The PM Podcast Episode Summary: "This Miraculous Work: A Conversation with Karyn Grossman Gershon"

Introduction

In the March 29, 2025 episode of The PM Podcast, host Jay Frost engages in a profound conversation with Karen Grossman Gershon, CEO of Project Kesher. Published by DonorSearch, the podcast delves into the intricate lives of thought leaders in social good, and this episode is no exception. Karen Grossman Gershon shares her journey from a progressive upbringing in Brooklyn to leading an international network of feminist Jewish leaders, raising over $40 million to support Jewish women and girls across Eastern Europe and Israel, and shaping a gendered response to the war in Ukraine.

Early Influences and Foundations of Activism

Karen begins by reflecting on her emotional connection to her work, intertwining her Judaism, feminism, and activism seamlessly. “For me, when life is working at its best, there's an intersection of my Judaism, my feminism, and my activism. And they all can happily coexist and they're not competing with each other” (00:00). Raised in a progressive household in Brooklyn, Karen's parents, both school teachers, instilled a deep commitment to civil society. Memories of attending one of New York City's first integrated preschools and participating in community activism, such as organizing boycotts against the construction of King's Plaza, shaped her early understanding of community engagement and social responsibility (01:03).

The Importance of Community in Social Activism

Central to Karen's philosophy is the power of community. Project Kesher operates on the principle that those targeted by social issues should be instrumental in both envisioning and implementing solutions. "Everything we do in our organization is built around community" (05:30). She highlights the success of their LGBTQ initiative in Israel, supporting approximately 1,500 LGBTQ individuals from Russia displaced by the Putin administration. By fostering a supportive network, Project Kesher ensures that these individuals can live openly, access necessary healthcare, and secure legal benefits, thereby strengthening the community’s resilience and autonomy (07:26).

Transition from Law to Nonprofit Leadership

Karen's professional journey took a pivotal turn from law to nonprofit leadership. Initially working as a litigator specializing in appellate litigation, she leveraged her persuasive skills in advocacy. Her involvement with Project Kesher began serendipitously when she joined a delegation to Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1994 alongside her mother, due to familial caregiving circumstances (07:41). This experience illuminated the potential of her skills in organizing and advocacy within international contexts, propelling her into a leadership role within Project Kesher (10:02).

Building Trust and Navigating Cultural Differences in Ukraine

Karen recounts the initial challenges of building trust in Ukraine, where cultural norms differed significantly from her American upbringing. Early interactions involved overcoming skepticism about her seemingly superficial friendliness, such as smiling at strangers, which was unconventional in post-Soviet societies. "We weren't looking for people to be traditional, traditionally observant. We were just offering them back a path. And wherever they took it was their choice" (12:57). Over time, mutual respect and understanding allowed Project Kesher to empower local women, blending Jewish values with feminist activism in a way that resonated deeply with the community.

Evolution and Impact of Project Kesher’s Programs

Project Kesher has continuously evolved its programs to address the changing needs of the communities it serves. Initially focused on Jewish education and leadership training, the organization expanded into areas like women's activism, gender health, and civil society building. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to online operations, and the subsequent Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 redirected efforts primarily towards Ukraine and Israel (22:25). Karen emphasizes the effectiveness of providing grants to women entrepreneurs in Ukraine, enabling them to start small businesses that support their families and reinvest in the community. “We have three goals for them… within year one, the woman we invest in can take care of her own family, that she's able to hire one or more displaced women, and that she gives back to the community” (26:10).

Sustainable Philanthropy and Future Directions

Karen discusses the importance of sustainable philanthropy, highlighting the transition from grant-based funding to impact investing. By collaborating with organizations like the Jewish Federation of San Francisco, Project Kesher aims to offer low-interest loans to women entrepreneurs, fostering long-term economic stability and scalability of small businesses in Ukraine (26:33). This approach ensures that philanthropic efforts have a lasting impact, circulating funds within the community multiple times over.

Addressing Antisemitism and Promoting Inclusivity

Although Ukraine currently exhibits one of the lowest rates of antisemitism according to Pew Research, Karen acknowledges the region's fraught history with antisemitism. Project Kesher remains sensitive to this legacy, ensuring that their work is inclusive and supportive of all community members. "We know that it's not out of the question that Jews can really thrive in Ukraine" (32:40). The organization actively works to bridge gaps between Jewish and non-Jewish communities, fostering mutual support and understanding amidst ongoing conflicts and societal changes.

Navigating Challenges in Israel

In Israel, Project Kesher faces a complex landscape where the integration of refugees and immigrants, particularly those from Ukraine, intersects with local political and social dynamics. Karen describes efforts to support Russian-speaking Israelis through language courses, financial assistance, and community-building activities. However, she also notes the challenges posed by conservative political blocs and bureaucratic hurdles that impede the distribution of funds for initiatives like LGBTQ support (43:10). Balancing support for Israel's democracy and inclusion while navigating governmental constraints remains a delicate endeavor.

Reflections on the Organization’s Journey and Future Challenges

Reflecting on Project Kesher’s three-decade history, Karen acknowledges the intense engagement and adaptability required to navigate ongoing crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The organization continues to anticipate and respond to emerging needs, from supporting displaced families to addressing gender-based violence. Karen emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration, highlighting the strong relationships built with other organizations and the resilience of the women they support. “The issues are just much bigger than they used to be, and they're nothing that we can resolve ourselves… the people that we have worked with over the last few years are extraordinary” (50:33).

Conclusion

Karen Grossman Gershon’s leadership of Project Kesher exemplifies the profound impact of combining Jewish values, feminist principles, and community activism to address complex social issues. Through strategic philanthropy, sustainable initiatives, and unwavering commitment to empowering women, Project Kesher continues to foster resilient communities in Ukraine and Israel. Karen’s insights offer valuable lessons in adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and the transformative power of inclusive activism.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “For me, when life is working at its best, there's an intersection of my Judaism, my feminism, and my activism. And they all can happily coexist and they're not competing with each other.” — Karen Grossman Gershon (00:00)

• “Everything we do in our organization is built around community.” — Karen Grossman Gershon (05:30)

• “I wasn't trying to control them. I was trying to start to understand, like, were we in sync? Did we have similar values on how the organization would be run?” — Karen Grossman Gershon (16:37)

• “We have to adapt. And so, I mean, there are moments that I look back on our history… sometimes we just do what we do and we're like, we need moral clarity like that.” — Karen Grossman Gershon (50:33)

Timestamps Reference

• [00:00]: Opening emotional connection of Judaism, feminism, activism
• [01:03]: Early memories and upbringing in Brooklyn
• [05:30]: Importance of community in Project Kesher
• [07:26]: Initial involvement with Project Kesher and Ukraine
• [12:57]: Building trust and cultural adaptation in Ukraine
• [16:37]: Intersection of Judaism, feminism, and activism
• [22:25]: Evolution of Project Kesher’s programs
• [26:10]: Grant programs in Ukraine
• [26:33]: Sustainable philanthropy and loans
• [32:40]: Addressing antisemitism and community impact
• [43:10]: Challenges in Israel
• [50:33]: Reflections on the organization's journey

End of Summary