March 23 BCTC Event Recap
🏡 A Warm Welcome at Chog Haverim
On Sunday afternoon, March 23, friends of Edye and Rob came together for a two-hour Building Community Thru Conversation (BCTC) gathering that brought thoughtful minds into meaningful exchange.
Set in the warm, inviting space of Edye and Rob’s home—Chog Haverim (Hebrew for “circle of friends”)—the atmosphere reflected the spirit of connection and community. The hosts offered a generous spread, and the setting created the perfect backdrop for the kind and curious dialogue that BCTC aims to foster.
🗣️ Exploring Complex, Timely Issues
Over the course of two hours, participants engaged in a wide-ranging conversation grounded in current realities and shared concerns.
Key topics included:
- Who are the jews? Are all Jews white?
- 📺 The portrayal of Israel and the Jewish people in mainstream media
- 📱 The outsized influence of platforms like TikTok
- ⚠️ The rise of misinformation and its impact on public perception
The discussion was thoughtful and direct, allowing space to unpack how these forces shape understanding, influence discourse, and affect real-world outcomes.
🕊️ Media Insight & Faith-Based Support: Arlene Bridges Samuels
A highlight of the afternoon was the contribution of Arlene Bridges Samuels, a respected Christian Zionist, longtime advocate for Israel, and writer for the Christian Broadcast Network–Israel. Drawing on her background at AIPAC and her experience in media and faith communities, Arlene shared valuable insights on the role of journalism in shaping public narratives about Israel and the Jewish people.
She offered a set of recommended media sources for those seeking credible, balanced coverage—tools that are practical and helpful in navigating today’s complex media landscape.
Arlene also spoke about a recent resolution passed at a major Christian conference she had just attended, which expressed strong and public support for Israel. It was a meaningful reminder of the growing interfaith solidarity and the important work being done in other communities to counter hate and misinformation.
Her presence and perspective added both depth and hope to the conversation, affirming that support for truth and justice crosses religious and political boundaries.
🏛️ The Role of Government: Responsibility & Leadership
A central thread of the conversation focused on the government’s role in combating hatred and shaping public narratives. Participants expressed a clear need for:
- 🤝 Informed, values-based leadership
- 💬 Clear and vocal responses to rising antisemitism
- 🛡️ Proactive policies and public engagement to counter hate
What does leadership look like in times like these? Attendees emphasized courage, clarity, and compassion.
👥 Civic Connection in Action
We were honored to be joined by Long Tran, a local elected official and personal friend of the hosts, whose presence brought valuable perspective and reinforced the importance of civic connection. Their engagement reminded us of the impact leaders can have when they show up, listen, and learn directly from the communities they serve.
💬 Why These Conversations Matter
BCTC is deeply grateful to Edye and Rob for opening their home, and to all who attended with openness, curiosity, and care.
Conversations like these are essential:
- 🔍 To process the world around us
- 🧠 To unpack complex issues with nuance and respect
- 🧱 To build informed, resilient communities rooted in shared values
We believe that through dialogue, we move closer to a more compassionate, courageous, and connected world.
Want to stay engaged or host a future gathering? Connect with us at BCTCtalks.org, or reach out to Leslie and Liat directly. Together, we build community—one conversation at a time.
Leave a Reply