Unpacking Israel: A Masterclass Series

The Charlotte Jewish News, March 2025

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is excited to announce the line-up for the next three Unpacking Israel: Masterclass Series events. This exciting series is designed to offer unparalleled insights into Israel’s complexity, culture, politics, and more, through the perspectives of highly acclaimed experts. Unpacking Israel is more than just an educational opportunity; it is a call to action to be an informed and engaged member of Jewish Charlotte.

The first session of the series, held on Sept. 19, 2024, featured Haviv Rettig Gur, a prominent Israeli journalist, and senior analyst for The Times of Israel. Rettig Gur discussed the nuanced dynamics of Israeli life, the challenges of navigating a diverse and often divided society, and the global narratives that impact the perception of Israel. After a standing ovation from the crowd, attendees left with a greater understanding of the complexities facing Israel today and with the educational tools to engage with these issues in a thoughtful and informed way.

The series continues in 2025 with three exciting events, each featuring renowned speakers who will further enrich our community’s perspective on Israel.

March 3 — As part of his stay as this year’s Artist-in-Residence, Erez Kaganovitz will lead a masterclass that explores Israeli art, culture, and storytelling. Founder of the acclaimed Humans of Tel Aviv and Humans of October 7th projects, Erez captures personal narratives that deepen our understanding of Israeli society. His photography, which will be on display at Shalom Park before and after the event, will give our community a chance to engage with the compelling stories of the heroes of October 7 and reflect on their impact.

June 19 — Nadav Eyal, Israeli journalist and commentator, will provide our community with a deeper understanding of Israel’s evolving role on the global stage. Drawing on his expertise in geopolitics, he will unpack the challenges and opportunities Israel faces in an increasingly complex world. His presentation will offer valuable insights into international trends and current events, giving attendees a more informed perspective on Israel’s place in global affairs.

Sept. 11 — Einat Wilf, a former Israeli politician, will lead a thought-provoking discussion on the ideological foundations of Israel, the balance between democracy and security, and the challenges of maintaining a resilient society. Her insights into Zionism and the Israel-Palestine conflict will encourage meaningful dialogue about the future of Israel and the role our community can play in supporting its continued strength and vitality.

The Unpacking Israel Masterclass Series is more than just speaker events. It is a commitment to providing our community with knowledge and encouraging critical thinking skills needed to navigate complex narratives, counter misinformation, and respond effectively to the rising tide of antisemitism. By engaging with expert speakers and fostering meaningful dialogue, we strengthen our community’s connection to Israel and to one another, ensuring that we are united in our efforts to support and advocate for the Jewish state.

Gidon Lev, featured in Erez Kaganovitz’s exhibit, “Humans of October 7th”