Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby

Episode Title: Lee Kaufman and Tamar Pollock, RUPTURED: Jewish Women in Australia Reflect on Life Post-October 7

Release Date: August 1, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens sits down with Lee Kaufman and Tamar Pollock to discuss their impactful anthology, Ruptured: Jewish Women in Australia Reflect on Life Post-October 7. The conversation delves deep into the origins of the book, the profound themes explored within its essays, and the broader implications of rising antisemitism in Australia and beyond.

Origins of "Ruptured"

Tamar Pollock opens the discussion by explaining the genesis of the anthology. Triggered by the harrowing events of October 7th, Tamar details how these incidents ignited a surge in women-led activism within Australia. This activism was a direct response to both the immediate trauma and the escalating online antisemitism that followed.

Tamar Pollock [03:41]: "Ruptured really is the curated version of our collective pain, action, resilience, hope, and fear."

The anthology aimed to provide a platform for Jewish women to share their experiences, fostering healing and documenting this turbulent period for future generations.

Lee Kaufman adds context by sharing her personal journey into the project. Initially not part of the unpublished manuscript, Lee was drawn in to help edit the final collection, especially after experiencing the devastating effects of a doxxing scandal that exposed the private conversations of a supportive WhatsApp group she founded.

Lee Kaufman [07:02]: "We were described as pro-Israel lobbyists. My friends were asked if I was a Mossad agent. I felt very, very voiceless."

This personal trauma underscored the urgent need for authentic voices within the Jewish community, leading Lee and Tamar to co-edit Ruptured.

Themes and Contributions

The anthology is a mosaic of over 150 essays from diverse Jewish women across Australia, encompassing a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and experiences. The contributors include not only professional writers but also athletes, academics, and everyday individuals, ensuring a rich tapestry of narratives.

Zibby Owens highlights one particularly moving essay about an Australian Olympian whose grandmother was a Holocaust survivor. This story exemplifies the deep intergenerational trauma and the ongoing struggle to preserve memories amidst current fears.

Zibby Owens [11:53]: "Loved that essay so much about your Australian Olympian and the story of her grandmother's necklace... so moving."

Lee Kaufman emphasizes the anthology's commitment to authenticity, avoiding a one-sided portrayal of resilience or despair. Instead, it presents a balanced collection that reflects the complex emotions and realities facing the community.

Lee Kaufman [12:28]: "We wanted to create authentic, complex book with a range of stories and feelings."

Impact of October 7th and Rising Antisemitism

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the aftermath of October 7th, which not only amplified antisemitic sentiments online but also had severe local repercussions in Australia. The duo describes how the event served as a catalyst for both trauma and activism within the Jewish community.

Tamar Pollock recounts specific incidents that illustrate the pervasive fear and discrimination faced by Jewish individuals, including her own experiences and those of her peers.

Tamar Pollock [14:14]: "Weaponizing our anxiety... dismissing and maligning the truth of our experiences... It is so deeply triggering."

These personal anecdotes underscore the urgent need for collective healing and the preservation of Jewish history to prevent future atrocities.

Lee Kaufman shares her experiences post-doxxing, highlighting the psychological toll and the loss of her literary community. Her involvement in Ruptured provided a path to reclaim her voice and support others facing similar silencing.

Lee Kaufman [08:31]: "We were everywhere in the media, but the media wrote about us. They did not speak to us."

Mental Health and Community Resilience

The anthology doesn't shy away from addressing the mental health crisis exacerbated by rising antisemitism. Lee Kaufman points out a troubling increase in mental and physical disorders within the small Jewish community in Australia, attributing this spike to the ongoing trauma and fear.

Lee Kaufman [16:38]: "The rate of mental and physical disorders among this very small Jewish community in Australia are skyrocketing."

Tamar Pollock complements this by discussing how intergenerational trauma manifests in daily lives, impacting not just the elderly but the younger generation as well. She shares heartfelt stories from contributors who grapple with their identities and safety in an increasingly hostile environment.

Tamar Pollock [14:14]: "What it means to be Jewish is deeply triggering... dismissing the truth of our experiences... very palpable in the essays."

Calls to Action and Community Solidarity

As the conversation progresses, both Lee and Tamar emphasize the importance of speaking out and building solidarity within and beyond the Jewish community. They advocate for authentic storytelling as a means to humanize and connect, countering dehumanizing narratives perpetuated by antisemitic rhetoric.

Lee Kaufman urges Jewish individuals worldwide not to remain silent, highlighting the critical role each voice plays in combating dehumanization.

Lee Kaufman [25:49]: "The most important thing at the moment for Jewish people all around the world is not to stay silent... every voice matters."

Tamar Pollock adds a note of hope, drawing strength from Jewish history and the resilience demonstrated by previous generations. She views the act of writing and sharing these stories as a form of active resistance.

Tamar Pollock [27:52]: "We should take hope from our Jewish history... the writing of the book is also an act of resistance."

Concluding Thoughts

In wrapping up the discussion, Zibby Owens expresses her admiration for the work Lee and Tamar have done, acknowledging the book's significance in fostering understanding and support within the Jewish community and beyond.

Zibby Owens [29:52]: "Thank you so much to the two of you for putting Ruptured out into the world and for all that you are doing."

Lee Kaufman and Tamar Pollock reciprocate the gratitude, emphasizing the collective strength and the critical need for such narratives in today's world.

Tamar Pollock [30:05]: "From Australia, I know that a lot of people really took strength when Ruptured came out."

Key Takeaways

• "Ruptured" serves as a vital anthology capturing the multifaceted experiences of Jewish women in Australia post-October 7th.
• The anthology emerged from grassroots activism responding to increasing antisemitism and personal trauma within the community.
• Authentic storytelling is pivotal in combating dehumanizing narratives and fostering resilience.
• Mental health impacts within the Jewish community are significant and exacerbated by ongoing fears and discrimination.
• Collective voices and solidarity are essential in the fight against antisemitism and in preserving Jewish history and identity.

Notable Quotes:

• Tamar Pollock [03:41]: "Ruptured really is the curated version of our collective pain, action, resilience, hope, and fear."
• Lee Kaufman [07:02]: "We were described as pro-Israel lobbyists. My friends were asked if I was a Mossad agent. I felt very, very voiceless."
• Lee Kaufman [16:38]: "The rate of mental and physical disorders among this very small Jewish community in Australia are skyrocketing."
• Lee Kaufman [25:49]: "The most important thing at the moment for Jewish people all around the world is not to stay silent... every voice matters."
• Tamar Pollock [27:52]: "We should take hope from our Jewish history... the writing of the book is also an act of resistance."

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a profound exploration of Ruptured, shedding light on the pressing issues faced by Jewish women in Australia today. Through personal narratives and candid discussions, Lee Kaufman and Tamar Pollock provide invaluable insights into resilience, identity, and the power of collective storytelling.