What does it mean to be a Zionist in 2025? Can diaspora Jews shape Israel's future from afar? Tami and Dash caught up with Romy Zyngier, research scientist, community builder, and head of one of the slates contesting Australian elections at this year's World Zionist Congress.

Learn more: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/once-in-a-generation-chance-to-shape-global-jewish-life

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In the aftermath of October 7, Zionism and 'Zionists' have been attacked on university campuses and within progressive circles around the world – sometimes with violent consequences. In this episode, Tami and Dash speak with Adam Kirsch, whose essay in The Jewish Quarterly argues that the Jewish people do not need to defend the term – they need to reclaim it.

Adam Kirsch is an American poet and literary critic. He is on the seminar faculty of Columbia University's Center for American Studies, and has taught at YIVO.

Adam's essay: The Z Word: Reclaiming Zionism

https://jewishquarterly.com/essay/2025/05/the-z-word

Articles discussed in this episode:

https://thejewishindependent.com.au/the-z-word-reclaiming-zionism

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Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe

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In this episode of Ashamed to Admit (recorded prior to war breaking out between Israel and Iran) Tami and Dash unpack Lee Kofman’s essay about the phenomenon of Jews being perceived as white; the complexity, nuance and discomfort. Inspired by Tom Ben David’s piece for TJI, Dash reflects on the emotional gymnastics of holding two truths at once, while Tami recounts her surreal stay at Australia’s only kosher hotel. From Judea to St Kilda East, this conversation is full of tension, honesty and some much-needed laughter.

Articles mentioned in today’s episode:

https://thejewishindependent.com.au/this-and-this-holding-contradictory-truths

https://thejewishindependent.com.au/am-i-white-im-not-sure

Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe

X: TJI_au
YouTube: thejewishindependentAU
Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU
Instagram: thejewishindependent
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Subscribe to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au

Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe

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YouTube: thejewishindependentAU

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