Z3 Events
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"The New Jew: Days of War" - North American Premiere and Q&A
Join us for the North American Premiere of the critically acclaimed The New Jew: Days of War. Following the screening, movie creator Moshe Samuels will join community members for a Q&A panel.
The Z3 Project is thrilled to partner with the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival for this event.
Film Synopsis:
The New Jew: Days of War follows Israeli comedian Guri Alfi as he embarks on a journey to explore the profound impact of October 7 on the identity, security and status of Jews in the United States. Through intimate personal stories—from families of hostages and individuals confronting rising antisemitism to young Jews grappling with intergenerational divides on Israel—the film makes these complex issues accessible to a broader audience. It delves into key developments after October 7, including the isolation felt by many American Jews, the rise in hate crimes and the growing quest for renewed belonging within their communities. Guided by Guri Alfi’s signature mix of empathy and humor, the film masterfully balances deep emotional resonance with moments of levity, offering a message of hope in challenging times. This film serves as a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2021 TV miniseries The New Jew, which earned widespread praise in Israel and at film festivals across the United States.
About the movie creator:
Moshe Samuels has extensive experience as an emissary and educator in Israel and the United States. In recent years, he has served as the CEO of Shazur/Interwoven, a nonprofit organization established to connect Israelis with American Jewry and help bridge the gap between the two significant centers of the Jewish world today. Throughout his career, Moshe has traveled across the globe, leading workshops, staff training and seminars for diverse Jewish communities. The idea for The New Jew was inspired by the meaningful encounters he experienced during his travels, which have profoundly shaped his Jewish and Israeli identity.
Joel Swedlove, Ilana Pearlman, and Keren-Or Reiss are three community members featured in the film. The Z3 Project is thrilled to host these individuals as part of our Q&A panel.
Joel Swedlove served as the Director of Youth Programs and Informal Education for Temple Beth-El (San Antonio, TX) from June 2016 to 2020 before becoming the synagogue’s first Director of Strategic Engagement. Prior to his time in Texas, he worked at the Adelson Educational Campus in Las Vegas, NV as a Jewish Music Teacher, Athletics Assistant and Coach. Joel has gained significant experience in informal education having spent his summers as a song leader, unit head and program director for Camps Alonim, Hess Kramer and JCC Maccabi Sports Camp, respectively. Joel grew up in the Reform movement from his early summers at Camp Swig and Newman to serving as Religious and Cultural VP on NFTY Southern California’s Regional Board. Upon graduating high school he served as youth group advisor and director for congregations throughout Southern California and Las Vegas. Joel has an M.S. in Organizational Leadership & Innovation from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and received his B.S. in Communications from the University of Phoenix. He has a deep love of movies, comic books and sports. Joel is the proud father of two boys, Ethan and Alexander.
Ilana Pearlman lives in Berkeley, California with her husband and 3 children, where she works as a Nurse Midwife. Ilana was always active in Jewish life, but her efforts dramatically increased post-October 7, when she witnessed antisemitism in her children's public schools. Ilana, along with other parents, formed Berkeley Jews in School, a grassroots group of Jewish parents committed to fighting antisemitism and antizionism within our public schools. Amongst many accomplishments, Ilana worked directly with the Brandeis Center to file a federal civil rights complaint against Berkeley Unified School District, leading to the very first national congressional hearing on antisemitism in K-12 schools. Ilana has also traveled to Washington DC, providing congressional briefings on the retaliatory harassment she and others have endured, as a result of their activism.
Keren-Or Reiss is an Israeli-Jewish American mother, grassroots and community leader in San Mateo County and a product manager leader in healthcare and finance. Keren-Or is the Co-founder of the Fighting Antisemitism Squad, a WhatsApp group that began with just five members and has grown to 400, with additional community groups forming teams to combat antisemitism successfully in our San Mateo school districts, city councils and boards and collaborating with other grassroots leaders across the bay to create safer space for our kids.
"Torn": Movie Screening and Q&A
In his groundbreaking film Torn,
Israeli-American filmmaker Nim Shapira delves into the controversy surrounding the 'KIDNAPPED' poster campaign in New York City following October 7—a grassroots effort to raise awareness about the 240 hostages taken by Hamas. These posters quickly became polarizing symbols, sparking intense clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine activists and turning the city’s streets into ideological and emotional battlegrounds.
Through rare, intimate glimpses into the lives of hostage families, Torn examines the motivations of activists putting up and tearing down the posters, unraveling the complexities of this intense 'paper-arm' proxy war, fought thousands of miles from the actual conflict. With an urgent and raw approach, Shapira's compelling debut unravels the complexities of a conflict fought across continents, revealing the emotional depth behind every poster.
About the Filmmaker and Speaker
Nim Shapira is an award-winning Brooklyn based filmmaker. His work has been featured at Tribeca, Venice and Cannes and he had the honor of being a research fellow at MIT’s Open Documentary Lab. Torn is his first feature documentary which he wrote, produced and directed.
Young Zionist Voices—London Launch
In the aftermath of October 7 and the surge of antisemitism that followed,
a new generation of Jewish leaders has risen to take action. Young Zionist Voices brings them together for the first time: 31 campus activists, young professionals, thought leaders and rabbis from the US, UK, Israel and around the world committed to a strong, proud and prosperous Jewish future.
David Hazony, the editor of this groundbreaking essay collection, hailed by Yossi Klein Halevi as “a gift of hope”, joins in conversation with essay contributors Oliver Anisfeld, founder of the YouTube channel J-TV, and Noah Katz, chair of the Board of Deputies’ Under 35 Assembly, in a conversation moderated by Natasha Hausdorff, legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel.
Young Zionist Voices - Brooklyn Launch
Join us for a crucial conversation with inspiring young Jewish leaders who have emerged as powerful voices against antisemitism and anti-Zionism on campus. Moderated by award-winning author and editor David Hazony and with contributing writers Alissa Bernstein and Bella Ingber, this essential discussion will offer vital insights for families navigating today's academic environment. High school and college students are especially encouraged to attend with their parents.
About the Book: On elite campuses across the Western world, Jewish students suddenly find themselves threatened, alone, and unsupported by faculty and administration. This timely collection of essays by young activists and thinkers offers a core of ideas to lead the next generation—one filled with Jewish pride, passion for Israel, and Zionist resilience in the face of a global assault on their identity, homeland, and heritage.
Young Zionist Voices - Manhattan Launch
After 10/7 and the antisemitism that followed, many young Jews across America chose to fight back. A new book, YOUNG ZIONIST VOICES, brings together young activists and thinkers armed with ideas to lead the next generation of Jews. The book's editor, David Hazony, will join us along with contributors to discuss what's needed for a proud and thriving Jewish future. Cohosted by the Z3 Project.
Join Young Zionist Voices at Tribeca Synagogue for an enlightening panel discussion with Ashira Boxman, David Hazony, Maya Platek and Talia Bodner.
On elite campuses across the Western world, Jewish students suddenly find themselves threatened, alone, and unsupported by faculty and administration. This timely collection of essays by young activists and thinkers offers a core of ideas to lead the next generation—one filled with Jewish pride, passion for Israel, and Zionist resilience in the face of a global assault on their identity, homeland, and heritage.
Miami, FL - Z3@MIAMI
Z3@MIAMI is a premier East Coast event bringing together some of the brightest minds for a day filled with in-depth dialogue on the most pressing issues facing American Jewry and Israel.
Hear from speakers across the U.S. and Israel, including Jewish leaders, activists, educators, academics, journalists, politicians, artists and comedians. Featured speakers include the following and more:
Keynote speaker Prof. Gil Troy, historian and author of books like The Essential Guide to October 7th and The Zionist Ideas. He writes on Zionism and American history and has contributed to The Jerusalem Post, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
Dave Rubin, Host of The Rubin Report
Efrat Lachter, Investigative Journalist and a War Correspondent for Fox News Digital
The day includes a Kosher lunch, and both Adult and Teen Learning tracks are available. Everyone will receive a complimentary copy of Keynote Speaker Gil Troy’s Book, To Resist the Academic Intifada: Letters to My Students On Defending the Zionist Dream.
Daycare options are available (Extra charge $36/child includes Kosher lunch and snacks).
Next-Gen Zionism: Bold Conversations for a Changing World
Join Young Zionist Voices at Sinai Temple for an enlightening panel discussion with Alissa Bernstein, David Hazony, Zack Bodner and Rabbi David Wolpe.
This in-person event will discuss the future of Jewish identity and Israel in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Each ticket provides you access to the pre-reception and a copy of Young Zionist Voices: A New Generation Speaks Out.
Austin, TX - Z3@AUSTIN
Z3@AUSTIN invites participants to explore complex and thought-provoking topics in an environment that embraces nuance, curiosity and open discussions. Whether you are a passionate Zionist, or one that has conflicting feelings about your connection to Israel, Z3 Austin provides a supportive space to lean into the tension and grow together.
This year’s programming will feature an inspiring array of leading Jewish leaders from across the country and Israel and includes activists against antisemitism, journalists, student voices, Jewish educators, comedians, and other voices from the Jewish world.
Breakout panel topics include the following, and more!
Living at the Intersection of Zionism and Americanism
Building Community Resistance Post October 7: A Practical Workshop For Taking Responsibility
Up Close and Personal: Understanding Israel’s Internal Challenges
Intergenerational Gap: Where are Our Children and Grandchildren When it Comes to Israel?
Young Zionist Voices — Global Digital Launch Event
Where: Zoom
When: Tuesday, January 28 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK / 8pm Israel
Cost: Free, Registration Required
Meet the faces behind Young Zionist Voices, the best-selling new essay collection that Israeli President Isaac Herzog lists as his #1 recommendation for books on Judaism! Join us on Zoom to hear from the Gen-Zionist leaders of tomorrow as they pave the way for young Jews to feel empowered around the world:
Shabbos Kestenbaum, student activist and plaintiff against Harvard alleging pervasive and systemic antisemitism
Adela Cojab, attorney and plaintiff against NYU for neglecting Jewish student safety
Alissa Bernstein, Assistant Director of the American Jewish Committee Los Angeles
Shanie Reichman, Director of IPF Atid at Israel Policy Forum
Oz Bin Nun, Hebrew University Student and current IDF commander in the Egoz Commando Unit
The future of Zionism is in good hands – Tap into the Jewish future and sign up now to be part of the conversation!
Crash Course on Israel: What Has Changed Since October 7?
We are delighted that Charlotte Korchak will be joining us on Sunday morning, January 26 (via Zoom from Jerusalem) to bring us up to date on what has changed in Israel since the tragedy of October 7. She will discuss key developments, such as the wars with Hamas and Hezbollah, attacks from and against Iran, the effect on the Israeli and Palestinian people and leaders, the impact on the Middle East, the Abraham Accords and more. The lecture and Q&A are free, but registration is required.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Charlotte about what has changed since October 7.
This program is presented by Beth Am JIAC and co-sponsored by:
Congregation Beth Ami Israel Committee (Santa Rosa)
Congregation Beth Jacob (Redwood City)
Congregation Kol Emeth (Palo Alto)
Jewish Silicon Valley
Z3 Project of Oshman Family JCC
About Our Speaker
Charlotte Korchak is a dynamic teacher. She is the Senior Educator and Director of International Programs for StandWithUs Israel where she educates students from around the world in Israeli history and combatting antisemitism. Charlotte received her BA in Middle Eastern History from USC. She asserts that both peoples, Jews and Arabs have a history. The truth lies in this complexity, not in the simplicity of one side or the other. She has quickly become one of the foremost public speakers in her field, recognized for making complex content engaging, accessible, and meaningful for all ages.
Jerusalem Launch of Young Zionist Voices
Israeli intellectual and activist Einat Wilf has described the contributors to this new book as “A rising generation of young proud Jews… leaning into being Jewish, into the joy, into the history, into the future, and yes, into the fight.”
Young Zionist Voices is a collection of 31 unique essays by a diverse group of young Jewish activists, Israelis and non-Israelis; all proud to call themselves Zionists. It is the sequel to Jewish Priorities, also edited by David Hazony, which was launched at the Begin Center in February 2024. Like that book, this new volume is packed with thought-provoking ideas to engage with and to argue about, and we invite you to hear from some of the authors of these ideas at a special panel discussion.
The book will be on sale at this event, with editor David Hazony on hand to sign copies.
Registration for the event costs just 15 shekels. The event can also be viewed on Zoom.
Ways Forward: Palestinian and Israeli Perspectives
9:30 - 10:00 AM Bagels and coffee
10:00 - 11:30 AM Program
Z3 Project is happy to co-sponsor with Israel Policy Forum and ICC@JCC a candid conversation with two exceptional and pragmatic experts committed to pursuing a more peaceful and secure future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Please join IPF board member and past Oshman Family JCC President, Daryl Messinger, in dialogue with Dr. Shira Efron, Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Fellow at Israel Policy Forum, and Manal Zeidan, former advisor to the Office of the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority.
Shira and Manal will cover a range of key issues, including the Palestinian political arena, Israeli and Palestinian public opinion, the future of UNRWA, and what the new Trump administration may mean for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. You can expect a conversation that reflects their candor, pragmatism, and deep commitment to pursuing a more peaceful and secure future for the peoples of the region. We’ll be sure to leave plenty of time for your questions.
About Our Moderator
Daryl Messinger is a board member of Israel Policy Forum. She currently serves as the chair of the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA) and is a past chair of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). She was the first woman to hold these positions in the Reform movement. In addition to her extensive involvement in the Reform movement, she currently is chair of Leading Edge, an organization seeking to improve leadership, talent and culture throughout the Jewish nonprofit sector. Daryl is a past president of the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto, California and of Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills. She is an alumna of the Wexner Heritage Program. Prior to retiring in 2009, Daryl had various roles in both communications and investment management organizations. Daryl and her husband Jim Heeger live in Palo Alto, CA,. Jim also has significant lay leadership involvement on several Jewish boards.
About Our Speaker
Dr. Shira Efron is The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Fellow at IPF. Over the last year, she has been focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, day-after planning for Gaza, and the reform of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees. She also serves as a special climate change advisor to Israel’s Ministry of Defense and the co-chair of the subgroup on regional cooperation of President Herzog’s climate forum. Shira has spent over 15 years in U.S. think tanks, including the RAND Corporation, where she founded and led the Israel program between 2016-2022, the Center for American Progress, and Middle East Institute, and the Tel Aviv based Institute for National Security Studies. She was previously a consultant with the U.N. country team in Jerusalem, where she focused on access and movement issues in Gaza. She has a PhD and MPhil in policy analysis from RAND’s Graduate School, an MA in international relations/international business from New York University, and a BSc in biology (major) and computer science (minor) from Tel Aviv University.
About Our Speaker
Manal Zeidan is an intercultural communication specialist and an independent consultant who has worked in both advisory as well as executive roles in government, non-profit organizations and private consultancy firms. She previously served as advisor to the prime minister/ director of international relations at the Office of the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah for six years (2007-2013) after which she worked as the director of advocacy and outreach at Future for Palestine non-profit organization, where she established and oversaw sustainable social and economic development programs to empower women and grassroots organizations throughout the West Bank. Manal holds a B.A. and M.A. degrees in communication studies from California State University, Fullerton.
Civilian Casualties and Israel's Dilemma: Where Do We Go From Here?
Join us for a compelling Zoom event featuring Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody, executive director of Ematai and renowned author, as he explores the complex issue of civilian casualties during conflict through the lens of Jewish military ethics. Drawing from his extensive expertise in applying Jewish principles to modern dilemmas, Rabbi Brody will provide insightful perspectives on Israel's moral challenges in warfare. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in a stimulating conversation on ethics and morality in times of conflict.
Israel at the Crossroads: Where Do We Go From Here?
Join us for an engaging and timely conversation with Tzipi Livni, former Israeli Vice Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Justice Minister and Professor Amichai Magen, Visiting Fellow in Israel Studies at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. A year after the October 7th attack, in the midst of deep domestic disagreements and an evolving multi-front war, Israel is at an historic crossroads. Where do we go from here?
Tzipi Livni
is a prominent Israeli stateswoman and former Vice Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Justice Minister. Widely regarded as one of Israel's most influential women since Golda Meir, Livni has been a key figure in national security, peace negotiations, and Israeli politics. Known for her steadfast leadership and advocacy for peace, she has worked tirelessly to uphold Israel's democratic values while safeguarding its security interests. Livni led centrist political parties and was Israel’s chief negotiator in peace talks with the Palestinians in 2008 and 2013.
Her extensive political career also includes roles as Minister of Regional Cooperation, Minister of Immigrant Absorption, and Leader of the Opposition, making her the Israeli woman to hold the most government positions. She was part of Israel’s "Security Trio" that oversaw key national security operations, including the attack on Syria’s nuclear project.
Before her political career, Livni served in the Israel Defense Forces and the Mossad. She holds a law degree and was the Director General of the Government Companies Authority, where she promoted privatization and economic growth. Livni has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Time's "100 Most Influential People" and Forbes' "Most Powerful Women." Today, she continues her work as a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, serves on various boards, and shares her expertise as an international speaker and strategic consultant.
Prof. Amichai Magen
is a Visiting Professor in Political Science and Visiting Fellow in Israel Studies at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. In Israel, he is a Senior Lecturer (US Associate Professor) and Head of the MA Program in Diplomacy & Conflict Studies at Reichman University, where he also directs the Program on Democratic Resilience and Development. His research focuses on democracy, the rule of law, and political violence. Born to refugee parents from Nazi Germany and Soviet-occupied Latvia, Amichai Magen grew up in Israel and the UK. A former IDF officer, he has received numerous awards, including the Yitzhak Rabin Fulbright Award and the prestigious Richard von Weizsäcker Fellowship. Magen serves on the Executive Board of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations and several other international boards related to democracy and foreign relations.
An Evening with Noa Tishby
Sunday, September 22
6:00–8:00 PM
Freidenrich Community Park
$75 General Admission | $36 student*
*Please email your student ID to [email protected] to receive a code
Contact: Maya Yaniv | [email protected]
Join us for an evening of discussion and ideas with renowned Israel advocate Noa Tishby. You’ll hear from Noa as she shares her insights on pressing issues facing Israel today, as well as discussing her recently co-authored book, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew. Every attendee will receive a copy of Ms. Tishby’s latest book, and students and their families will have an opportunity to take a photo with Noa after her talk.
Honoring the Life-Saving Heroes of October 7, featuring special guest Ambassador Michael Oren
Z3 Project and United Hatzalah are honored to host former Ambassador Michael Oren.
Michael Oren served in the IDF as a Lone Soldier in the paratroopers and then as an IDF Spokesman. He was Israel's ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2013, where he was instrumental in fortifying the US-Israel alliance and in obtaining U.S. defense aid, especially for the Iron Dome system. After his time in Washington, Oren served as a Member of Knesset and Deputy Minister of Diplomacy in the Prime Minister’s Office. He spearheaded efforts to strengthen Israel-Diaspora relations, to develop the Golan Heights, and to fight BDS. He has authored several New York Times bestsellers including Six Days of War, Ally: My Journey Across the American-Israel Divide and Power, Faith, and Fantasy and is the founder of Israel Advocacy Group. Ambassador Oren's latest writing can be found on his Substack, Clarity.
This event is co-sponsored by United Hatzalah.
Behind the Scenes: Inside Hostage Negotiations
Hostage negotiations don’t follow traditional diplomatic rules. When innocent Americans sit behind bars in hellhole foreign prisons, it’s up to expert negotiators like Mickey Bergman to get them home. Join us in a conversation with Mickey as he discusses his new book “In the Shadows” and learn what it’s like to sit down with America’s toughest adversaries and devise ways to bring trapped hostages home.
Jewish Priorities Comes to London
Jewish Priorities encompasses 65 essays which offers a "pan-Jewish" conversation, from across the Jewish world--secular to ultra-Orthodox, Israel to the US and across the diaspora, younger influencers and veteran writers.