In the season finale of the Innovated podcast, listeners are treated to an insightful discussion with Hindy Poupko, Senior Vice President at the UJA Federation of New York. Host Morielle Lotan, CEO of The ADIR Challenge, and Hindy explore the evolving landscape of Jewish philanthropy and its critical role in combatting antisemitism. They delve into Hindy’s unique approach to strategic philanthropy, her reflections on the challenges American Jews face, and how innovation goes beyond technology to rethink leadership and strategies. Hindy also shares her perspective on the importance of humility in philanthropy, the need for better data to track impact, and how American Jews have found meaningful ways to support both Israel and their local communities in the wake of October 7th. This season finale sheds light on how Jewish organizations can adapt and meet the moment in an ever-evolving landscape.

In this episode, listeners can expect an insightful exploration of how academic leadership and historical reflection play a crucial role in combatting antisemitism. Host Morielle Lotan speaks with Dr. Avinoam Patt, the inaugural director of NYU’s Center for the Study of Antisemitism, as they discuss the intersection of scholarship, activism, and the digital age’s influence on hate speech. Together, they navigate the challenges of fostering resilience, education, and innovation in the face of growing antisemitic threats.

Dr. Avinoam Patt, a distinguished scholar and director of NYU’s Center for the Study of Antisemitism, brings decades of experience in Holocaust studies and modern Jewish history. With his unique perspective, Dr. Patt reflects on the October 7th events and shares how his research on Holocaust memory informs today’s efforts to fight hate. He emphasizes the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in academia and offers insights on how history can guide us in shaping a safer and more united future.

In this eye-opening episode, Morielle Lotan sits down with Dr. Liram Koblentz Stenzler to explore the dark web of extremism, antisemitism, and radicalization. They delve into the disturbing ways extremist groups, from far-right to far-left, recruit vulnerable young minds and spread their toxic ideologies online. Dr. Stenzler sheds light on her groundbreaking research on the far-reaching impact of radicalization and her work in identifying key strategies for combatting these growing threats. The conversation also touches on the psychological mechanics behind extremist recruitment and how understanding these tactics can inform more effective long-term antisemitism strategies.

Dr. Liram Koblentz Stenzler is an international expert in counterterrorism, antisemitism, and violent radicalization. With over a decade of experience, she focuses on extremist recruitment in the digital age, especially on the dark web and alternative social platforms. Dr. Stenzler has served as a lecturer at Yale University and Brandeis University and is the Director of the Initiative on Countering Violent Extremism and Antisemitism at IDC Herzliya. Her research explores the intersection of far-right and far-left ideologies, providing invaluable insights into the strategies needed to combat both antisemitism and online radicalization. Dr. Stenzler’s work has been widely recognized for its contribution to global security efforts, and her ongoing mission is to equip future leaders with the knowledge to counter these growing threats.

In this raw and heart-wrenching episode, Morielle Lotan sits down with Eitan Chitayat less than 24 hours after the murder of six precious, innocent souls by Hamas. The weight of grief and outrage is palpable as they explore the urgent need to reclaim Jewish identity and narrative in the face of mounting hatred. Eitan shares the deep responsibility he feels as an advocate and the overwhelming challenges of navigating a world increasingly divided. This conversation dives into the failure of leadership to promote public expressions of Jewish pride, the power of storytelling, and the critical role branding plays in reclaiming a narrative that has too often been hijacked. Together, they reflect on the necessity of unity and resilience in the face of growing threats.

Eitan Chitayat is a creative force with over 25 years of experience in delivering brands for global giants like Apple, Google, YouTube, and Facebook. As the founder of Native Branding Agency, his work transcends industries, but what truly stands out is his advocacy for Jewish identity. His viral movie “I'm That Jew,” viewed by nearly 15 million people, encapsulates his dedication to promoting Jewish pride. His bold critique of Jewish leadership for not encouraging more public expression of Jewish identity has made him a leading voice in the call for a new kind of leadership, one that embraces cultural pride as a form of resistance to antisemitism.

In this thought-provoking episode, Morielle Lotan speaks with Shai Davidai, who opens up about his transformation from a professor at Columbia Business School to a vocal advocate against antisemitism. Shai candidly shares his experiences, from dealing with profound grief and panic attacks to becoming a prominent voice in the fight against hatred on campus. This conversation dives deep into the emotional and psychological toll of standing up for truth and justice, exploring the complexities of activism and the cost of choosing to speak out when it would be easier to stay silent. Shai’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience required to confront the pervasive forces of hate and the importance of moral clarity in today’s world.

Shai Davidai is a former Assistant Professor at Columbia Business School, where he specialized in social psychology. His recent rise to prominence comes from his courageous stand against rising antisemitism on college campuses, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks. Despite facing personal and professional risks, including an investigation by Columbia University and being blocked from campus, Shai’s unwavering commitment to truth and justice has made him a significant figure in the fight for Jewish civil rights and against intellectual antisemitism in academia.

In this powerful episode titled "Warrior of Light," we sit down with Dalia Ziada, an Egyptian writer, human rights activist, and advocate for peace in the Middle East. Dalia shares her incredible journey from leading a think tank in Egypt to escaping death threats and legal persecution after speaking out against Hamas. She calls for an innovative approach to education—not to make people pro-Israel, but to wake them up to the dangers of supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas. Dalia is currently a Senior Fellow for Research and Diplomacy in North America with the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.

As we delve into what it will take to wake up students on college campuses, Dalia sheds light on how misinformation and media manipulation are leading well-intentioned young people to unknowingly support harmful ideologies. She challenges us to rethink how we educate the next generation, moving beyond simplistic narratives and fostering critical thinking that encourages students to question and understand the true complexities of the Middle East.

Dalia’s mission for peace and education is ongoing, and she needs your support. Please consider contributing to her GoFundMe campaign here. Your support will help her continue to spread this vital message and stand up against hate.

Tune in to hear Dalia's compelling story and her urgent call to action in the fight against misinformation and hate.

In this episode, we sit down with Dan Ganor, an expert in Israeli security, to explore the complex psychological and strategic dimensions of warfare in the Middle East. Dan discusses the profound impact of anticipation and strategic patience on both civilians and decision-makers, illustrating how the waiting game often creates more fear and uncertainty than the attacks themselves.

We also bridge this discussion to the broader context of combating antisemitism, highlighting the need for innovative, long-term strategies that go beyond immediate reactions. As we navigate the challenges faced by Israeli society and the global Jewish community, Dan emphasizes the importance of resilience, readiness, and collaboration across borders. Join us as we explore how to outthink and outlast those who seek to sow fear, while fostering unity and strength in the face of adversity.

In this thought-provoking episode of Innovated, we delve into the complex and evolving nature of antisemitism with Dr. Matthias Becker, an expert on its modern manifestations. Dr. Becker returns to discuss how antisemitism has transformed from overt expressions to subtle, coded language that often goes unnoticed. We explore the historical shifts post-World War II, the role of digital spaces in spreading these implicit messages, and the challenges in detecting and combating them. Join us as we unravel the intricate layers of this shapeshifting prejudice and discuss strategies for developing effective countermeasures in the digital age. This episode is essential listening for anyone committed to understanding and fighting antisemitism in all its forms.

In this compelling episode of Innovated, join host Morielle Lotan as she speaks with Dr. Matthias Becker, a leading researcher on antisemitism.

Dive deeper into the complexities of antisemitism, from coded and veiled forms to the historical and cultural contexts that shape its manifestations in different countries. Dr. Becker discusses the challenges of addressing antisemitism in academia and online, emphasizing the need for nuanced and context-specific approaches.This episode offers a unique perspective on the transnational nature of antisemitism, the shortcomings of a one-size-fits-all model, and the urgent need for innovative solutions. He shares the historical context of the post WWII era that led to the coding of antisemitism, and also shares the benefit of social media in allowing us to now uncover hidden languages something that would never have been possible before. Whether you’re interested in history, social issues, research, or the personal stories behind innovation that drives change- this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on ways that new data models and cultural linguistic studies are offering a profound way to move from defense to offense.

In this compelling episode of Innovated, we delve into the complexities and inefficiencies of reporting antisemitic incidents on college campuses, with a focus on the experiences of students from Berkeley and Stanford. Our guest, a student from UC Berkeley, shares firsthand insights on the current challenges faced by students and introduces a newly developed auto-generation reporting tool designed to simplify the submission process and reduce repetitive tasks.

We explore the potential of technological solutions in combating antisemitism and discuss the next steps for rolling out this innovative tool nationwide. Join us as we examine the future of antisemitism reporting and the critical role of data and technology in driving meaningful change.

This episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and social issues, highlighting the urgent need for more efficient and effective reporting mechanisms. Whether you're interested in student activism, technological innovation, or the fight against antisemitism, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the ongoing efforts to combat hate and the importance of innovative solutions in creating safer, more inclusive college campuses.