OUR MISSION

The EDIT was founded to create a community of distinguished leaders committed to standing with Israel and the Jewish people. We exist to cultivate meaningful, high-impact connections through curated dinners and gatherings. Each experience is designed to foster authentic conversation, shared purpose, and long-term collaboration.

Our purpose is to build a support system for individuals seeking to combat pervasive misinformation and foster allyship among like-minded thinkers. By building relationships, sharing ideas, and supporting proactive initiatives, we aim to edit the false narrative and help build a brighter future.

The EDIT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating out of New York City and Los Angeles.

OUR STORY

In the wake of the 2021 Gaza violence, the Jewish community faced a surge of antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric in the media and online. While this seemed like an old playbook, there were newfound efforts to stifle Zionists, particularly those who worked in entertainment or tech. Those who publicly supported Israel risked being ostracized by their companies and communities and many chose to remain silent. As the libelous vitriol persisted, Zionists in these fields felt perpetually alone and afraid to speak up. While so much of the hate has exacerbated, one answer has become abundantly clear: we must stand together.

Our Team

  • Leslie Schapira

    Founder @ The Edit

    Leslie is a TV writer/producer, currently serving as supervising producer for the upcoming CBS comedy, Poppa’s House.  Leslie has previously written on Two and a Half Men, Harley Quinn, Big Shot for Disney+ and the upcoming MAX comedy, Kite Man: Hell Yeah. Other writing credits include The National Lampoon’s The Final Edition Radio Hour, the Writers Guild Awards Shows and SELF Magazine. Leslie wrote and developed the series, Girl Plans, God Laughs, with Universal Cable Productions. She is also developing the series Queen of Fables with Dean Lorey and Peter Safran for Warner Brothers Animation. 

    Leslie is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UCLA and received her M.B.A. from UCLA Anderson School of Management. She serves on AMIT’s national board of directors and was the 2019 recipient of AMIT’s NewGen Emerging Leadership award. Additionally, Leslie serves as vice-chair of the Jewish Writers Committee for the Writers Guild of America, co-leads a pro-Israel political network for young professionals and is a member of the Jewish Federation’s NYL Cabinet.


  • Briana Monkarsh Benaron

    Co-Founder @ The Edit

    Briana is a Los Angeles community builder. She previously served as the Atid Director for Sinai Temple and worked in admissions for Brentwood School. She earned her Masters in Organizational Leadership and Learning from Pepperdine University and received her Bachelors in Business Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Briana serves on the JFed LA Pathways to Jewish Life committee. 

  • Lauren Hendel

    Operations and Community Manager @ The Edit

    Lauren is a community builder, experience designer, and event producer with a passion for curating intentional spaces that foster real connection, both online and off. She’s held roles at leading organizations including Spotify, Block.xyz, and Project ALS, where she built programs at the intersection of storytelling, impact, and culture. Most recently, she founded Chai Tech, a growing network that unites Jewish professionals from the world’s top tech companies. A certified yoga instructor (200-Hour YTT) and health coach, Lauren is also building Kanso, a digital wellness platform through which she hosts phone-free events around the globe. She holds a BBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and spent a semester studying and interning at Tel Aviv University.

  • Ava Eden

    Ava Eden

    Digital Marketing Intern @ The Edit

FAQ

  • EDIT is a private, invitation-based community.

  • Yes. Referrals from current members are always welcome. If you know someone who would be a strong fit for the community, you can submit their name and contact details through our referral form or email us directly. All referrals are reviewed by our team with the same care as direct applications.

  • We collaborate with brands, foundations, and mission-aligned organizations to co-create experiences that bring our community together in meaningful ways. If you’re interested in partnering with EDIT, please visit our Partnerships pageto learn more and submit an inquiry.

  • We primarily host gatherings in New York City and Los Angeles, with occasional special events in other cities. Upcoming event details are shared directly with our community members and invitees.

  • Yes, EDIT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions and partnerships support the continuation of our programming, outreach, and community-building efforts.

  • We welcome support in many forms - from donating to spreading the word about our work to introducing us to potential partners or collaborators. Please reach out via our Contact page to learn more.