Israel Matters: The Deep Roots of Antisemitism
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
5:30 PM
placeManhattan

5:30 pm: Cocktail Reception
6:00 pm: Main Program

We’re privileged to present a special discussion and screening of the timely and thought-provoking documentary Tragic Awakening: A New Look at the Oldest Hatred.

Executive producer Raphael Shore, in conversation with author and podcast host Zibby Owens, will discuss the deep roots of antisemitism and its influence on Jewish history, especially in this post October 7 climate. Then we’ll view the film, which serves as an important reminder of why the existence of Israel as a sovereign Jewish state is essential to our survival.

You’ll also discover UJA’s work meeting the moment: fighting antisemitism, securing our Jewish institutions, helping Israel move forward, and uplifting struggling New Yorkers.

Each attendee will receive a copy of Raphael Shore’s book, Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Jew: Learning to Love the Lessons of Jew-Hatred. 

Dietary laws observed. 

Featuring

Raphael Shore

Executive Producer, Tragic Awakening

Raphael Shore is an acclaimed filmmaker and human rights activist known for empowering Jewish identity and raising awareness of antisemitism. The founder of OpenDor Media and the Clarion Project, he has produced documentaries and films that have reached hundreds of millions and won multiple awards. His current projects include the book Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Jew? and film Tragic Awakening, both of which explore the roots of Jew-hatred and the search for meaning amid adversity.

Moderator

Zibby Owens

Author, Podcaster, CEO of Zibby Media

Zibby Owens is the award-winning host of the podcast Totally Booked With Zibby and the weekly TV show Totally Booked on JBS. The author of six books, including two best sellers, On Being Jewish Now: Reflections From Authors and Advocates and Blank: A Novel, she owns Zibby’s Bookshop, an independent bookstore in Santa Monica, California, and Zibby Publishing, a boutique publishing house, all part of Zibby Media. She runs an events and retreats series, Zibby’s Book Club, and the Z.I.P. membership program. Zibby has regularly contributed to Good Morning America, Vogue, Oprah Daily, and many other outlets. A graduate of Yale University and...

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Leadership

UJA Interboro Women

Chair: Rachel Kalnicki
Advisory Chairs: Candice Koerner • Seryl Ritter

Chair: Robin Kaplan
Women's Leadership Chairs: Marnie Black • Kate Eichel • Anna Fisch • Rachel Kalnicki • Rachel Zuckerbrot

Chair: Rachel Kalnicki
Advisory Chairs: Candice Koerner • Seryl Ritter

contact us

Questions? Get in touch.
Adrienne Rubin-Prince

212.836.1674