When the University of Windsor recently conceded to the demands of its pro-Palestinian encampment protesters, officials signed an agreement that stated, among other anti-Israel sentiments, the post-secondary institution would affirm "its commitment towards principles of decolonization... in the context of the occupation of Palestine."

The narrative of Israel as a colonizing force is synonymous with the modern-day pro-Palestinian movement. But it's a narrative thrust upon Jews and Israelis by non-Jewish actors—a fact that Ysabella Hazan is keen to point out.

The young law school graduate, backed by 40,000 Instagram followers, is a rising star in the Jewish activist space, working out of Montreal to promote a movement and clothing line she calls "Decolonized Judean". It's not just about Israel: Hazan rejects numerous facets of Judaism that seem imposed by non-Jews, as well, such as the Christian concept of God.

Hazan, whose roots are Moroccan, recently joined Rivka Campbell for a live taping of The CJN podcast Rivkush, about noteworthy Jews of colour, at Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Toronto.

Credits

Rivkush is hosted by Rivka Campbell. Michael Fraiman is the editor and producer. Our theme music is by Westside Gravy. The show is a member of The CJN Podcast Network. Support the show by subscribing to this podcast or donating to The CJN.

There's a fact Zilka Joseph likes to toss out to prove how old the Bene Israel culture is: the community, native to the Indian subcontinent, spent centuries unaware of what Hanukkah was. That's because the first Bene Israel people arrived on the shores of modern-day India in 175 BCE, according to some estimates—almost a full decade before the Maccabees fought back against King Antiochus. Blending into the local culture, the Bene Israel people built their unique community without contacting outside Jews until centuries later.

Joseph tells this story, and others, in her new book of poetry, Sweet Malida: Memories of a Bene Israel Woman, published by Mayapple Press. A blend of historical lessons, personal stories and beautiful poems, Joseph weaves together a tapestry of life in India, connecting past and present, examining how her culture has stayed alive despite waves of migration, assimilation and an exodus to Israel shortly after the state's establishment.

Joseph discusses all this on the latest episode of Rivkush, The CJN's podcast spotlighting remarkable Jews of colour, hosted by Rivka Campbell.

Credits

Rivkush is hosted by Rivka Campbell. Michael Fraiman is the editor and producer. Our theme music is by Westside Gravy. The show is sponsored by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and is a member of The CJN Podcast Network. Support the show by subscribing to this podcast or donating to The CJN.

When Sarah Kolker returned to her hometown neighbourhood in Philadelphia as a young adult, she noticed a run-down park that she grew up around. She remembered how her mom wouldn't let her go to the park at all. But now, the artist and social justice advocate was inspired to help reimagine the public space entirely.

She joined in starting petitions, holding community gatherings, and meeting with politicians and block captains—and ultimately wound up painting a large, colourful mural in the park with her friend and neighbour. Today, with improved lighting and funding from the city, the park hosts festivals regularly and has become a renewed space for children and adults.

Kolker doesn't pretend like her art transformed the place on its own—but it was a key compotent to help galvanize, inspire and unite her hometown community.

It's similar to the work she does as the director of jkid4all, a program for Jewish families of colour in Philadelphia, which aims to foster a cohesive, welcoming, diverse Jewish community in the city. Kolker joins Rivkush, The CJN's podcast about inspiring Jews of colour, to discuss her work both inside and beyond her Jewish community.

Credits

Rivkush is hosted by Rivka Campbell. Michael Fraiman is the editor and prodcer. Our theme music is by Westside Gravy. The show is sponsored by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and is a member of The CJN Podcast Network. Support the show by subscribing to this podcast or donating to The CJN.