OUR MISSION

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.

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

(Donation link coming soon… In the meantime, please contact us by email to make a contribution)

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 @ Edit

    Leslie Schapira is a TV writer/producer, currently serving as co-executive producer of the HBO MAX series, Creature Commandos. Leslie’s other writing credits include: Poppa’s House, Two and a Half Men, Harley Quinn, Big Shot, and Kite Man: Hell Yeah. 

    She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UCLA and received her M.B.A. from UCLA Anderson School of Management. 

    Leslie serves on AMIT’s national board of directors and is vice-chair of the WGAW Jewish Writers Committee. Additionally, Leslie founded and runs the Israel advocacy non-profit, EDIT.

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  • Briana Monkarsh Benaron

    Co-Founder @ 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. 

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  • Lauren Hendel

    Operations and Community Experience Manager @ 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.

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  • Ava Eden

    Ava Eden

    Intern @ Edit

    Ava Eden grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and is currently studying English Literature and Judaic Studies in Yeshiva University. Throughout her academic career, she has received several awards for her debate skills and studies in Bible, English, and History. Between high school and college, Ava spent two gap years learning in Israel in Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim (MMY), where she was involved in an intensive study of Talmud, Jewish law, Bible, and Jewish thought. In Yeshiva University, Ava is a Scholar in the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, where she is involved in the study of the conversation and interaction between the Jewish and Western canons. Most recently, Ava was a Research and Writing intern for 18Forty, a Jewish media company that explores Judaism's ongoing encounter with modernity. Ava has been involved in Jewish communal work in different capacities, including being a counselor at American Jewish camps and volunteering with Magen David Adom in Jerusalem. Ava is a proud and passionate Zionist, and is excited to be working with the EDIT.

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FAQ

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

  • 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.

  • Of course! Just fill out a concierge request form and we’ll connect you to the right person.

  • 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. Please let us know if you are interested in hosting!