Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

• A Mantra for the Digital Age + Jewish Student Leaders Tessa Veksler & Eden Yadegar

  Jewish college students are standing up—and they’re not backing down. In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with two outstanding Jewish student leaders: Tessa Veksler (former UCSB Student Body President) and Eden Yadegar (Columbia University senior). These passionate advocates open up about what it's really like to be Jewish students facing antisemitism on college campuses today, no matter what you might see (or not!) on the news. Armed with their voices, courage, and personal histories as daughters of immigrants who escaped anti-Jewish regimes abroad, they’re reclaiming Jewish identity, challenging misinformation and demanding visibility, safety, and truth. And they’re doing it all in some of the most charged environments in higher education.Watch this episode on YouTube at: YouTube.com/@BeingJewishPodcastWe dive deep into:✅ The shocking and pervasive rise of Jew hatred on college campuses✅ The difference between more assimilated American Jews and those from families who fled persecution✅ What Jewish student leaders are doing well — and where we need to go from here✅ Engagement with the World Zionist Congress and global Jewish identity ✅ What inspires the next generation of Jewish advocates and how YOU can make a differenceWhether you're a Jewish student, parent, educator, or ally, this episode offers honest insight, personal stories, and empowering takeaways.This episode is sponsored by PJ Library, the amazing non-profit that sends FREE age-appropriate Jewish storybooks and activities every single month to families with kids age 0-12. Did we mention, it’s free! Sign up today at pjlibrary.org/JonahConnect with our guests!Follow Eden Yadegar on Instagram @edenyadegarFollow Tessa Veksler on Instagram @tessavekslerStay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellMENTIONED IN EPISODESign Up for PJ Library To Receive Free Jewish Children's Books: www.pjlibrary.org/jonahEden Yadegar’s AISH ProfileTessa Veksler’s AISH Profile Students Supporting Israel (SSI) - On-Campus OrganizationOctober 8th Film“We’re Not Going Anywhere” Featuring Tessa Veksler College TourADL’s Report on Antisemitism at Columbia UniversityFederal Civil Rights Complaint Against UCSB (On Behalf of Tessa Veksler)Recall Petition Against Student Body President Tessa Veksler Filed at UCSBEden Yadegar Files Suit Against Columbia University“Jewish Joy is Resistance” Bracelet NCSY Teen TripsWhat is the Kotel? (Wailing Wall in Israel) Going Full Jew with Jonah PlattTessa’s Post on October 9th, 2023Columbia University Suspends SJP Chapter in 2023What is Columbia University Apartheid Divest?Families of Hostages Sue Columbia University Groups over Alleged Ties to Hamas Former Hostage Shlomi Ziv Reveals Hamas Told Him They Provided Financial Support to Student GroupsHostage Edan Alexander Finally Released, May 12th, 2025World Zionist CongressWilshire Boulevard Temple What is Tahdig? (Eden’s Favorite Dish From Iran)What are Pelmeni? (Tessa’s Favorite Dish from Russia)

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  1:12:04
• My Muslim Trip to Auschwitz & Legendary Broadway Composer Jason Robert Brown

  In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years, 13) joins Jonah for a raw and thought-provoking conversation about what it means to be Jewish in American theater today. From the complexities of Jewish pride and representation to the discomfort he feels being labeled “America’s greatest Jewish composer,” Jason opens up like never before.The two dive into Jason’s legendary career, exploring the cultural impact of his shows and how Jewish themes have shaped and challenged his work. Jason shares intimate reflections on his relationships with Broadway icons Hal Prince and Alfred Uhry, the artistic tension between creative integrity and commercial success, and how he’s always felt like an outsider, even within the institutions and communities where he “should” feel at home.If you care about Broadway, authentic storytelling, identity, or what it means to stay rooted as an artist in turbulent times, this episode will challenge and inspire you.Watch this episode on YouTube: @BeingJewishOfficial - https://youtu.be/x74YTgGNc_cStay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Sharaka Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharakango/Connect with Luai AhmedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justluai Connect with Jonathan ElkhouryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jon_elkInstagram Highlights from Jonah’s Trip with Sharaka to Polandhttps://www.instagram.com/p/DI5w6Dbxmou/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellMENTIONED IN EPISODESharaka: A Partnership for Moderate Arabs Seeking Dialogue with Jews & Israelis Understanding the Abraham Accords See Jonah Platt at Chai Tech in NYC Hear Jonah Platt at Am Shalom in Glencoe, ILHear Jonah at UJA’s Westchester Celebration 2015The Last Five Years on BroadwayShiksa Goddess (From The Last Five Years) Performed by Jeremy JordanThe Shmuel Song (From The Last Five Years) Performed by Jonathan BaileyThe Story of Leo Frank - the Inspiration Behind ParadeNational Tour of ParadeWho is Broadway Producer Hal Prince?Who is Writer Alfred Uhry?Who is Choreographer Rob Ashford?Donmar Warehouse Production of ParadeWho is Performer & Director Michael Arden?Parade at City CenterJason Robert Brown Developing Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil for BroadwayBridges of Madison County MusicalThe Last Five Years Film13! The Musical MovieWho is Musical Director Andrew Resnick?Watch Spread on TubiHoneymoon in Vegas Chanukah Suite by Jason Robert BrownManeschewitz Merengue by Jason Robert Brown Yiddish Theater in NYCStuart Weitzman on Being Jewish with Jonah PlattWho is Broadway’s Daisy Prince?88 Keys Piano Bar Songs For A New World by Jason Robert BrownJackie Tohn on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

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  1:06:30
• Erased by the Algorithm + CNN anchor Dana Bash

  News anchor Dana Bash is the face of CNN’s biggest political nights, a trusted voice in American journalism—and deeply, proudly Jewish. In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah and Dana sit down for an unfiltered conversation about media, politics, identity, and what it means to show up as a Jew.Dana shares the harrowing true story of her grandparents' survival during the Holocaust, revealing the deep personal history that shapes her today. She also opens up about what it was like reporting live on October 7th, 2023, and how the weight of the moment impacted her both professionally and personally.Dana dishes on the infamous 2024 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden that changed the course of American history, and offers her assessment of today’s Democrat and Republican parties.  Plus, Dana offers a candid look at how Fox News changed the public’s trust in the media, reshaping the landscape of broadcast journalism, and shares the inspiring story of how she got her start at CNN — from the tape library to one of the most trusted faces in news today.If you're interested in Jewish identity, Holocaust stories, journalism, media trust, or behind-the-scenes moments at CNN, this episode is a must-listen!Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast on YouTube! https://youtu.be/Fo5fFkBni-sStay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Dana BashInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/danabashcnn/?hl=enX - https://www.instagram.com/danabashcnn/?hl=en Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O' Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellMENTIONED IN EPISODEAmerica’s Deadliest Election Written by Dana Bash & David FisherSarah Hurwitz on Being Jewish with Jonah PlattFreedom Seder Featuring Van Jones 2025 Project ShemaU.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer Focused on Bringing Edan Alexander HomeDana Bash’s Mother & Jewish Educator Francie Weinman SchwartzCNN Special Report: Rising Hate: Antisemitism in AmericaTree of Life ShootingPoway Synagogue ShootingColleyville Shooting FDR’s Limits on Jewish Migration During the Holocaust Why Did FDR Abandon Europe’s Jews? “Going Full Jew” with Jonah PlattJewish Camp: Harlam Jewish Camp: Camp RamahWho is Jeremy Bash? Dana’s Ex-Husband Highlights From the Biden Vs. Trump Debate in June 2024Nic Robertson - CNN’s International Diplomatic EditorMeet Jonathan Greenblatt: CEO & National Director for the ADL What Does L’dor Vador Mean?Learn About Queen Esther in the Bible Sheryl Sandberg on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

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  1:01:53
• The Cost of Freedom and Arizona’s Jewish Latina legislators Alma, Consuelo, and Daniel Hernandez

  A Jew, Two Jewish Latinas, and a gay Latino mass shooting survivor walk into a podcast… and 3 of them are related! In this unique episode of Being Jewish, Jonah sits down with Arizona legislators Consuelo, Alma, and Daniel Hernandez—three powerhouse siblings shaping Arizona’s Democratic party. Together, they are living proof that representation matters—and that activism starts at home.🕊️ Alma and Consuelo, the first Jewish Latinas electeds to American political history, share their intimate journeys of converting to Judaism—the backlash they’ve faced and how their experiences as women of color shape their tireless advocacy for inclusivity and equality for all. 🏛️ Daniel, known for his pivotal role in saving Congresswoman Gabby Giffords' life and currently running for Congress in Arizona’s 7th district Special Election, opens up about his life in public service, his commitment to his LGBTQ+ community, and his unbridled passion for Israel and Jewish culture - despite not technically being Jewish himself!This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a testament to what’s possible when you choose to show up, speak out, and lead with your full authentic self. Come get inspired!Watch the full episode on YouTube: @BeingJewishPodcast: https://youtu.be/1hYHlqW5DyY Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Nathan Wheatley); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellMENTIONED IN EPISODESupport Daniel Hernandez's Run for Congress!Jewish-Muslim Ties in Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Becomes First Muslim Country to Define Antisemitism in TextbooksJewish Federation’s Young Leadership CabinetGermany’s Laws on Hate SpeechMeaning Behind DayenuDaniel Hernandez: The Intern Who Helped Rescue Gabby GiffordsHernandez Siblings Lead Bipartisan Trip To IsraelMeet Rabbi Stephanie Aaron: The Rabbi Who Guided The Hernandez Siblings in Their Jewish JourneyAlma Hernadez’s ZIONIST License PlateA Wider Bridge: An Organization for LGBT+ JewsMedical Crimes - The Experiments of AuschwitzAlma Hernandez with Her Late FatherHolocaust Education Bill Passes Due To Alma Hernandez’s AdvocacyBills Passed by Alma HernandezBills Passed by Consuelo HernandezArticle: Why the LGBT Community Opposes Israel, According to a Gay ZionistTel Aviv PrideRitchie Torres on Being Jewish with Jonah PlattArizona LGBTQ Caucus (Co-founded by Daniel Hernandez Jr.)Alma Hernandez Escorted Out By Police After Anti-Israel Protestors Harrass Her

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  1:07:40
• REPLAY: “Bad Jews” + CNN Analyst & Activist Van Jones

  It’s Spring Break! So this week we’re bringing you a replay of our Webby & RCC Wilbur Award-winning episode with Van Jones - with whom Jonah will once again be sitting down with for a Passover “Freedom Seder” this week, almost one year to the day from the first Seder where they met. We’ll be back with all new-episodes next week!Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast: https://youtu.be/ZR0qUIUGAKM Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell

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  1:07:22

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