Our first “Building Community Through Conversations” event was a deeply moving and impactful experience. The evening began with heartfelt introductions about the importance of providing a safe, nonpartisan space for dialogue. We emphasized our shared desire for honest, kind, and curious conversations, focusing on the need for community support in the face of rising antisemitism.
Leslie and Liat shared their personal stories—Leslie as a Southern Jew and Liat as an Israeli—giving the group insight into their unique identities, connections to Israel, and experiences with the Middle East conflict. These powerful stories set the tone for the event and fostered a sense of shared understanding among all participants.
Arlene Bridges Samuels, a passionate advocate for Israel with over 25 years of experience, spoke about the ongoing struggles for peace in the region, the trauma of October 7th, and the disturbing rise of antisemitism globally. Her extensive work with AIPAC and Christian advocacy groups gave her a unique perspective on Israel’s efforts for peace and security.
Talia Segal, a fourth-year Biomedical Engineering student at Georgia Tech and President of Hillel, shared her experience as a Jewish student leader, particularly in the wake of October 7th. Her courage to stand up for Jewish students amidst rising campus antisemitism was inspiring, and her commitment to continued advocacy made a powerful impact.
The agenda covered key topics such as the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the rise of antisemitism, and Israel’s fight for security and justice. A video on the situation in Gaza deepened our understanding of the complexities Israel faces. We also explored how to be mindful consumers of news, the global media response to the war, and the importance of allies in fighting against prejudice.
The evening concluded with an open Q&A, where participants reflected on what they had learned and how they could be more proactive in supporting Israel and combating antisemitism. There was a collective sense of hope and determination to continue these essential conversations in our communities.
We are grateful to Arlene and Talia for their contributions and to everyone who attended. This event was just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.
💙 #BuildingCommunity #MeaningfulConversations #Israel #Antisemitism #Unity
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