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An incredible number of our boldest and most effective fighters against antisemitism are LGBTQ+. By taking on their own political and cultural 'homes', some activists have been subject to attacks and threats, and yet they have continued their work at great personal cost.
An online panel discussion featuring educators/ writers/ and activists Ben Freeman, Eve Barlow and Blake Flayton, moderated by writer David Sachs, sharing their experiences, what brought them into their work and approach, and their unique and powerful ideas and tactics.
A panel focused on the fight against antisemitism, these Jewish LGBTQ+ leaders will discuss:
How have these advocates been effective? What can the Jewish community in general and specifically Jewish leaders and organizations learn from them? In what way have the panellists’ experiences in the LGBTQ+ community helped them as Jewish advocates?
Introducing our panelists:
Ben M. Freeman is a Jewish leader, a Jewish thinker, and a Jewish educator
Born in Scotland, Ben is a gay Jewish author, internationally renowned educator and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion specialist focussing on Jewish identity, combatting Jew-hatred and raising awareness of the Holocaust. His first book, Jewish Pride: Rebuilding a People, was released in February 2021, to great international acclaim. He is currently working on his much anticipated follow up, focussing on internalised anti-Jewishness, due to be published in 2023.
Currently based in Hong Kong, Ben now heads up the Humanities Team at an American International School and lectures on antisemitism at Hong Kong universities.
Eve Barlow is a Scottish freelance music journalist based in LA. Eve was recently named one of The Algemeiners Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life for 2021. A former Deputy Editor of the New Musical Express, she currently contributes to New York Magazine, The Guardian, the Los Angeles Times, Pitchfork, and GQ, among other publications. During the Corbyn era, Eve increasingly became a voice for Jews against the increasing antisemitism of the "Progressive Left", growing a huge social media following.
Blake Flayton is a recent graduate of George Washington University and the co-founder of New Zionist Congress, a grassroots organization focused on reclaiming space from antisemitism especially on college campuses, and with a unique focus on Jewish pride. Blake has been at the forefront of a new wave of more vocal Jewish student leadership, and is currently the new media director and a weekly opinion columnist for Jewish Journal.
David Sachs is a Quebec-based writer and author. His articles have appeared in magazines and most of Canada's major newspapers, as well as Jewish media, such as theJ.ca, Jewish Journal, and The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin.
Sponsor: This event is supported by a grant from the Congregation Beth Shalom Legacy Fund, and a Jewish Federation of Ottawa Microgrant