It was an absolute honor to speak with Maria Friedman, the Executive Director of RICI (Rhode Island Coalition for Israel). Together, we explored our Zionism journeys, both being Russian Judeans and how that shaped our initial connection/disconnect to our actual identity. Despite obstacles, we both leaned into Zionism, in different ways.

Maria and the organization she leads, RICI, embodies what activism ought to be – meeting Jew-hatred straight on and countering effectively without a victimhood mentality. Judeans are not victims; an indigenous to Israel race which not only survived but thrived for the past 4,000+ years are not victims. Yes, atrocities were targeted towards Judeans, but that is not the entire history of the Judean people.

If every Israel-related organization which claims it fights Jew-hatred copies and pastes RICI’s actions, it would be a far better outcome for the Judean population in America.

Join us as we delve deep into our conversation on Zionism, both from a macro and micro level.

For more information about RICI: https://www.ricoalitionforisrael.org/