Claudia Mendoza shares the story of growing up in northwest London with a Jewish identity shaped by both Ashkenazi and Adeni (Mizrahi/Sephardi) roots. From Shabbat tables filled with tamarind, fenugreek, and Arabic-inflected Hebrew, to vivid family memories of escape from Aden, Claudia reflects on what it means to carry multiple Jewish histories at once.

Our Guest

Claudia Mendoza is Chief Executive of the Jewish Leadership Council, and has worked for various think tanks as a Research Analyst, focusing on the Middle East with a special interest in Iran and the transitioning Arab states. She has a BSc in Biochemistry from University College London and an MA in Middle East Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. She is an alumna of the Adam Science Foundation Leadership Programme.

Key Topics

• Heritage & Memory: Growing up between Ashkenazi and Adeni influences
• Food & Identity: Tamarind, fenugreek, and overnight breads as cultural markers
• Family Histories: Stories of escape from Aden and the importance of oral histories
• Representation: Why Mizrahi and Sephardi voices matter in education and leadership

Your Guide

Short definitions and terms referenced in this episode:

• Adeni Jews: A Jewish community from Aden (formerly a British colony, now part of Yemen), distinct from Yemeni Jews
• Talbis: A henna and candle tradition from across Yemenite Jewry - also used at weddings.
• Hilbeh / H’oba: A fenugreek-based condiment popular in Adeni Jewish cuisine

Want to learn more?

Explore past episodes that also reflect on identity, race, and Jewish belonging:

S2E5 – Unity Through Diversity with Dr Isaac Amon

S2E4 – Everything Needs to Change with Daniel Jonas

References & Resources

• Sephardi Voices UK – Oral history project chronicling Mizrahi and Sephardi Jewish experiences
• The Jewish Leadership Council - organisation representing the UK Jewish community
• Board of Deputies Report on Racial Inclusivity in the Jewish Community (2021)

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Show credits

Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel

Post-production: Communicating for Impact

Artwork: Emily Theodore

Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov

Sound effects: Serge Quadrado

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