In the year since Hamas attacked Israel, antisemitism has risen globally and misinformation about Israel has spread on social media platforms. Celebrities and other influencers have stepped into the fray. One of those influencers is Eve Barlow, an LA-based writer and former music and culture journalist. Her recent pivot to high profile thought leader and Jewish advocate has grown her reach to over 1.5 million people per month who scroll, read, or tune in to her Substack newsletter Blacklisted, her many spots on high profile podcasts, and her own Instagram page. “We chose Eve because she represents a unique perspective - she is someone that amassed a huge following as a successful music journalist and influencer, all while fighting anti-semitism. Not only is she an unapologetic Zionist, she is a proud feminist. She's not afraid of being unpopular in service of her values and beliefs - a truly inspiring figure,” says Jason Sparks, chief development officer for The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville.
Barlow will be this year’s speaker for the Jewish Federation’s women’s philanthropy brunch on November 17th where she will be providing insights and information designed to help local Jewish women understand more deeply the implications of October 7th and provide tools to help them better handle difficult encounters.
The brunch, titled Hope & Balance: Empowering Jewish Women with Wellness and Strength, is a highlight of the Federation’s programs that aim to engage and involve women in the community. This year will follow a similar format with table topics for discussion and then question and answer with the guest speaker. While the focus is on advocacy around Israel, antisemitism, and anti-Zionism, Barlow will address the issue of mental health and stress management during a traumatic time. “The goal of the event is to allow a space for dialogue, well-being, and restoration in the wake of what has been a tough year for Jewish women,” says Sparks.
Hayley Levy Kupin is a Federation board member and one of the event’s hosts. She says she did not initially know Eve Barlow but has since learned more. “I think this is an event people will really like. I did some research and I think what she has to share about how to talk about antisemitism and how to talk about being Jewish will really resonate with a lot of people in light of everything that has happened since October 7th.”
When it comes to women’s philanthropy, Kupin says it is important for women to use their collective voice. “One of the things I’m involved in outside of the Jewish community is a women’s giving circle. It’s all about how women can make a collective difference by pooling their resources to help do good in Nashville. I think the Federation’s approach to this women’s philanthropy event is similar, getting women together to say we all want to make a difference in our Jewish community.”
Barlow’s platform includes highlighting the many forms Jew hatred takes, both online and off. She encourages people to push back against the rhetoric and has spoken in front of audiences for dozens of Jewish organizations, including BBYO, WIZO and JNF, among others. She has been recognized by Algemeiner at one of the Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life in both 2020 and 2021.
The event is being held on Sunday, November 17th at 10am at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. To register, or for more information, visit https://www.jewishnashville.org/womens24
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