How are LGBTQ+ Jews navigating today’s overlapping crises in Israel and in America? In this Z3 Podcast episode, Rabbi Amitai Fraiman speaks with Hila Peer and Asher Gellis about the impact of rising antisemitism and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment at a moment when community feels both more fragile and more essential than ever. The aftermath of October 7 saw rising tensions around LGBTQ+ identity in Jewish and queer spaces alike, and the polarization in both Israel and America have placed enormous pressures on an already vulnerable community. They conversation explores the heated debate over pinkwashing and how it has shaped perceptions of Jewish LGBTQ+ activism. What unfolds is a candid and deeply personal conversation about personal identity, community belonging, and the shared values that can sustain Jewish communities through times of crisis.

About Our Guests

Asher Gellis, MBA, founder and CEO of JQ International earned a BA in Political Theory from UCLA and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Prior to launching JQ International in 2004, Asher served as the Regional Director for Hadassah’s Young Judaea in California, Nevada, and Hawaii. He created curriculum for the Bureau of Jewish Education in Los Angeles, and guided teen scholastic Israel tours. Asher has launched dozens of groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Jewish programs and services affecting tens of thousands of lives and steering the Jewish Community towards greater LGBTQ+ inclusion for generations to come.

Hila Peer is the Chair of the Aguda – Israel’s LGBTQ Association, the country’s pioneering LGBTQ organization established in 1975, now celebrating 50 years of activism. A respected leader and passionate social activist, she has spearheaded major advances in civil rights and pro-LGBTQ legislation in Israel. Re-elected as Aguda’s Chair since 2020, Peer is recognized as one of the most prominent voices of Israel’s LGBTQ community and a proud mother of twins.

(00:00) Introduction

(03:14) Meet the Guests

(05:34) The U.S. Experience

(07:47) The Israeli Experience

(12:25) Polarization and Internal Divides

(18:03) Proximity and Resilience

(20:00) Media, Families, and Acceptance

(25:00) What Makes a Community?

(26:49) Debates over inclusion: “Drop the T” controversy

(32:14) Understanding divides within the LGBTQ+ community

(40:10) Pinkwashing and Tokenization

(53:36) Extreme Polarization

(54:44) Judaism and Advocacy

(1:03:07) Signs of Hope

What does it mean to belong to the Jewish people in an era of deepening division?In this thought-provoking episode of the Z3 Podcast, host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman is joined by Rabbi Shai Held and Dr. Mijal Bitton as they dive into an expansive conversation on Jewish identity, communal leadership, and the challenges of navigating ideological diversity, especially in the wake of October 7. Together, they grapple with tensions between inclusion and boundary-setting, the evolving role of Israel in Jewish life, and what it means to foster belonging in both liberal and traditional communities. This is a candid and deeply reflective dialogue on the enduring commitment to Klal Yisrael. Watch now to dive into this meaningful conversation between Jewish communal leaders.About Our GuestsDr. Mijal Bitton is a spiritual leader, public intellectual, and sociologist. She serves as the Rosh Kehilla of the Downtown Minyan in NYC and is Scholar in Residence at the Maimonides Fund. A Visiting Researcher at NYU Wagner, she directs pioneering research on Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews in the United States. Bitton is an alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, a New Pluralist Field Builder, and a Sacks Scholar. In the wake of October 7, she is deeply committed to renewing Jewish solidarity and building vibrant, inclusive Jewish life. She was a featured speaker at the historic March for Israel in Washington, D.C. She co-hosts the podcast Wondering Jews and shares weekly reflections on Jewish life, identity, and resilience in her Substack newsletter, Committed.Rabbi Shai Held, one of the most influential Jewish thinkers and leaders in America, is President and Dean of the Hadar Institute in New York City. Rabbi Held received the prestigious Covenant Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, and has been named multiple times to Newsweek’s list of the most influential rabbis in America and to the Forward's list of the most prominent Jews in the world. He is the author of Abraham Joshua Heschel: The Call of Transcendence (2013) and The Heart of Torah: Essays on the Weekly Torah Portion (2017). His new book, Judaism is About Love, was published by Farrar, Straus, & Giroux in March 2024.Chapters(00:00) Introduction(10:48) Understanding Community and Leadership(16:45) Redefining Love and Enemies(22:50) Softening the Binary in Community Conversations(28:54) Humanity in Political Discourse(35:52) The Nature of Ideological Boundaries(43:49) The Complexity of Gatekeeping in Jewish Identity(48:52) Secularization and the Role of Israel in Jewish Life(55:52) Balancing Community Standards and Inclusivity(01:01:57) Navigating Complex Identities and Boundaries(01:06:49) The Challenge of Inclusivity in American Jewish Life(01:19:46) Finding Hope Amidst Challenges in Jewish Communities

In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman sits down with Eli Bar-On, founder of MENA2050 and a former senior legal advisor in the Israeli government, and Wydiane Djaidi, a Moroccan lawyer and international development expert, to explore a bold vision for the future of the Middle East and North Africa.Together, they delve into how MENA2050 is bringing together Israelis, Palestinians, Moroccans, Iranians, and others from across the region, not to argue politics, but to collaborate on urgent issues of climate change, gender equality, food security, and mutual understanding. In a region too often associated with conflict, these conversations offer a powerful reminder that there are people across borders who are ready to focus on building, not breaking.This episode sheds light on the quiet efforts happening behind the scenes, projects and relationships that offer real hope for a more stable and connected Middle East. Listen in for a glimpse of what’s possible when we shift the conversation from what’s broken to what we can create together.About Our SpeakersEli Bar-On is the CEO and Head of the Executive Committee of MENA2050. He served in various senior legal positions in the Israeli government. He was also a professor at the Israel National Defense College, with a focus on matters of national security, strategy, and international relations.Eli has provided expert presentations to high-level delegations throughout the world. He also led strategic international dialogues and lectured at preeminent academic institutions around the world. Upon his retirement as a civil servant, Eli co-founded and was the CEO of a start-up company dealing with wireless optical communication. Eli has a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree and an Executive Master of Business Administration (E.M.B.A.) degree (cum laude) from Tel Aviv University and a Master’s degree in Political Science (M.A.) (cum laude) from Haifa University.Wydiane Djaidi is a Moroccan lawyer, an international development professional and a proud member of MENA2050. She was born and raised in Casablanca and is admitted to the Casablanca Bar Association. She holds a Master degree in International Business Law from the University of Brussels (ULB) and a Master degree in International Public Law and Transnational Crimes from the University for Peace (UN Mandated). Wydiane has worked for over 5 years for the United Nations (UN) in Turin (Italy), in Vienna (Austria) and in Rabat (Kingdom of Morocco) on the prevention and countering of terrorism and transnational organized crime. She spent most of her time at the UN working at the headquarters in Vienna supporting governments in the implementation of the UN Convention on Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Convention) and have supported in that framework the drafting and elaboration of many UN reports that are currently publicly available. Wydiane recently moved back to Casablanca, working there as a lawyer and international development consultant. She is also deeply passionate about inter-faith dialogue, gender equality, art and culture. Chapters(00:00) Introduction(03:02) The Founding Story of MENA2050(05:49) Regional Collaboration and Its Importance(08:49) Personal Motivations and Backgrounds(11:43) Morocco as a Model for Coexistence(14:55) The Role of Civil Society in Change(17:50) Navigating Differences and Building Trust(23:57) Addressing Urgent Regional Concerns(29:49) Finding Common Ground Amidst Conflict(32:37) Grassroots Movements(37:15) Israel's Role in the MENA Region(40:00) The Impact of October 7(47:27) The Human Cost of Conflict(51:50) Empathy and Shared Pain(01:03:10) Hope and Future Prospects

Jewish summer camp in the US is, for many, a key moment of rooting in Jewish identity that informs the path of young Jews for the rest of their lives. In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, Rabbi Amitai Fraiman is joined by Dr. Shelley Kedar of the Jewish Agency for Israel and Michael Schlank, CEO of NJY Camps. Together, they explore how bringing together Jews from Israel and America, across backgrounds, denominations, and identities to summer camp helps young people engage with questions of belonging, peoplehood, and their relationship to Israel. Since October 7, the presence of Israeli shlichim at camp has taken on new emotional meaning, as they carry the trauma of war while also offering a chance to build empathy and solidarity.This is a deep dive into how camp can serve as a foundation for raising a generation of Jews who are rooted, resilient, and prepared to navigate the complexities of Jewish life and identity today.About Our Guests

Dr. Shelley Kedar is the director of Connecting the Jewish People Unit at the Jewish Agency for Israel, one of the three key missions called for by the Jewish Agency’s vision. Connecting the Jewish people Unit focuses on four key strategies in which it holds a unique competitive advantage: partnerships, immersive experiences, peoplehood and pluralism, ‏and emissaries (Shlichim). She previously served as the founding director of The Adelson Shlichut Institute within the Jewish Agency, responsible for developing and implementing content and training for all shlichim worldwide. She served as the Director of the Jewish Agency Israel Fellows program and senior representative to Hillel. Kedar was Hillel International’s first VP of Israel Education and Engagement and oversaw the creation of an Israel Action Program that strengthens and supports Hillel’s Israel related programming on campus. Shelley Kedar served as Director of the International School for Jewish Peoplehood Studies at Beit Hatfutsot, was the Director of Professional Development at the Leo Baeck Education Center and the Jewish Agency for Israel educational emissary to Liberal Judaism in Great Britain. Kedar earned a BA in Political Science, Media and Jewish Studies and an MA in Leadership and Informal Education Institutions Management at Bar Ilan University and a Doctorate in Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

Michael Schlank: In September 2020, Michael was appointed as CEO of NJY Camps- the largest residential Jewish summer camp organization in North America. NJY’s innovative and groundbreaking work has been featured and recognized in: The Jewish Standard, The Jewish Link, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Jerusalem Post, and the Times of Israel. Michael was a member of Leading Edge’s CEO Fellow Cohort IV and A Preside FellowMichael has served on the Security Committee, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and as President of his synagogue. He is a member of the AIPAC Long Island Council and served on the Board of Hofstra Hillel. Michael’s writing has appeared in the Jewish Standard, 1840, The Jerusalem Post, eJP, and on The Times of Israel Blogs. After graduating from SUNY Albany Michael earned an MA at Hofstra and an MS.Ed. from C.W. and an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership from SUNY Stony Brook Post.

(00:00) Introduction(07:04) Jewish Immersion and Identity Formation(08:51) The Role of Israelis at Camp(12:56) Navigating Cultural Interactions(16:55) The Dynamics of Israeli and American Campers(32:23) Navigating Difficult Conversations at Camp(32:51) The Impact of October 7th on Jewish Identity(38:01) Creating Safe Spaces for Difficult Conversations(46:00) The Importance of Community and Connection(50:52) The Disconnect Between Camp and Real Life(56:12) Enhancing the Camp Experience for Future Generations

In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman is joined in conversation with Alana Newhouse and Ani Wilcenski from Tablet Magazine for a candid, cross-generational conversation on the role of Jewish journalism post-Oct. 7. Together they explore how independent Jewish media can reclaim agency in an age of disinformation, rising antisemitism, and eroding trust in legacy news. At a time when the Jewish world faces new external threats and internal divisions, this conversation asks: Who gets to tell the Jewish story and how can that story sustain us?Listen now to this compelling discussion on reclaiming the Jewish narrative.About Our GuestsAlana Newhouse is the editor-in-chief of Tablet, which she founded in 2009.Ani Wilcenski is the deputy editor at Tablet Magazine.Chapters(00:00) Introduction(04:02) The Evolving Role of Jewish Journalism(09:52) Shifts in Media Trust and Reporting(16:24) The Impact of Legacy Media on Public Perception(22:32) The Importance of Jewish Journalism in a Distrustful Era(24:38) Generational Perspectives on Media Consumption(30:57) The Value of Print in a Digital Age(37:03) Generational Perspectives on Jewish Identity(39:54) The Rise of New Jewish Voices(41:51) Engagement vs. Disengagement in Jewish Communities(54:49) Understanding Antisemitism in Today's Context(01:05:27) Hope for the Jewish Future

In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman is joined by Rebecca Guzman and Shanie Reichman, contributing authors to the book Young Zionist Voices, for a candid conversation about how the younger generations experiences Israel, Zionism, and Jewish identity. What does it take to build understanding between generations, and how can we stay in relationship even when we don’t see eye to eye? Don’t miss this thoughtful episode that speaks directly to the challenges and possibilities of being young, Jewish, and politically engaged today.

Want to hear more from Gen Z voices like Rebecca and Shanie? Get your copy of Young Zionist Voices now at z3project.org/books.About Our GuestsRebecca Guzman is a Straus Scholar and Tablet Fellow at Stern College for Women, where she is currently studying creative writing. Her work has appeared in Jewish Journal and The Jewish Press, and she has received recognition from the National Council of Teachers of English and The New York Times. She lives in New York City.Shanie Reichman is the director of strategic initiatives and director of IPF Atid at Israel Policy Forum, based in New York City, where she works to elevate the discourse around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She serves as the founding chair for the Forum Dvorah U.S. committee, an NGO that champions women’s participation in national security and foreign policy decision-making spheres in Israel. She is a Wexner Field Fellow, a Schusterman ROIer, and serves on the boards of Queens College Hillel and the Center for Ethnic, Racial and Religious Understanding. Her work has been published in the Forward, the Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Hey Alma, Jewish Unpacked, and International Policy Digest. She is a participating author in the book “Young Zionist Voices” and is pursuing her MA in Middle Eastern Studies at CUNY Graduate Center.Chapters(00:00)Introduction(04:15) Defining Zionism: Personal Perspectives(08:47) Zionism and Judaism: Intersections and Distinctions(13:50) Generational Perspectives on Zionism(22:55) The Future of Israel Education(30:35) Understanding Emotional Connections to Israel(32:51) The Complexity of Zionism and Education(35:13) Navigating Criticism and Support for Israel(37:00) The Disconnect Between Heritage and Current Events(38:31) The Reality of Israel vs. Idealism(40:52) Shared Values and Diverging Perspectives(43:21) Empathy and Understanding in the Jewish Community(45:26) Defining Boundaries in Conversations about Zionism(48:41) Strategic Engagement with Young American Jews(52:14) The Impact of Perceptions on Zionism(55:45) The Need for Open Conversations(01:00:26) Hope for the Future of Jewish Identity

In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, Host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman, Chuck Freilich, and Maggie Feldman-Piltch discuss the evolving concept of national security in the context of Israel and the United States. From the impact of October 7 to the evolving nature of warfare, they dive into the tensions, values, and deep strategic ties between the U.S. and Israel. They explore what keeps nations safe today beyond simply armies and borders as well as the operational differences between the two nations and the challenges they face moving forward.

If you’re interested in U.S.–Israel relations and security strategy this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

About Our Guests

Prof. Chuck Freilich, a senior fellow at INSS, was a deputy national security adviser in Israel. He was a long-time senior fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center and has taught political science at Harvard, Columbia, NYU and Tel Aviv Universities. Freilich is the author of Zion’s Dilemmas: How Israel Makes National Security Policy (Cornell Press 2012); Israeli National Security: A New Strategy for an Era of Change (Oxford Press 2018); and Israel and the Cyber Threat: How the Startup Nation Became a Global Cyber Power (Oxford Press 2023). He is now working on a book on the US-Israeli strategic and military relationship. Freilich has written some 250 op-eds in American and Israeli press and is the senior editor of the Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs.

Maggie Feldman-Piltch makes national security make sense. Her writing under the name Non-State Actress reaches several hundred thousand people a week. She is the Managing Director of Unicorn Strategies and an Advisor to several defense frontier technology companies. She previously led the Digital and Electronic Warfare portfolio for the Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program prior to the institution, including the Wilson Presidential Library’s, destruction by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). She’s been a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and completed a non-resident fellowship at Joint Special Operations University, guest lectures at the National War College and is exceedingly proud of her engagement with Meridian International Center, Munich Security Conference, and her undergraduate alma mater Wesleyan University.

Chapters

(00:00) Defining National Security

(05:04) Current Threats to National Security

(17:34) Impact of October 7th on National Security

(30:37) The Nature of the US-Israel Relationship

(37:12) The Critical U.S.-Israel Relationship

(39:02) Israel's Strategic Importance

(42:11) Understanding Bilateral Relationships

(43:58) Operational Differences in National Security

(47:00) The Nature of Modern Warfare

(50:52) Current U.S.-Israel Relations

(55:56) Challenges in U.S.-Israel Relations

(01:00:59) The Future of U.S.-Israel Relations

In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, artists Vanessa Hidary and Neshama Carlebach reflect on how their creative work and personal identities have been transformed in the wake of October 7. They share how their art has shifted toward activism, shaped by grief, urgency, and deep connection to their communities. The conversation explores the evolving role of Jewish artists, the contrasts between diaspora and Israeli experiences, and the ways art can offer healing in moments of rupture. Listen to these groundbreaking artists as they get deep and spiritual, making the case for art and activism as a genuine, necessary tool in building the world to come.About Our GuestsNeshama Carlebach is an award-winning singer, songwriter and educator who has performed and taught in cities around the world. In the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, Neshama brought thousands of people together throughout the NY metro area for concerts that have raised over half a million dollars for Israel. Neshama is currently pursuing rabbinic ordination at The Academy for Jewish Religion.Vanessa Hidary is an international spoken word artist, educator, and advocate whose work has had a profound impact on both the Jewish community and beyond. She began performing her powerful poetry in New York City venues, becoming a pioneering voice for Jewish identity in the slam poetry scene. Inspired by her own Syrian-Jewish heritage, she founded the Kaleidoscope Project, a narrative-arts initiative that amplifies the stories of Jews of diverse backgrounds. In addition to her work in the arts, Vanessa has become a prominent advocate for Jewish unity in the wake of the rising antisemitism post-October 7th, 2023.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(09:32) The Blurring of Personal and Artistic Identity

(10:59) The Responsibility of Artists in Times of Crisis

(18:42) Navigating Audience Expectations and Artistic Integrity

(26:12) The Role of Community and Family in Artistic Expression

(30:15) Looking Towards the Future for the Next Generation

(33:04) The Role of Art in Uniting Communities

(34:30) Navigating Division Within the Jewish Community

36:47 The Impact of Personal Experience on Understanding

39:08 The Responsibility of Jewish Artists

43:46 The Connection Between Diaspora and Israeli Jews

51:32 Spiritual Engagement and Activism

54:14 The Journey of Learning and Identity

58:07 Long-Term Commitment to Community and Identity

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of the Z3 Podcast! In this conversation, Z3 Founding Director Rabbi Amitai Fraiman speaks with Rabbi Dr. Laura Novak-Winer and Robbie Gringras about the evolving landscape of Israel education, particularly in the wake of the events of October 7, 2023. Each of them discusses the goals of Israel education, emphasizing the importance of knowing Israel in a nuanced way rather than simply fostering love for the country.

Their conversation delves into the historical context of Israel education, the challenges faced by American Jews in connecting with Israel, and the need for a deeper understanding of values and relationships within the Jewish community. Together, they explore the complexities of Jewish identity, the impact of recent events on perceptions of Israel, and the role of education versus advocacy in shaping these discussions.

About our Guests:

Robbie Gringras is a British-born Israeli educator, writer, and performer. He is co-director of For the Sake of Argument, powering the practice of healthy argument throughout the Jewish world. Previously Robbie coined the phrase “Hugging and Wrestling with Israel”, created and drove the 4HQ System of Israel Education, and consulted and taught for many international Israel Education projects. Robbie also has a parallel career in theater, performing around the world with his solo shows.

Rabbi Dr. Laura Novak Winer

As of July 1, 2025, Rabbi Dr. Laura Novak Winer will transition into the office of Associate Rabbinical School Director at Hebrew Union College, after 5 years as director of the Master of Educational Leadership Program at Hebrew Union College’s Rhea Hirsch School of Education. She remains a member of the School of Education faculty, based on the Jack H. Skirball Campus in Los Angeles. Her graduate courses include Leading Change in Jewish Education, Creating Cultures of Learning, Entering Organizations, and Introduction to Jewish Education. Laura has published in a variety of academic and professional journals and popular media. She was the editor of several curricula and is a frequent presenter at academic and professional conferences and on webinars. She has been a regular contributor to Moment Magazine’s “Ask the Rabbis” column since 2010. Laura recently served as co-chair of the Hebrew Union College’s Teshuvah Working Group which developed a set of recommendations designed to bring healing to those impacted by historic misconduct and strengthen institutional accountability. She earned her doctorate at the William Davidson Graduate School of Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, focusing on how teachers’ connections to and understandings of Israel impact the decisions they make about what to teach and how to teach it. She continues to research and write about Israel education as a Senior Fellow at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education at Brandeis University. Rabbi Laura has lived in Fresno, California since 2011 with her husband Rabbi Rick Winer, who serves as the rabbi at Temple Beth Israel. They have two adult sons and have recently welcomed their partners into the Winer family circle.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(12:55) Evolution of Israel Education

(24:13) Values and Relationships in Israel Education

(30:38) Theological Perspectives on Israel Education

(34:41) The Importance of Community in Jewish Identity

(41:19) Navigating the Impact of October 7th

(50:23) The Role of Education vs. Advocacy

(01:00:02) Defining Jewish Identity and Zionism

In this third powerful conversation in our special video series, Z3 host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman sits down with Gazan-American activist Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib to tackle the intricate layers of identity, misinformation, and hope in the Israel-Gaza conflict. They begin with Ahmed’s insights into life under Hamas rule in Gaza, sharing the day-to-day struggles of Palestinians caught in the crossfire. The conversation explores the often-overlooked influence of propaganda and misinformation—particularly around polling data and public opinion—while underscoring the impact these narratives have on both Palestinian lives and international perspectives. Ahmed’s call for international support that empowers Palestinians to achieve self-governance and economic stability offers a fresh perspective on moving beyond rhetoric to meaningful action for peace. This episode dives deep into the intersections of Palestinian identity, regional politics, and the future of the region.

We are deeply grateful to Ahmed for joining us in this difficult but crucial conversation in these times of deep division and strife.

This conversation was recorded on August 30, 2024.