Beverly Hills Hosts Panel on Jewish Identity and Antisemitism

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Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian leads a panel discussion on Jewish identity and rising antisemitism.

News Summary

A panel discussion led by Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian on Jewish identity and rising antisemitism took place at the Writers Guild Theater. Activists from diverse backgrounds shared their experiences and the importance of combating hate. The event highlighted the urgency for empathy and dialogue within and outside the Jewish community, especially in light of recent violence. Mayor Nazarian announced memorial initiatives for victims of antisemitic violence and stressed the city’s commitment to honoring their lives, showcasing the complexities of Jewish identity amid sociopolitical challenges.

Beverly Hills Hosts Panel on Jewish Identity and Antisemitism Amid Rising Violence

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian spearheaded a significant panel discussion on May 21 at the Writers Guild Theater, addressing the diverse experiences within the Jewish community against the backdrop of increasing antisemitic violence. This event formed part of the Mayor’s initiative, “Never Again is Now,” aimed at combating antisemitism while celebrating Jewish heritage.

The panel featured a range of activists representing different backgrounds and nationalities, sharing their personal journeys and highlighting various facets of the Jewish experience. Notable panelists included:

Dr. Evelyn Markus, a Dutch activist who relocated to the United States due to escalating antisemitism in the Netherlands.
Dr. Sheila Nazarian, a plastic surgeon and activist who fled religious persecution in Iran, although she is not related to Mayor Nazarian.
Matthew Nouriel, who champions the cause of LGBTQ+ Jews and serves as the director of community engagement for Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa.
Elisheva Rishon, the founder of the Black Jewish Zionist Squad.

The event was moderated by Jacki Karsh, a six-time Emmy-nominated multimedia journalist, who guided the discussion through various topics of significance to the Jewish community.

Discussion Topics and Key Themes

During the panel, participants emphasized the necessity of sharing diverse voices within the Jewish community, which are frequently unheard or misrepresented. Panelists recounted their experiences growing up Jewish, addressing the stereotypes they faced and the increasing impact of antisemitic violence, particularly following the tragic events of October 7, which involved terrorist attacks in Israel.

Matthew Nouriel discussed his personal journey as an Iranian Jewish gay man, tackling the complexities of his multifaceted identity. Panelists collectively underscored the urgency for individuals outside the Jewish community to stand against antisemitism, highlighting the vital roles of empathy and dialogue in promoting understanding and peace among different communities.

Community Memorial Initiatives

Mayor Nazarian underscored the city’s ongoing efforts to honor the victims of the October 7 attacks, which will include a flag display and the establishment of a permanent memorial, a groundbreaking initiative set to occur on October 5, the first of its kind in the United States.

Lisa Katz from the Combat Antisemitism Movement commended Beverly Hills for its proactive stance against antisemitism, reinforcing the importance of community solidarity in the face of rising hate.

Recent Events Heightening Concerns

Immediately following the panel, the community was shaken by the announcement of a shooting that claimed the lives of two staff members from the Israeli Embassy in Washington, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Mayor Nazarian promptly issued a statement condemning the violence, expressing her sorrow for the victims and calling for an urgent stand against hate. She reiterated the dual responsibility of the Jewish community to celebrate their identity while confronting the persistent threat of antisemitism in society.

The panel in Beverly Hills signals a growing awareness and response to the challenges faced by the Jewish community in an ever-changing socio-political landscape, highlighting both the realities of antisemitism and the richness of Jewish identity.