In this episode, we sit down with writer, musician, and activist Ani Zonneveld for a conversation about faith, freedom, and the courage to reclaim tradition. Together with Rabbi David Ingber, Zonneveld traces her journey from a global childhood as the daughter of a Malaysian diplomat – growing up in Germany, Egypt, and India – to a two-decade career in the international music industry, where she navigated sexism and forged her creative voice. She reflects on the spiritual turning point following 9/11 that led her to reexamine Islam for herself, uncovering what she understands as its egalitarian and pluralistic core. As the founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values, Zonneveld shares how she stepped into religious and social justice leadership – advocating for women’s rights, LGBTQ inclusion, and freedom of conscience at the United Nations and beyond. Drawing on themes from her memoir An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count As a Muslim Feminist, the conversation explores music as activism, the dismantling of patriarchy, and the winding path from personal awakening to global impact.

Learn more about Ani’s work: https://www.anizonneveld.com/

Read Ani’s latest book: An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior - Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist https://livedplacespublishing.com/book/isbn/9781917566469

Rabbi Ingber’s IG https://www.instagram.com/rabbiingber

92NY Bronfman Center Events

Producer: Efrat Bigger

Content Editor: Maya Gayer 

Audio Editor: Sean Kennedy

Music By: Shimon Smith 

Special Thanks: Eden Sidney Foster.