In the past years, even prior to October 7th, as both a parent of teenagers and an outspoken advocate for Israel, I had witnessed a disturbing trend amongst Jewish families; the inability to talk about Israel and Judaism, particularly in progressive settings. Sometimes the silence was due to a lack of education about Israel, Judaism, and Zionism, sometimes it was a desire to be “good” and fit in, other times it was a belief they are not educated enough to speak up, and unfortunately because of the rising antisemitism and anti-Zionism throughout the United States, people just do not want to take the risk associated with overt expressions of Judaism. However, in a world post-10/7, Jews do not have the luxury of silence. We must learn to advocate for ourselves, we must remember not only where we come from but our amazing and complicated history. This journey of connection, education, and unapologetic pride begins in Israel.

- Logan Levkoff, Ph.D.