Houston Hillel engages ‘a one-of-a-kind voice’ on Jewish inclusiveness
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Houston Hillel hosted Ashager Ararao for two events on Tuesday, Oct. 19. Ararao was born in Ethiopia as her parents fled during Operation Soloman. Ararao was a lieutenant paratrooper in the IDF and now runs her own museum and speaks about her experience as a Black Jewish Israeli.
Lior Ashkenazy Dor, Houston Hillel’s Israel fellow, brought Ararao to Houston Hillel with help from Hillel International, the Israel on Campus Coalition and the Maccabee Task Force. Ararao spoke with Rice students during a lunch on campus, and in the evening she spoke to University of Houston students and Jewston participants during a dinner at Houston Hillel.
Ashkenazy Dor spoke about Ararao’s visit, “I feel extremely lucky that we had the chance to host Ashager for a conversation with our UH and Rice students, and Jewston participants,” said Dor. “I think that Ashager, being an Israeli Black woman, expresses a one-of-a-kind voice that, unfortunately, is not being heard enough. Ashager reminded us of the immense importance of recognizing the unique story, culture and history that each Jewish community has to offer.
“In addition, Ashager inspired us to be proud of our Jewish identity and advocate for ourselves, even at times when it is not easy. I was thrilled to see the tremendous impact the conversation with Ashager had on our students and Jewston members, and I am sure her words will resonate with us for a long time.”
Lily Primus, a sophomore at Rice University and Rice Hillel student board member, took part in the program. “It meant so much to me to meet Ashager in person. I think she has one of the most unique perspectives on current events today, and I felt so lucky to have gotten the chance to discuss some of those with her during lunch on campus.”
Zara Tickner, a Jewston participant, also was impressed with the event. “I appreciated Ashager’s light-heartedness as she spoke about her experience with the intersection of being Black and Jewish. What struck me most was her reminder to learn about those who are not in the room.
“It’s very easy to see Judaism through an Ashkenazi lens, but the Jewish people are so much more. It is our job to learn about the histories of all of our people, honor traditions and welcome each other.
“I first discovered @BlackJewishMagic on Instagram during the height of the Israel-Palestine conflict earlier this year,” continued Tickner. “Ashager’s perspective was so valuable. Hearing a voice living in Israel, and amidst so much turmoil, her positivity radiated. Her emotions and positivity are genuine, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to hear Ashager speak in person.”
Ararao’s visit is one of many Israel education and advocacy programs happening at Houston Hillel this year, including Houston Hillel’s trip to Israel and the Palestinian Authority for non-Jewish student leaders at Rice University and the University of Houston.
Lior Ashkenazy Dor, Houston Hillel’s Israel fellow, brought Ararao to Houston Hillel with help from Hillel International, the Israel on Campus Coalition and the Maccabee Task Force. Ararao spoke with Rice students during a lunch on campus, and in the evening she spoke to University of Houston students and Jewston participants during a dinner at Houston Hillel.
Ashkenazy Dor spoke about Ararao’s visit, “I feel extremely lucky that we had the chance to host Ashager for a conversation with our UH and Rice students, and Jewston participants,” said Dor. “I think that Ashager, being an Israeli Black woman, expresses a one-of-a-kind voice that, unfortunately, is not being heard enough. Ashager reminded us of the immense importance of recognizing the unique story, culture and history that each Jewish community has to offer.
“In addition, Ashager inspired us to be proud of our Jewish identity and advocate for ourselves, even at times when it is not easy. I was thrilled to see the tremendous impact the conversation with Ashager had on our students and Jewston members, and I am sure her words will resonate with us for a long time.”
Lily Primus, a sophomore at Rice University and Rice Hillel student board member, took part in the program. “It meant so much to me to meet Ashager in person. I think she has one of the most unique perspectives on current events today, and I felt so lucky to have gotten the chance to discuss some of those with her during lunch on campus.”
Zara Tickner, a Jewston participant, also was impressed with the event. “I appreciated Ashager’s light-heartedness as she spoke about her experience with the intersection of being Black and Jewish. What struck me most was her reminder to learn about those who are not in the room.
“It’s very easy to see Judaism through an Ashkenazi lens, but the Jewish people are so much more. It is our job to learn about the histories of all of our people, honor traditions and welcome each other.
“I first discovered @BlackJewishMagic on Instagram during the height of the Israel-Palestine conflict earlier this year,” continued Tickner. “Ashager’s perspective was so valuable. Hearing a voice living in Israel, and amidst so much turmoil, her positivity radiated. Her emotions and positivity are genuine, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to hear Ashager speak in person.”
Ararao’s visit is one of many Israel education and advocacy programs happening at Houston Hillel this year, including Houston Hillel’s trip to Israel and the Palestinian Authority for non-Jewish student leaders at Rice University and the University of Houston.