Hallel Silverman, at The Blogs

Hallel Silverman

Proud Progressive Israeli

Feb 11, 2023, 8:08 PM

February 11th, 2013 - 10 years ago today - I was arrested with my mom, Rabbi Susan Silverman at the Western Wall. Our crime? Praying at the Kotel while wearing a tallit (prayer shawl). Two months after our arrest...

Jun 25, 2022, 10:56 PM

Israel & Abortion

Israel is home to some of the holiest sites for the three Abrahamic religions. Its lands hold stories that date back to biblical times. It’s not surprising that most people think of Israel as one of the most religious...

Mar 25, 2022, 12:00 AM

10 reasons why Palestine is not Ukraine

The world watches as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, and the voices hijacking the tragedy increasingly preach nonsense to their devoted audiences Democracies don’t just attack other democracies. Russia is not a democracy, Ukraine is. Gaza is not a...

Jan 31, 2022, 10:00 PM

Rashi’s daughters wore tefillin

After Israel’s Supreme Court reversed the ridiculous law barring women from praying with a tallit (after 2013, when my mom and I got arrested), multiple parties worked together to create a plan for the Kotel that would make room...

Jan 6, 2022, 8:34 PM

Magically ignorant: Emma Watson

Renowned actress Emma Watson has used her international platform from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to champion social and humanitarian causes. Although Watson’s character, Hermione Granger, is known as a caring and intelligent individual with a ferocious wit,...

Dec 28, 2021, 4:24 PM

Zoom the Eff Out

Dear World, When we focus on Israelis vs. Palestinians, we put a tiny frame on a giant canvass. When we widen the frame to see the larger picture, we see Iranian backed Hamas. Everyone else are bit players in a...

Nov 21, 2021, 6:59 PM

Featured Post

Yes, you heard me right: I am a progressive Zionist.

In vilifying a movement that seeks justice and Jewish self-determination, Sunrise DC seems to care more about promoting hate than about solving real issues

Nov 3, 2017, 3:19 PM

New Reality of New Media

New Media’s impact on the world is real and strong. It’s influence is what traditional media was when first created; an eye-opening tool connecting everyone from everywhere. Yet now, it’s instantly. Through social platforms such as Facebook, people are...

About Me

Hallel Silverman is an American born, Israeli raised digital activist located in Tel Aviv. With nearly a decade in Israel Advocacy, Hallel has created and executed content for dozens of major organizations, and has been a leading voice online for progressive Zionism. She is an associate at the Tel Aviv Institute.