'It feels pretty hopeless': Jewish artists open up about working in a dominantly anti-Zionist industry

Culturally Jewish

It's no secret that the arts industry—theatre, film, music, visual arts, dance; pick your favourite—is mostly filled with left-leaning individuals. Unfortunately for Jewish artists, that means the arts community is also largely anti-Zionist (or pro-Palestinian), and given how big a role networking and affiliations play in booking gigs and landing shows, publicly voicing opposing political views can risk their friendships and careers.

It's a tightrope upon which many Jewish artists have to balance every day. But in times like these, with Hamas and Israel engaged in a bitter war that's resulted in thousands of innocent lives killed between both sides, that balancing act becomes even trickier.

Today, three artists from across the country join Ilana and David to pull back the curtain on what life has been like these past two weeks, how they're navigating relationships suddenly tainted with politics, and how social media is making everything so much worse. You'll hear from Jordan Nahmias, a coach, consultant and artist in Toronto; Tracey Erin Smith, a theatre creator in Calgary; and Sam Mogelonsky, a visual artist and the director of arts, culture and heritage at the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.

Credits

Culturally Jewish is hosted by Ilana Zackon and David Sklar. Our producer is Michael Fraiman, and our theme music is by Sarah Segal-Lazar. We’re a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.