Courtesy of Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
Israel in Your Living Room brings lived experiences into a space where dialogue is encouraged
Submitted by Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
As Nancy and Ray Warren arranged the final chairs and adjusted the lighting, their anticipation was mixed with nervous excitement. They had hosted gatherings before, but this was different. They were welcoming friends, neighbors and new faces into their living room to discuss something profoundly important and deeply personal: the war in Israel. The air was filled with curiosity, excitement and a touch of anxiety about the conversations to come.
In the aftermath of October 7, the Federation’s Israel in Your Living Room initiative — developed with our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) — transformed everyday rooms into places of meaning.
Its purpose is simple but powerful: bring people together to hear firsthand stories and gain perspective beyond the often-skewed media narratives. Nancy and Ray have been deeply involved in Cincinnati’s Jewish community for years, with strong ties to Israel.
“When we heard Rabbi Goldschmidt was going on the Israel Leadership Mission trip, we reached out right away.” The trip was a five-day journey where 15 leaders from our community went to Israel to witness the reality on the ground. They were expected to share their experiences when they returned. “We told him, ‘When you’re ready to share what you experienced, our home is open,’” Nancy recalled.
They prepared their home knowing this gathering would be more than a conversation; it would be a way to work through their emotions, ask difficult questions and forge personal connections. Their motivation was simple: When people gather for a shared purpose, they feel less alone.
When the night finally arrived, community members gathered in the Warrens’ living room to hear about the fear of Israelis living under constant threat, the heartbreak of communities torn apart and the courage to continue rebuilding despite overwhelming loss. Rabbi Goldschmidt’s first-hand knowledge from the trip and his valuable insight as a leader of Congregation Sha’arei Torah gave those gathered a unique perspective that brought what is happening in Israel, home.
As Nancy noted, “The media can only show you so much. But when you sit down with someone who’s been there, who’s seen it with their own eyes, it changes everything.”
Tzach Shmuely, Federation’s Senior Community Israeli emissary (Shaliach), plays a critical role in these gatherings, offering a perspective few others can provide. He co-leads each session with Jeremy Spiegel, Assistant Director of JCRC, whose grounding in public affairs and community relations brings additional depth to the dialogue.
“People are seeking an opportunity to sit down and talk about what’s happening in Israel because, in their daily lives, they don’t always have that chance,” Shmuely explained.
“In a living room, among people who care deeply about understanding what’s happening, they can ask real questions, express their feelings, and hear perspectives they might not get anywhere else.”
These conversations aren’t always easy. Shmuely recalled a moment when attendees wrestled with the morality of war. “One question stuck with me: Is it worth losing so many soldiers to rescue a small number of hostages? For an Israeli, the answer is clear — we fight to bring our people home. But for Americans, especially those who haven’t served in the military, that calculus can be different. That’s why these conversations matter.”
Grappling with the morality of war also meant acknowledging the devastating losses experienced by Palestinians. The pain of the conflict is not one-sided, a heartbreaking reality recognized by those in the room.
For Jeremy Kanter, a local business leader who has spent years fostering ties between Cincinnati and Israel, participating in Israel in Your Living Room felt both daunting and necessary.
Kanter admitted he was initially nervous, uncertain if his experience would resonate or if he could truly convey the weight of what he had witnessed.
“I didn’t know if I was the right person for it,” Kanter admitted, referring to his decision to participate in Israel in Your Living Room. “But after experiencing Israel in its current state, I knew I had to.” His session attracted both Jewish community members and non-Jews — colleagues who wanted to understand the war beyond the headlines. “One of our guests met his first Israeli. He met Tzach and we had a really nice discussion.”
Kanter also spoke about how Federation dollars, channeled through the Israel Emergency Fund, are making a tangible difference.
He shared the story of Gadi Moses, the oldest hostage at 80 years old, who was held for 482 days in Gaza before his release. “His kibbutz was destroyed. When he came home, the tractors that lined up to greet him had been purchased with funds raised from our community in Cincinnati. That’s real. That’s direct impact.”
As Cincinnati continues to host these gatherings, the impact is clear. Israel in Your Living Room is not just about sharing stories; it’s about building connections and deepening understanding. Whether someone is hosting, speaking, or simply listening, these gatherings offer a way to process overwhelming emotions and feel less alone in grappling with difficult realities. Often, the most meaningful change begins in the quiet of a living room, where empathy and purpose come together.
