Good People Talk

Guest: Gavi Welbel, Co-Founder of Zumwalt Acres About Zumwalt Acres: Zumwalt Acres is an ecological farm in Sheldon, Illinois, founded by twin sisters Gavi and Remi Welbel in 2020. As sixth-generation stewards of their family’s land, they’ve transformed a conventional farm into a regenerative agriculture hub rooted in Jewish values and climate-forward practices. The farm grows food regeneratively for farmers’ markets and local food pantries, hosts an annual apprenticeship program for young people aged 18-27, and conducts climate research on carbon sequestration methods. They also cultivate specialty mushrooms, bridge conventional and regenerative farming communities in rural Illinois, and honor Jewish agricultural traditions. Learn More: Visit Zumwalt Acres online to learn about their work, apprenticeship opportunities, and research initiatives. Zumwalt Acres is supported by the Good People Fund, which invests in innovative grassroots organizations making a difference in their communities.

Evie Litwok walked out of federal prison in 2014 with $30 and a Greyhound ticket. The daughter of Holocaust survivors, Evie founded Witness to Mass Incarceration to help formerly incarcerated people rebuild their lives with dignity and support. Her work is deeply informed by her family’s experience of survival and her commitment to bearing witness to injustice. Witness to Mass Incarceration provides practical reentry support like laptops and phones for newly released individuals, offers vocational training, documents the stories of incarcerated people, connects formerly incarcerated business owners to build economic empowerment, and advocates to change conditions inside prisons, particularly around sexual violence and abuse. The Good People Fund gave Evie her very first grant, making this transformative work possible. Witness to Mass Incarceration is supported by the Good People Fund, which invests in innovative grassroots organizations making a difference in their communities.

In this final episode of our Building Bridges series on Good People Talk, Naomi Eisenberger, The Good People Fund’s Founder and Executive Director, speaks with Jon Adam Ross, founder of Inheritance Theater Project, a Good People Fund grantee that uses performance art to build bridges between community members in cities across the country. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Jon’s family considered civic engagement and belief in a civil society to be of paramount importance in one’s life. Going on to study at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Jon was exposed to a wide range of performance art, eventually building his life’s work which combines those talents with his early lessons in creating and maintaining a civil society. Today, Inheritance Theater Project has created programs in more than 20 states, as well as for prestigious programs at Harvard Divinity School, the Obama Foundation and other entities. Jon shares stories of hope that have sprung up in the cities where ITP has appeared and believes that we, as a country, can go beyond the current unrest shaking the core beliefs of our shared society. The Good People Fund relies on the generosity of supporters like you to continue this work. Visit goodpeoplefund.org/donate to make a gift today.

In this episode of Good People Talk, Julie Fisher, associate executive director of The Good People Fund, speaks with Matt Fieldman and Charmaine Rice, co-founders of Rekindle, a Good People Fund grantee bringing Black and Jewish leaders together for dialogue, friendship, and shared action. Matt and Charmaine share what inspired them to create Rekindle and how they’ve built brave spaces for difficult conversations about race, identity, and history. They trace Rekindle’s remarkable growth from a single Cleveland cohort to a national movement spanning 20 cities, exploring what it means to rekindle the historic Black-Jewish alliance forged during the Civil Rights Movement. The conversation delves into how Rekindle fellows are bringing this work back to their own communities, how Matt and Charmaine navigate polarization and division with hope and courage, and ultimately, what gives them hope for the future. The Good People Fund relies on the generosity of supporters like you to continue this work. Visit goodpeoplefund.org/donate to make a gift today.

In this moving episode of Good People Talk, Julie Fisher, associate executive director of The Good People Fund sits down with Mo Al Samawi, Founder of Abrahamic House and author of The Fox Hunt, to explore a life shaped by hardship, faith, and extraordinary moral courage. Born and raised in Yemen, Mo grew up navigating disability, social isolation, and the deep impacts of conflict. His worldview began to shift through unlikely encounters — books, social media, and relationships with people from different faiths — ultimately transforming hatred into compassion. That personal transformation became the foundation for Abrahamic House, a groundbreaking interfaith fellowship where young adults of different religions live together, build friendships, and create community through shared experiences and courageous dialogue. Explore The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org Read The Good People Fund’s “2025 Journal of Good” for more stories of inspiration and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/journal-of-good/

Rabbi Elhanan Miller is the Israel-based Founder of People of the Book, a Good People Fund grantee harnessing the power of original video and social media to advance coexistence between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East … and beyond. With hundreds of thousands of followers, and a reach into unlikely spaces, he is using creativity and vision to build new narratives and understandings … and change realities. He speaks with Good People Fund Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger. This episode is the first of Good People Talk’s “Bridge Building” series, focusing on Good People Fund grantees creating and elevating dialogue, common purpose and hope. Explore The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org Read The Good People Fund’s “2025 Journal of Good” for more stories of inspiration and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/journal-of-good/

Everyday Boston is a Good People Fund grantee that is weaving shared storytelling into the civic fabric of Boston. The intention is to elevate empathy, dismantle barriers, forge connections and build stronger community within and among neighborhoods in a multicultural city with its own history of fracture. “Stories can link us when almost nothing else can,” says Cara Solomon, Everyday Boston’s Founder and Creative Director. “Stories are our connective tissue.” — “Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk!, where audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees alive. — Read The Good People Fund 2025 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ — Thank you to our narrator, Jordan Rich of Chart Productions.

Almog was 20 when he embraced his gender identity, nearly 13 years ago. Public consciousness of transgender issues — and support for individuals and families — was far from present. For Merav Livni Keish — Almog’s mother — silence was no option. She began talking to people, uncovering others’ experiences. She dug deep into the medical world, accumulating facts and realities. Eventually, she founded Brit Ha’Leviot, a Good People Fund grantee promoting the rights and wellbeing of transgender individuals and their families … and educating Israeli society about gender diversity. — “Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk!, where audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees alive. — Read The Good People Fund 2025 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ — Thank you to our narrator: Stephanie Garry

It was five years ago that three mothers of college-bound students founded TribeTalk, a Good People Fund grantee. Their mission … to empower Jewish students with tools, information and resources to evaluate college environments … and also to address antisemitism and anti-Israel bias on campus and beyond. “We are providing a shield for Jewish students to move through their spaces,” says Jude Sydney, one of the founders, along with Michelle Black and Robin Friedman. “They will be street smart, informed, tactical and practical.” — “Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk!, where audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees alive. — Read The Good People Fund 2025 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ — Thank you to our narrator, Jordan Rich of Chart Productions, and our voice artist Ari Sapers-Sydney

MyChild’sCancer — founded by Oded Grinstein in 2010 and a Good People Fund grantee — is a result of his family’s arduous and ultimately successful journey through pediatric cancer. It is a growing, grassroots ecosystem of emotional, logistical and informed support for parents navigating pediatric cancer. It empowers and equips them as advocates for their child’s care, survival and recovery. Oded refers to MyChild’sCancer as a basement start-up, connecting disparate dots for parents when questions come faster than answers. “These are game changers,” he says. — “Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk!, where audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees alive. — Read The Good People Fund 2025 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ — Thank you to our narrator: Stephanie Garry

He was 16 and on a well-worn path of societal isolation, educational stagnation, and other barriers to promise. One of 14 children in an Arab-Bedouin family in Israel’s Negev region, Ahamad was immersed in a cycle of inertia common to his generation. A New Dawn in the Negev — a Good People Fund grantee — is embracing possibility and elevation … not constriction and stagnation. “The invisible students, the invisible youth, they have to know someone is looking at them … I have the responsibility to the next generation to bring them the light of tomorrow,” says Founder and CEO Jamal Alkirnawi, an Arab-Bedouin social worker. — “Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk!, where audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees alive. — Read The Good People Fund 2025 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ — Thank you to our narrator: Jordan Rich of Chart Productions

The graffiti was vile, sprayed on buildings in Tur’an, a mainly Arabic village in Israel’s Galilee region. Soon after, a delegation from Tag Meir went to meet council members and residents as an act of solidarity and compassion. Gadi Gvaryahu, founder of Tag Meir, was there. “It starts with graffiti … if it is ignored, it ends with much worse … and it has.” As a Good People Fund grantee — Tag Meir trains educators, engages in public campaigns, advocates in policy-making spheres, and sometimes offers legal and financial help to victims of racist acts. — “Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk!, where audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees alive. — Read The Good People Fund 2025 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ — Thank you to our narrator, Stephanie Garry, and voice artist Glenn Rosenkrantz

Dr. Rutie Pilz-Burstein is the Founder and CEO of Sport – Bridge to Education, a nonprofit organization using sports to empower Israeli children and young adults in risk situations … enabling them to break cycles of failure and take alternate paths toward responsibility and success. She describes how a vision became a reality and the lives being uplifted and changed. Rutie speaks with GPF Co-Founder and Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org Read The Good People Fund Journal of Good for stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/

Dr. Mark Fenig — Founder and Executive Director of Medical Justice Alliance, a Good People Fund grantee — describes alarming inequities and injustices in medical care afforded incarcerated individuals in the US … and how he was moved by ethics and conscience to change that reality, advocating for compassionate or medical care releases on a case by case basis. He speaks with GPF Associate Executive Director Julie Fisher. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/

Refugees, asylees and immigrants — and grassroots organizations providing them with critical services and community — are challenged as never before as xenophobia and official policies create an increasingly oppressive environment. Shoshana Barzel of New Neighbors Partnership, Kristen Bloom of Refugee Assistance Alliance, and Kari Miller of International Neighbors lead Good People Fund-supported organizations navigating this evolving reality. The three social visionaries speak with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger about what they are seeing, how they are pivoting … and why we all must pay attention. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/

As a Latina woman, Yurani Sandoval knows well the cultural, familial and personal challenges to work-life balance and achievement. She founded Women Palante — a Good People Fund grantee — to empower other Latinas to find their voices and entrepreneurial success by building skills, networking, and importantly … practicing self-care, awareness and purpose. Good People Fund Associate Executive Director Julie Fisher speaks to Yurani about her trajectory as a Latina in the United States, the vision she established for Women Palante, and its significant, growing impact elevating Latina women leaders. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/

At Kaima Hukuk — a non-profit organic farm in Israel’s Galilee region — teens and young adults seeking alternative educational and social frameworks are finding connection, purpose and promise. Founder Asaf Zaiden speaks to Good People Fund Associate Executive Director Julie Fisher about the vision and impact of Kaima Hukuk and how lives are being changed there. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/

Considering societal trends and schisms threatening the robust functioning of American democracy, Civic Spirit — a Good People Fund grantee — works with educators and students in faith-based schools across the country to bolster civic fluency, skills and engagement. Civic Spirit’s Executive Director, Rabbi Charles Savenor, speaks with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger about the organization’s origins, and its growing and critical impact. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/

Jamal Alkirnawi is a leader in the Bedouin community in Israel and the Founder and Executive Director of A New Dawn in the Negev, a Good People Fund grantee. The organization uplifts Bedouin youth facing socio-economic challenges in the region, and with a Bedouin-Jewish core, promotes equality, co-existence and peace. “I have the responsibility for the young people … to bring them the light for tomorrow,” Jamal tells GPF Associate Director Julie Fisher in this episode revealing how vision and passion leads to impact. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/

Shoshana Barzel founded New Neighbors Partnership in 2020, establishing clothing partnerships for newly resettled families in New York City. The clothing partnerships are the foundation of long-term community support networks, an invaluable anchor for refugee, asylee and asylum-seeking families. Shoshana speaks with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/

Esty Shushan is a Haredi woman who founded Nivcharot — a Good People Fund grantee — to promote the status and rights of ultra-Orthodox women in Israel through education, advocacy and cultivation of women leaders. In conversation with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger, Esty describes her personal journey finding her voice as a social visionary, and the remarkable and growing impact of the organization she leads. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/

Individual and collective trauma affects our potential to do good in the world as social visionaries, especially now in a broken landscape. So, how we seek awareness, perspective and healing is critical. Rabbi Igal Harmelin — who is active in the trauma field and spoke at The Good People Fund (un)conference last fall — talks with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger about the imperative to address our individual and collective trauma, and the primacy of self-healing and community in the process. — For more information on the (un)conference and The Good People Fund, visit goodpeoplefund.org — Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ — For more information about Rabbi Igal Harmelin, visit www.igalharmelin.com

The first-ever Good People Fund (un)conference brought nearly 70 GPF grantees from throughout the US and Israel to New York in November — for two intensely rewarding days sharing experiences, origin stories, professional development and more … and shattering the isolation inherent in visionary leadership. In this post-(un)conference episode of Good People Talk, GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger spoke with two GPF grantees who were there — Erin Stieglitz of Bagel Rescue in Atlanta and Dr. Rutie Pilz-Burstein of Sport – Bridge to Education in Israel — discussing their takeaways and the value of this gathering of Good People. — For more information on the (un)conference and The Good People Fund, visit goodpeoplefund.org — Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/

Merav filled her tote bag with fresh fruits and vegetables, a typical scene at a farmer’s market anywhere. But this one in West Jerusalem is different: food is rescued, prices are non-existent, and individuals and families facing food insecurity — like Merav’s — are welcomed and respected. The whole environment, created by JLM Food Rescuers — a Good People Fund grantee — is a seed planted to grow personal and collective power and change lives and communities. — “Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk, where the art of audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees into bold relief and movement. — Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ — Thank you to our narration team: Jordan Rich of Chart Productions, Itay Peled, Daniella Seltzer, Shoshi Margolin

Often their life experience includes being ostracized from family … being homeless … being a sex worker … being abused … being shunned. So at Trans House in Tel Aviv, trans women are embraced for who they are without judgment or whispers. Linor Abergel is CEO of the Israeli Transgender Association — a Good People Fund grantee advocating for rights and services for the trans community. “Here we are your family … we will support and be here for you as long as you want or need us. I didn’t have this, and I wish I did.” — “Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk, where the art of audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees into bold relief and movement. — Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ — Thank you to our narration team: Jamie Allen Black, Linor Abergel, Shoshi Margolin

Beth Weinstock walked into that classroom carrying grief … but also a driving purpose. In 2021, her college-aged son Eli accidentally ingested fentanyl and died. Yet six months later, Beth and her daughter, Olivia, co-founded BirdieLight — a Good People Fund grantee — to honor Eli by spreading awareness about fentanyl in drugs to students, parents and educators. — “Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk, where the art of audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees into bold relief and movement. — Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ — Thank you to our narration team: Jamie Allen Black, Naomi Eisenberger, Julie Fisher, Shira Shapiro

At an oasis of calm and healing called Ruca’s Farm — a Good People Fund grantee — IDF veterans like Gideon are finding relief from trauma and a path toward light. Here, social visionary Nir Lahav, who grew up on a kibbutz in northern Israel, is combining his own love for the land with a deep commitment to the welfare of Israel’s veterans, giving them space for needed healing and growth. >”Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk, where the art of audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees into bold relief and movement. >Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ >Thank you to our narration team: Jordan Rich of Chart Productions, Nir Lahav, and Gideon Boaz

Samara, incarcerated and suffering from advanced lymphoma, received a compassionate release from prison, a move that arguably saved her life due to the intervention of Medical Justice Alliance — a Good People Fund grantee. MJA mobilizes volunteer clinicians as expert medical witnesses for advocates seeking care or outright release for clients facing often life-threatening illnesses, says Dr. Mark Fenig, MJA Founder and Executive Director. >”Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk, where the art of audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees into bold relief and movement. >Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ >Thank you to our narration team: Jordan Rich of Chart Productions, Naomi Eisenberger, and Glenn Rosenkrantz

Jereme is a Black pastor and salvage company manager. Aaron is a white, Orthodox Jewish human resources executive. A friendship seems unlikely … but a tight one formed from their participation in Rekindle — a Good People Fund grantee joining members of the Black and Jewish communities to rebuild their historic relationship and accelerate positive change. Their connection through Rekindle evolved into a collaboration establishing a satellite GED program in Jereme’s church. “Zero chance they’d have ever met if not for Rekindle,” says Matt Fieldman, Rekindle Co-Founder. >”Stories of Hope” is a special series of Good People Talk, where the art of audio storytelling brings the impact of our Good People Fund grantees into bold relief and movement. >Read The Good People Fund 2024 Journal of Good for more stories of inspiration, hope and impact: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/ >Thank you to our narration team: Jordan Rich of Chart Productions, Matt Fieldman, and Glenn Rosenkrantz

Besides heading The Israel Lemonade Fund — a Good People Fund grantee — Shari Mendes serves on an Israel Defense Forces reserve unit dedicated to caring for the bodies of female IDF soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. In this episode — presented as we mark one year since October 7 — Shari describes her experiences and observations on and after that day … the imperative to honor and dignify those we lost … and the place of testimony and remembrance as legacy. She speaks with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger. Content Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of atrocities, including sexual violence, committed on October 7. Listener discretion is advised. Share to your social media and subscribe to Good People Talk! The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

Shari Mendes is a breast cancer survivor — who during her journey of treatment and recovery, met patients facing severe financial struggle exacerbated by loss of work and other factors. Responding, she founded Israel Lemonade Fund — a Good People Fund grantee — to help breast cancer patients in financial crisis, offering one-time grants covering basic living costs and alleviating distress. Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, she speaks with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger. Share to your social media and subscribe to Good People Talk! The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/# Breast Cancer Awareness Month: www.komen.org/about-komen/our-impact/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-month

Good People Fund (un)conference keynote speaker Ruth Messinger is a prominent social change advocate, and former President and current Global Ambassador of the American Jewish World Service. In this special pre-(un)conference episode, Ruth speaks about the Jewish and moral imperative to repair the world … the challenges facing visionary leaders … and what she’s planning to impart in her keynote address at the (un)conference in November in New York City. Share to your social media and subscribe to Good People Talk! The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org More about Ruth Messinger: https://ajws.org/stories/ruth-messingers-story The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

Tag Meir (“Light Tag”) — a Good People Fund grantee — was founded in 2011 by Gadi Gvaryahu to counter racism in Israel, and has grown to lead a coalition of more than 50 organizations across political, religious and cultural spheres to mobilize voices for coexistence, support victims of hate crimes, and more. Since October 7, the work of Tag Meir is especially crucial as tensions rise in the country and region. “We don’t have the privilege to give up,” says Gadi, in this timely conversation with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger. Share to your social media and elsewhere to raise awareness of the critical work of Tag Meir and how GPF support makes it possible. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

Come November, at The Good People Fund’s (un)conference in New York, singer-songwriter John Beltzer will bring us into his unique zone of good … leading attendees as we give our voices to a song personalized for a child facing a serious medical challenge. Since 1996, John’s Songs of Love Foundation has touched the lives of tens of thousands of children and teens in this way. By crafting free, original and customized songs for them — written and recorded by a network of talented singer–songwriters — the Foundation is providing solace, relief and escape, and expanding a community of care and compassion. In this episode of Good People Talk, John speaks with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger about the vision, the growth, and the impact … and what he has planned when he presents at GPF’s (un)conference this fall. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

With antisemitism rising exponentially and perniciously on cyber platforms, Fighting Online Antisemitism — a Good People Fund grantee based in Israel — uses its corps of 3,000 trained volunteers around the world and AI to monitor online spaces, report antisemitic content, and move to eliminate it. In this very timely episode of Good People Talk, Fighting Online Antisemitism Founder and Executive Director Tomer Aldubi describes the challenge and how FOA is making a measurable difference. Share to your social media and elsewhere to raise awareness of the critical work of FOA and how GPF support makes it possible. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

Since Oct 7, colleges are flashpoints of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. TribeTalk, a Good People Fund grantee, is equipping Jewish college students with knowledge, resources and confidence to navigate through this challenging reality … and giving college-bound students information on what to expect when they arrive on campus. Jude Sydney and Robin Friedman are co-founders of TribeTalk. In this episode they speak with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger about how TribeTalk is meeting the moment with urgency and impact. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: Journal of Good (Annual Reports)

In our severely challenged world — as we look to define and grasp hope — Rabbi Debra Orenstein sat with Good People Fund Director of Engagement Julie Fisher to talk about her own journey to hope … the value of hope to our mental and physical well beings … practical tips for all of us to embrace and elevate hope … and much more. Rabbi Debra is spiritual leader at Congregation B’nai Israel in Emerson, NJ, and a nationally known Jewish educator and commentator on the theory and practice of hope, and the Jewish wisdom surrounding it. She recently taught a six-part online workshop, “Real Hope” — the inaugural series in GPF’s Good People Learn program. “Real Hope” Session 5 — “Meeting Hope Heroes” https://youtu.be/K-KLU1CPNbk More about Rabbi Debra Orenstein www.rabbidebra.com/bio The Good People Fund www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/# Good People Learn: Real Hope www.goodpeoplefund.org/good-people-learn/

Amy Ever, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, is the Founder and CEO of A Courageous Voice — educating and equipping children, parents, teachers and community leaders with the knowledge and tools to end the scourge of child abuse, neglect and exploitation rooted in both on- and offline spaces. Amy talks about her journey from trauma to impact with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

Three of our visionary grantees in Israel vividly describe how they’re meeting new challenges since the terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, and staying true to their passions and missions elevating good and hope — and uplifting the communities they serve with renewed resolve. While in Israel in March, GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger and GPF Director of Engagement Julie Fisher sat with Avraham Hayon of S.A.H.I., Yael Noy of Road to Recovery, and Shlomit Somech-Lehmann of Al-Baqour for a live Zoom event (link below), here presented in audio-only podcast format. Live from Israel Zoom Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzf1zqx7FEI The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

We’re at our 50th episode of Good People Talk! Marking this milestone moment, we’ve handed the microphone over to special guest host — Jodi Rudoren, Editor-in-Chief of the Forward and former Jerusalem Bureau Chief of The New York Times — as she discovers The Good People Fund’s secret sauce for building and sustaining a community of Good People creating positive change in a challenged and conflicted world. Jodi sits with GPF Co-Founder and Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger, and GPF Director of Engagement Julie Fisher. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/# More About Guest Host Jodi Rudoren: https://forward.com/authors/jodi-rudoren/

Blyth Taylor Lord founded Courageous Parents Network in 2014 — some years after her daughter, Cameron, and her nephew, Hayden, both died from infantile Tay-Sachs. Blyth turned her grief into purpose. CPN — a GPF alum grantee — uses education, advocacy and community to equip and empower parents of children with serious medical conditions. She speaks with GPF Exec. Director Naomi Eisenberger. This is Good People Talk, where Good People Fund grantees describe how their vision, passion and mission are making impact in communities in the US, Israel and elsewhere around the world. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

For youth across the spectrum of developmental, physical and learning abilities, the war presents unique challenges. Beth Steinberg and Miriam Avraham — both mothers of children with Down syndrome — are the Founding Directors of Shutaf (“partner” in Hebrew) — practicing an inclusionary model of informal programming for kids, teens, and young adults across abilities. In this conversation with Good People Fund Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger, Beth and Miriam talk about the war’s effect on their work and impact. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

Kavod v’Nichum (“Honor and Comfort”) — a GPF grantee — brings Jewish end-of-life discussions and practices into the light by elevating and advancing Chevrot Kadisha — holy societies that support individuals, families and communities during a sacred life cycle event. Sarit Wishnevski, Kavod v’Nichum’s Executive Director, joins Naomi Eisenberger, GPF Co-Founder and Executive Director, to discuss the work and its impact on us and our communities. This is Good People Talk, where Good People Fund grantees describe how they are filling societal voids … and uplifting individuals and communities in the US, Israel and elsewhere around the world. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

Since its founding, Road to Recovery has driven thousands of Palestinians — mostly children — from crossing points to Israeli hospitals for critical medical care … and back again. Road to Recovery Chair Yael Noy joins GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger to discuss how the organization and its volunteers are adjusting to new realities on the ground … and committing to hope.  This is Voices from Israel … a companion podcast of Good People Talk! … where Good People Fund grantees in Israel share how they are pivoting to meet urgent and evolving needs since the country was attacked and war began. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

Shlomit Somech-Lehmann is CEO of Al Baqour, a Good People Fund grantee using innovative approaches to early childhood education to empower Israel’s challenged Bedouin community in Israel’s Negev. In this very personal conversation with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger, Shlomit shares stories of loss and hope from October 7 and the weeks since. This is Voices from Israel … a companion podcast of Good People Talk! … where Good People Fund grantees in Israel share how they are pivoting to meet urgent and evolving needs since the country was attacked and war began. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

Brit Ha’Leviot — a Good People Fund grantee in Israel — works to protect and promote the rights and well-being of trans and gender diverse youth and their families, and educate institutions like schools, and greater Israeli society. Co-Founder Merav Livni Keish speaks to GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger about how the organization is adjusting to meet unprecedented needs since Oct. 7, and keeping its community intact. This is Voices from Israel … a companion podcast of Good People Talk! … where Good People Fund grantees in Israel share how they are pivoting to meet urgent and evolving needs since the country was attacked and war began. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

In this second episode of Voices From Israel, Good People Fund Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger welcomes and introduces Julie Fisher as GPF’s new Director of Engagement. Julie was the Founder and Director of the Consortium for Israel and the Asylum Seekers, and describes challenges to the asylee population in Israel before and since Oct. 7, and how the nonprofit sector is helping this vulnerable community. This is Voices From Israel, a special podcast series of The Good People Fund where GPF grantees and partners describe their work responding to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the resulting war. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

Sahar — a Good People Fund grantee — has for more than two decades offered volunteer-based online support to Israelis experiencing mental and emotional distress. Since the horrific attack on Israel on October 7, the organization has geared up to meet unprecedented need for its services. In this first episode of Voices from Israel, GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger speaks with Sahar CEO Yael Levy, who describes the trauma among Israelis and how Sahar is meeting the moment. This is Voices from Israel … a companion podcast of Good People Talk! … where Good People Fund grantees in Israel share how they are pivoting to meet urgent and evolving needs since the country was attacked and war began. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund 2023 Journal of Good: https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

As The Good People Fund (un)conference approaches, our guest is featured speaker Jon Adam Ross — a New York-based artist, activist and educator, and co-founding artist and Executive Director of the In(HEIR)itance Project. In this dynamic episode, Jon describes the power of harnessing our stories and narratives to fuel and deepen our work and advance positive change. He speaks with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger. The Good People Fund and the GPF (un)conference: www.goodpeoplefund.org The In(HEIR)itance Project: www.inheiritance.org The Good People Fund Journal of Good 2022: www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#

After Irwin Rosenstein (z”l) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and later dementia, his wife Carol discovered that music making eased his condition and uplifted his spirits. So the two founded Music Mends Minds — a Good People Fund grantee based in Los Angeles — to create musical support groups benefiting individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases … as well as their families and caregivers. Carol speaks with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger about their remarkable journey and its greater impact. The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org The Good People Fund Journal of Good 2022: www.goodpeoplefund.org/news-and-publications/annual-reports/#