Supporting Bold Voices and Organizations Building the New Jewish Renaissance

I used to think political activism could change the world. That’s why I spent much of my life as a passionate activist, advocate, and communications consultant for the Democratic party.

But, like for so many of us, the aftermath of October 7 broke me. And after years of trying to fight the tide, I was swallowed by a wave. I knew I had to switch tracks.

I could no longer create the change I wanted to see solely from inside existing political structures. As antisemitism became increasingly difficult to navigate within political spaces I had long worked in, I began focusing my efforts solely on the Jewish community, and trying to figure out how to regain our footing.

For two years I have written about antisemitism, antizionism, political extremism, and misinformation. I knew I needed to find a better way to amplify – and many large legacy Jewish organizations are struggling to meet this critical moment.

But there is a new generation of Jewish initiatives is taking fresh approaches to confronting antisemitism and strengthening Jewish life. They are challenging old-fashioned ways of doing advocacy and employing new strategies for reaching new generations.

Focusing on changing language, broadening demographics, new initiatives, and innovative concepts, these are the ideas with the most promise – but the smallest budget and the biggest lack of resources.

It’s time to give them the tools, connection, and megaphone they need to start moving the needle. And that’s where ZEV comes in.

ZEV: A Jewish Communications Collective provides free and low-cost communications help to small Jewish nonprofits that show promise in advocacy and empowerment. We work one on one, through concrete, results-driven action plans, to improve messaging, online presence, outreach, and audience development. Clients receive hands-on support, tailored to what each leader needs most.

The demand has been real. In the first two weeks after launch, 10 organizations applied, and we are already working with three.

It is also a multiplier. One communications partner strengthens every organization it supports, and each of those organizations reaches its own audiences. 

We also continue our educational and advocacy work though The Wolf Watch, offering fact-based, empowering information about antisemitism, extremism, and the changing media and social landscape.

We are living through a moment that requires new and bold voices willing to educate, engage, and tell our stories. It’s time to turn Jewish resilience into the new Jewish renaissance. Let’s build something new.

If you lead a small Jewish nonprofit, apply for support at zevcollective.org. If you believe in this work, I hope you will help support us and amplify it. Learn more at zevcollective.org.