Voices That Choose to Speak Out

Speaking Up Matters

Not Being Silent

Across religions, cultures, communities and campuses, people are choosing to speak up against antisemitism, challenge misinformation and stand for coexistence. These are some of the people using their voices when silence would be easier.

The Power Of Speaking Up

When People Choose Not To Be Silent

Speaking against antisemitism and hatred should not fall only on the communities being targeted. Some of the most meaningful allies are people willing to question assumptions, challenge misinformation and speak even when doing so may be uncomfortable or unpopular.

Loay Alshareef:

“I’m a proud non-Jewish voice who supports the Jewish people and the legitimacy of Israel. Together we stand, and together we fight!”

“It is very important to understand that non-Jewish voices are the best allies of the Jewish people. When they come together, they become an undefeatable force—and that should amplify even more.”

Listen First

The Power Of Firsthand Testimony

Complex issues are easier to understand when we hear directly from people who live them. These street interviews feature Palestinians and Israelis answering questions in their own words, allowing viewers to hear perspectives firsthand rather than only through headlines, social media or commentary.

Across Communities

Muslim & Arab Voices Speaking Up

Muslim, Arab, Iranian, Druze and other Middle Eastern voices are challenging antisemitism, extremism and misinformation while opening space for coexistence, dialogue and a more nuanced understanding of Israel, Jewish communities and the Middle East.

Different Voices, Different Perspectives: The people featured here do not share the same politics, beliefs or views on Israel and the Middle East. Some openly support Israel or identify as Zionists; others are Palestinian peace advocates, Muslim and Arab reformers, interfaith leaders, or voices confronting antisemitism and extremism. Their inclusion does not imply agreement with every position they hold. What connects them here is a willingness to challenge hatred, misinformation or extremism, support coexistence, and speak across divides.
A Note On Terminology: Islam and Islamism are not the same. Islam is a diverse global religion. Islamism generally refers to political movements that seek to organize government or society according to particular interpretations of Islamic principles. Several of the voices below specifically address political extremism, antisemitism and the relationship between religion and politics.

Anila Ali

A Pakistani-American Muslim leader, educator and founder of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council who works to strengthen Muslim-Jewish relations, combat antisemitism and extremism, and build interfaith partnerships.

Mohammad Tawhidi

A Muslim theologian associated with the Global Imams Council who has spoken publicly against antisemitism, Islamist extremism and terrorism while advocating peaceful relations with Israel and Jewish communities.

Mustapha Ezzarghani

A Moroccan-American Muslim writer and activist who openly identifies as pro-Israel and pro-Jewish life. He challenges antisemitism and anti-Zionism while advocating stronger relationships between Muslims, Jews, Morocco and Israel.

Mosab Hassan Yousef

The son of a Hamas co-founder who broke with Hamas and became one of its most outspoken critics. He speaks publicly against terrorism and political extremism and has repeatedly defended Israel against Hamas.

Dalia Ziada

An Egyptian writer, political analyst and outspoken supporter of Israel who condemned Hamas after October 7 and defended Israel’s right to fight the terrorist group. Her public position led to serious threats and forced her to leave Egypt.

Amjad Taha

An Arab political and strategic-affairs analyst and outspoken advocate for Israel-Arab normalization who challenges antisemitism, extremism and misinformation about Israel across the Middle East.

Aziz Abu Sarah

A Palestinian peacebuilder, author and entrepreneur who transformed personal loss into decades of work promoting Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation, dialogue and recognition of the humanity and rights of both peoples.

Tamer Masudin

A Muslim Bedouin Arab Israeli educator and content creator who proudly speaks about his Arab, Muslim, Bedouin and Israeli identities while challenging misinformation, antisemitism and extremist narratives.

Raihaana Adira

A Canadian Ismaili Muslim and self-described Muslim Zionist who supports the Jewish people’s right to self-determination. She speaks against antisemitism, Hamas and anti-Israel misinformation while advocating Muslim-Jewish dialogue and coexistence.

Mutiu Olawuyi

A Muslim media and community voice involved in Muslim-Jewish dialogue and conversations challenging antisemitism while strengthening relationships between Muslim and Jewish communities.

Farhana Khorshed

A Muslim-American advocate involved in interfaith bridge-building and Muslim-led efforts confronting antisemitism. She participated in a Muslim solidarity delegation to Israel following the October 7 attacks.

Kamal M Sheikh

A Muslim member of the featured community participating in conversations across Muslim and Jewish communities and supporting dialogue across religious and cultural divides.

Black-Jewish Solidarity

Black Voices Standing With Israel

Black pastors, educators, advocates and community leaders are bringing important perspectives to conversations about Israel, antisemitism and Black-Jewish relations. Some draw on firsthand experiences with racism and apartheid, while others are building stronger relationships between Black and Jewish communities today.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Meshoe

A Black South African pastor and political leader who lived under apartheid and has become a prominent voice challenging comparisons between Israel and apartheid South Africa.

Olga Meshoe Washington — In Memoriam

A South African attorney and Israel advocate who brought her experience as a Black South African to conversations about Israel and apartheid. She led DEISI International and worked to strengthen ties between Africa, Israel and the Jewish people.

Pastor Dumisani Washington

Founder and CEO of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel and author of Zionism And The Black Church. His work focuses on strengthening relationships between Israel, the Jewish people and people of African descent.

Dr. Michael A. Stevens Sr.

A Black American pastor and longtime Israel advocate who has traveled to Israel more than two dozen times and hosted hundreds of African American pastors and ministry leaders on Holy Land study tours.

Pastor Roger Cheeks

A pastor and interfaith leader working to advance Christian-Jewish solidarity, theological education and stronger relationships between Christian and Jewish communities.

Chloé Valdary

A Black American writer and educator who first became widely known as a young Christian pro-Israel activist. Her work has explored Jewish identity, antisemitism, Zionism, race and the relationships between different communities.

Black Christian Leadership Council On Israel Relations

A coalition of Black American pastors working to ensure that Black Christian voices supporting Israel and the Jewish people are heard while strengthening Black-Jewish relationships and confronting antisemitism.

Its founding leaders are Pastor Dumisani Washington, Pastor Valerie Washington, Dr. Michael A. Stevens Sr., Pastor Roger Cheeks, Pastor Reginald Gibson and Dr. Brandy Frances Gibson.

Beyond Silence

Christians Who Took A Stand

Christian allies around the world have used their platforms to confront antisemitism and stand with Jewish communities, showing how meaningful solidarity can cross religious and cultural lines.

Allyship In Action

The Power Of Solidarity

Allyship matters most when speaking up carries a cost. These voices challenge antisemitism, misinformation and hostility toward Jewish communities while demonstrating the importance of speaking up.

From Campus

Proud Jewish Student Voices

Jewish students have increasingly found themselves navigating antisemitism, exclusion and hostility on college campuses. These students chose to speak publicly about their experiences, their Jewish identity and the importance of creating campuses where Jewish students can participate safely and proudly.

Noa Fay

A Columbia University student and advocate who has spoken publicly about antisemitism, Jewish student safety and the experiences of Jewish students on college campuses.

Talia Dror

A Cornell graduate and Jewish student advocate who has spoken publicly about campus antisemitism and testified before Congress about the experiences and safety of Jewish students.

Keep Listening. Keep Talking.

Conversation Starts With Hearing Different Perspectives

Building Community Thru Conversation creates opportunities to listen, question assumptions and engage with perspectives we may not otherwise encounter. Understanding begins when people are willing to hear one another.

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