The Queen of Jewish Activism. @melissaschapman

Lynn & Tony Know

What if your blog could transform from a simple lifestyle platform into a powerful tool for activism? Join us as we sit down with Melissa Chapman, the remarkable voice behind the Staten Island Family blog. In this episode, Melissa opens up about her incredible journey from being a newspaper columnist to becoming an influential lifestyle blogger and an unexpected advocate for Israel. Her story takes us through the evolution of her blog, her initial plans to sell it, and how a significant event on October 7th redirected her focus towards advocacy against Jew hatred.
Melissa's profound commitment to her Jewish identity and activism is a central theme as she reflects on her Orthodox upbringing and a pivotal Zionism class that shaped her worldview. She candidly shares her struggles, from being deactivated on social media to the financial sacrifices she has made to amplify the voices of survivors and victims. Our conversation dives into the broader implications of the general public's lack of awareness and support for Israel, and the sense of betrayal felt by Jewish individuals who have supported other marginalized communities only to face silence in return.
In our heartfelt discussion, we emphasize the importance of unity within the Jewish community and the role of creators who inspire Jewish activism. We touch on the emotional and social toll of standing up for Israel, the challenges posed by legacy Jewish organizations, and the significance of supporting and uplifting the younger generation. Ending on a hopeful note, we express our deep gratitude to Melissa for her incredible contributions and look forward to future discussions that continue to shine a light on these crucial issues.

Your hosts: @lynnhazan_ and @tonydoesknow
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1. The Queen of Jewish Activism. @melissaschapman (00:00:00)

2. Wellness Coaches Welcome Lifestyle Blogger (00:00:01)

3. Jewish Identity and Activism (00:08:17)

4. Community Response to Anti-Jewish Sentiment (00:24:09)

5. Awakening to Jewish Identity and Unity (00:32:17)

6. Unity in Jewish Community (00:38:15)

7. Navigating Personal and Online Activism (00:43:27)

8. Legacy Jewish Organizations Playing Catch-Up (00:48:09)

9. Creators Influencing Jewish Activism (00:55:01)

10. Hope for Ceasefire and Hostage Release (01:08:48)