October 28
🕯 THEME OF THE NIGHT
Breaking echo chambers while strengthening community from within.
There was something powerful about hearing professionals across art, media, law, tech, and philanthropy share so vulnerably - challenging stereotypes, lifting each other up, and finding common ground in our shared humanity.
The Needs of the Community
🎬 STORYTELLING & MEDIA
Dede Bandaid & Nitzan Mintz: Painters and muralists pushing to represent Israeli voices in contemporary art; exploring ways to bring “something spicy” to the public art scene. Interested in finding walls, permissions, and gallery partners — and one day hosting a dinner in their studio.
Yardenne Greenspan (Writer & Literary Translator): Translating survivor stories since 10/7 to humanize the Israeli experience. Working on a YA novel inspired by gap-year survival stories; seeking a literary agent aligned with Jewish narratives.
Simone Friedman: Runs EJF Philanthropies focused on storytelling, media, and art. Looking to support projects with pro-Israel messaging and anti-hate impact. Needs writers, attorneys, and stories that appeal to wider audiences. Can connect creators to funders and donors.
Yardena Schwartz (Author): Author of Ghosts of the Holy War, a historical account of the 1929 Hebron Massacre. Exploring ways to share lessons from history with today’s audiences. Looking for speaking and media opportunities around the book.
Malka Walik (Actor & Filmmaker): Completed a feature film about three girls growing up in the Orthodox community, Our Bodies & Other Shames. Seeking access to film festivals and non-Jewish audiences interested in Jewish stories.
Nim Shapira (Filmmaker/Advertising): Produced TORN: THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE POSTER WAR ON NYC STREETS documentary - currently among 1/300 documentaries vying for Oscar contention. Looking for PR and film festival connections.
Joseph Harrari: Owner of Investing Firm, involved in the Mexico City Jewish Film Festival and cultural initiatives supporting Western and Israeli content. Can help connect to institutions in Mexico & Israel.
Watch / Read / Support:
🎥 Our Bodies & Other Shames
📘 Ghosts of the Holy War — Book by Yardenne Schwartz
🎞 Torn Film — Documentary by Nim
🎧 Here I Am with Shai Davidai — Conversations at the intersection of Jewish identity, activism, and community
🖼 Dede Bandaid & Nitzan Mintz mural project
🧠 IDENTITY, LEARNING & COMMUNITY
Shai Davidai: Launching a grassroots campaign for Jewish activism - Here I am - building a community “third place” with fiscal sponsorship pending. Organizing Havdalah Events and seeking seed funding and partners.
Andy Linder: Accomplished Head Hunter who wants to support more Israeli / Jewish startups with investors who place top talent. Hosting events between entrepreneurs and the global tech scene.
Raphael Ouzan: From France, bridging between European, Israeli, and tech communities. Involved with Start-Up Nation Central and Web Summit. Wants to include more Jewish Global Leaders in future summits. Know any C-Suite Level execs looking for a new opportunity?
Aija Mayrock: Content creator exploring how to tell Jewish stories to global audiences through her media company. Makes videos about Arab and Muslim communities. Interested in travel-based storytelling projects; looking for funders to help her build her Jews Around The World series.
Ilana Kalach: Enthusiastic connector helping Jewish clients strengthen messaging. Focused on how to communicate Jewish identity confidently and authentically in professional spaces.
Neil Cohen: Talent agent (founder of 1948 Talent). After 10/7, helped IDF and Israeli government with communication strategy. Now focused on helping Jewish voices reach mainstream audiences and building security within the creative industry.
⚖️ SECURITY, ADVOCACY & POLITICS
Rebecca Harris: Civil rights attorney fighting antisemitism and misinformation through a nonpartisan, nonprofit org. Focused on university engagement and art as advocacy. Looking for partners willing to take a stand when it’s hard.
Omer Wiczyck: Former prosecutor with 20 years of experience. Leads one of the largest nonprofits for attorneys, helping connect public officials and legal allies. Wants to reach artists and professionals facing discrimination — especially amid the Hollywood boycott.
Shai Davidai (continued): Organizing activism training programs and seeking resources for sustainable community-building.
Simone Friedman (continued): Building a newsletter for pro-Israel philanthropic storytelling and helping shift philanthropic spaces away from anti-Zionist bias.
💡 TECHNOLOGY, CAPITAL & INNOVATION
Joseph Harrari (continued): Investing in cultural and media projects linking Mexico and Israel.
Raphael Ouzan (continued): Focused on AI solutions for Fortune 500 companies; interested in supporting meaningful tech collaborations that uplift Jewish and Israeli innovation.