the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. He explained that he felt a sense of responsibility to give, as he had been given so much in his life, including two kidneys.

Although the recipient of his donated kidney remains anonymous, Eisenberg emphasized the importance of his decision, stating that there are over 90,000 people awaiting transplants on waiting lists. He remains healthy and feels better than ever since the procedure.

During the festival, Eisenberg was awarded the President's Award. While he was proud of receiving Polish citizenship, he rejected suggestions that his action was a political statement. Instead, he explained that his connection to Poland was rooted in his family's heritage and his desire to reconnect with the place where his ancestors lived for hundreds of years. He also addressed the emphasis on art and creativity in Poland compared to the United States.

Eisenberg is known for speaking openly about his Jewish identity, which is not always common among actors and creators. He describes his humor as "Jewish humor," influenced by Jewish writers like Sholem Aleichem. Despite the growing antisemitism in recent years, Eisenberg maintains that being Jewish has always been a positive thing for him. He highlighted the importance of family and personal connections, as well as the role of Jewish humor in shaping his identity.