In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman is joined by Rebecca Guzman and Shanie Reichman, contributing authors to the book Young Zionist Voices, for a candid conversation about how the younger generations experiences Israel, Zionism, and Jewish identity. What does it take to build understanding between generations, and how can we stay in relationship even when we don’t see eye to eye? Don’t miss this thoughtful episode that speaks directly to the challenges and possibilities of being young, Jewish, and politically engaged today.

Want to hear more from Gen Z voices like Rebecca and Shanie? Get your copy of Young Zionist Voices now at z3project.org/books.About Our GuestsRebecca Guzman is a Straus Scholar and Tablet Fellow at Stern College for Women, where she is currently studying creative writing. Her work has appeared in Jewish Journal and The Jewish Press, and she has received recognition from the National Council of Teachers of English and The New York Times. She lives in New York City.Shanie Reichman is the director of strategic initiatives and director of IPF Atid at Israel Policy Forum, based in New York City, where she works to elevate the discourse around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She serves as the founding chair for the Forum Dvorah U.S. committee, an NGO that champions women’s participation in national security and foreign policy decision-making spheres in Israel. She is a Wexner Field Fellow, a Schusterman ROIer, and serves on the boards of Queens College Hillel and the Center for Ethnic, Racial and Religious Understanding. Her work has been published in the Forward, the Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Hey Alma, Jewish Unpacked, and International Policy Digest. She is a participating author in the book “Young Zionist Voices” and is pursuing her MA in Middle Eastern Studies at CUNY Graduate Center.Chapters(00:00 )Introduction(04:15 ) Defining Zionism: Personal Perspectives(08:47 ) Zionism and Judaism: Intersections and Distinctions(13:50 ) Generational Perspectives on Zionism(22:55 ) The Future of Israel Education(30:35 ) Understanding Emotional Connections to Israel(32:51 ) The Complexity of Zionism and Education(35:13 ) Navigating Criticism and Support for Israel(37:00 ) The Disconnect Between Heritage and Current Events(38:31 ) The Reality of Israel vs. Idealism(40:52 ) Shared Values and Diverging Perspectives(43:21 ) Empathy and Understanding in the Jewish Community(45:26 ) Defining Boundaries in Conversations about Zionism(48:41 ) Strategic Engagement with Young American Jews(52:14 ) The Impact of Perceptions on Zionism(55:45 ) The Need for Open Conversations(01:00:26 ) Hope for the Future of Jewish Identity