Alisa Goldsmith, Parent 

Hosting the McDonogh Living Room Series event focused on antisemitism was an incredibly meaningful experience for me. At a time when antisemitism is becoming more visible in schools, online spaces, and everyday conversations, it felt important to open our home and create a space where students and parents could come together to reflect, support each other and engage in honest dialogue. 

I was so encouraged by everyone’s willingness to participate vulnerably and thoughtfully, especially the middle school students who were there. It was encouraging to hear not only about the impact of antisemitism but also the pride that many of them feel in being Jewish and sharing their culture with their non-Jewish friends and classmates. 

I was also deeply appreciative of the partnership between The Associated, 4Front and the OpenDor facilitators, Alex Harris and Avi Posen, whose thoughtful guidance helped foster nuanced and respectful conversations. The evening reinforced how valuable education and dialogue can be when addressing difficult and complex issues. Rather than approaching the topic through fear or division, the program emphasized understanding, perspective and connection. 

Personally, hosting this event reminded me that leadership often begins with simply creating space for conversation. In this day and age of political polarization, it seems like many people have decided it’s better to steer away from any topic of conversation that could be uncomfortable or controversial and this was a great reminder that it’s always better to have the difficult conversations.   

Antisemitism can be uncomfortable to discuss, particularly with younger students, but avoiding these conversations only allows misunderstanding and prejudice to grow. I left the evening feeling hopeful because of the openness, compassion and maturity shown by the students and parents who attended. 
 

Small moments of education and allyship matter and creating stronger communities begins with a willingness to listen to one another and engage with difficult topics honestly and respectfully. 

Naomi Berger, Student 

To be completely honest, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going to the Navigating Jewish Teen Life Together night. I hadn’t been to many of these Jewish community events, so I was curious what it would be like.  

At the start of the night, I didn’t personally know many people except one of my friends who was there, so I was sort of lingering around. There were kids there either in my grade or in other grades. 
  

Of course I knew most of these kids; I’ve seen their faces around school before. But I definitely didn’t know them personally, our paths hadn’t crossed like that.  

The event started and the kids were called to a separate room to have a discussion about our life as Jewish teens, challenges and the different experiences we face. Some people had faced antisemitism; some enjoyed the uniqueness of having an identity different from most.  

Regardless of the topic of discussion, I felt a strong sense of belonging. Because no matter what I had said that night, the people in that room would have listened and viewed my Jewish teen experience with purpose. It wasn’t a feeling I was familiar with at school, because my friends were mostly not Jewish. Going to that event, I found a circle of people, maybe not my closest friends, who I knew I could relate to.  

I left with two things that night. New friends and a comforting feeling of belonging. I had a lot of fun connecting with new people that night, and I hope this tradition can continue so other people can have the same wonderful experience.