Summary of "On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates"

Podcast: The Interview with Leslie Heaney
Host: Leslie Heaney
Episode Title: On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates
Release Date: November 20, 2024

Introduction

In this poignant episode titled "On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates," host Leslie Heaney delves into the surge of antisemitism following the horrific attacks on Israel on October 7th. The episode features in-depth conversations with five courageous Jewish authors and advocates—Lisa Barr, Judy Batalion, Alyssa Rosenheck, David Kaufman, and Nicola Krause—who share their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies in combating rising antisemitism.

Notable Quote:

Leslie Heaney [00:05]: "On being Jewish now, antisemitism erupted on our college campuses and throughout the world."

The Rise of Antisemitism Post-October 7th

Leslie Heaney sets the stage by highlighting the immediate backlash against the Jewish community following the attacks on Israel. Jewish authors faced canceled speaking engagements and book deals, Jewish bookstore owners and publishing houses were boycotted, and broader antisemitic sentiments took root globally.

Notable Quote:

Leslie Heaney [00:05]: "Instead of outrage in response to the horrific attacks on Israel on October 7, antisemitism erupted..."

Formation of "On Being Jewish Now"

In response to this surge, Zibi Owens, an author and founder of Zibit Media, initiated a project asking over 100 Jewish authors and advocates to write essays about their experiences post-October 7th. This collective effort resulted in the book "On Being Jewish Now," with proceeds benefiting Artists Against Antisemitism, an organization co-founded by Owens.

Personal Experiences and Challenges

Each guest shares unique encounters with antisemitism and the impact on their personal and professional lives.

Lisa Barr: Navigating the Literary World

Lisa Barr, a bestselling author, discusses the swift mobilization of Jewish authors in response to antisemitism. As a founder of Artists Against Antisemitism, Barr emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for Jewish creatives.

Notable Quote:

Lisa Barr [02:46]: "People just really needed a place to put everything they were feeling."

Judy Batalion: Performance Anxiety and Security Concerns

Judy Batalion, another bestselling author, recounts her experience of increased anxiety when speaking publicly about the Holocaust. Her essay "Performance Anxiety" delves into fears surrounding safety and the politicization of Jewish events.

Notable Quote:

Judy Batalion [10:36]: "We all went ahead and we all did it. It turned into an actually positive experience."

Alyssa Rosenheck: Shifting Focus Amidst Boycotts

Alyssa Rosenheck, a celebrated interiors photographer and advocate, shares how antisemitism has altered her professional focus from interiors to activism. She highlights the role of Project Shema in combating antisemitic narratives within Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks.

Notable Quote:

Alyssa Rosenheck [03:48]: "Project Shema is really combating those narratives."

David Kaufman: Embracing Jewish Diversity

David Kaufman, a writer and editor for the New York Post, discusses the need for the Jewish community to invest in its own diverse subgroups. His essay advocates for creating new spaces for Jewish identity, separate from broader progressive movements that have sometimes marginalized Jewish voices.

Notable Quote:

David Kaufman [17:05]: "We create our own table. We don't bring them back to the table."

Nicola Krause: Reconnecting with Jewish Heritage

Nicola Krause, author of the bestselling "Nanny Diaries," narrates her journey of rediscovering her Jewish identity. She reflects on her family's reluctance to discuss their Jewish heritage and her efforts to reconnect through adult Bar Mitzvah classes.

Notable Quote:

Nicola Krause [31:07]: "It was a privilege to be able to sit down with this rabbi and to receive these teachings."

Combating Antisemitism: Strategies and Community Support

The guests outline various approaches to fighting antisemitism, emphasizing community support, education, and proactive advocacy.

Organizational Efforts and Collaboration

Lisa Barr elaborates on the operations of Artists Against Antisemitism, highlighting successful fundraising efforts and collaborations with organizations like the Anti-Defamation League. She underscores the importance of collective action in providing resources and support to Jewish authors and artists facing antisemitism.

Notable Quote:

Lisa Barr [06:55]: "We create a new table and we create our own table. Not because we don't support these issues, but to focus inward."

Educational Initiatives and Awareness

Alyssa Rosenheck discusses the significant lack of Holocaust education, citing alarming statistics that one in five young Americans believe the Holocaust is a myth. She advocates for enhanced educational efforts to combat ignorance and misinformation.

Notable Quote:

Alyssa Rosenheck [15:00]: "One in five young Americans believe that the Holocaust is still a myth."

Community and Personal Support

The guests share heartening stories of support and the importance of standing up against antisemitism.

Positive Interactions and Personal Growth

Lisa Barr recounts incidents where confrontational engagement led to positive outcomes, such as a heckler at a book club event who later apologized and sought to educate herself.

Notable Quote:

Lisa Barr [42:14]: "I thought it was a teachable moment... we had a really nice kind of closure on this."

Building Bridges and Encouraging Dialogue

Alyssa Rosenheck emphasizes the necessity of creating vulnerable spaces for conversations, believing that peace can only be achieved through truth and education.

Notable Quote:

Alyssa Rosenheck [39:51]: "Only peace can only be had through truth and education."

Actions to Support the Jewish Community

The discussion shifts towards actionable steps that individuals and communities can take to support the Jewish population and counteract antisemitism.

Civic Advocacy and Legislative Action

Alyssa Rosenheck advocates for local civic engagement, urging listeners to lobby for anti-Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) legislation and support policies that protect Jewish communities.

Notable Quote:

Alyssa Rosenheck [50:38]: "Please engage in your local civic community. Start lobbying for anti-BDS bills for your state specifically."

Financial Support and Resource Allocation

David Kaufman highlights the importance of directing philanthropic efforts towards Israeli institutions and resisting misinformed movements that seek to undermine Jewish safety.

Notable Quote:

David Kaufman [55:38]: "These people want us dead. We must take this very seriously."

Educational Outreach and Parental Involvement

Leslie Heaney and Lisa Barr discuss the critical need for parents and educators to engage in conversations about antisemitism and Holocaust history, ensuring future generations are informed and vigilant.

Notable Quote:

Lisa Barr [54:16]: "We just saw Harvard complaining about losing $150 million in donations this year... call your schools, call the administrators."

Conclusion

Leslie Heaney wraps up the episode by urging listeners to purchase "On Being Jewish Now" to support the cause and deepen their understanding of the Jewish community's struggles and resilience in the face of rising antisemitism. The episode underscores the importance of solidarity, education, and proactive advocacy in combating hatred and fostering a more inclusive society.

Notable Quote:

Leslie Heaney [60:23]: "Please go out and buy the book on being Jewish now. It's a really moving read."

Overall Insights:

• Surge in Antisemitism: The attacks on Israel catalyzed a significant increase in antisemitic actions worldwide, impacting various facets of Jewish life.
• Collective Response: Jewish authors and advocates rapidly mobilized to create platforms for sharing experiences and combating hate.
• Personal Narratives: Sharing individual stories highlights the pervasive fear and challenges faced by the Jewish community.
• Strategic Advocacy: Emphasizing local engagement, legislative action, and educational initiatives as key strategies to counteract antisemitism.
• Community Solidarity: Positive interactions and support systems play a crucial role in fostering resilience and unity within the Jewish community.
• Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to support through purchasing the book, engaging in civic advocacy, and promoting educational efforts.

This episode serves as a compelling testament to the strength and determination of the Jewish community in the face of adversity, offering both personal reflections and actionable strategies to combat antisemitism.