JEWS OF THE DIASPORA: IDENTITIES AT THE MARGINS, STORIES AGAINST ANTISEMITISM
Jews of the Diaspora: Identities at the Margins, Stories Against Antisemitism is a podcast dedicated to illuminating the rich diversity of Jewish life beyond the narrow narratives that often dominate public imagination. By gathering personal stories from Jews across the United States whose families trace their roots to communities around the world, the project challenges the assumption of a singular Jewish identity and confronts antisemitism by expanding listeners’ understanding of who Jews are. Through interviews conducted via Zoom, sourced through partnerships with organizations like Sojourn in Georgia, Be’chol Lashon, and synagogues of the principal researchers Temple Emanuel (New York City) and Rockdale Temple (Cincinnati), we curate a tapestry of voices that reflect the global breadth of the Jewish diaspora. The final product will be an edited series of 20–30 minute episodes that showcases these conversations as an accessible archive of lived experience, inviting audiences to encounter marginalized and underrepresented Jewish identities while debunking stereotypes and fostering deeper empathy.
ABoUT THE Researchers
Samuel De Falco (he/him) is a senior at Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. At Sycamore he serves as a Student Ambassador, working to create a welcoming environment for all; leads the clarinet section in the school marching band; and plays for the Sycamore Winds, Pep Band, and Big Band. He is passionate about architecture, green construction, and spaces that are inclusive and accessible, and helped Sycamore to create its first tiny home with sustainable building materials. Combining his interests in architecture and history, he is currently conducting independent research on Roman architecture and its enduring influences on modern construction. Beyond school, Samuel is a religious school instructor, and a leader in his synagogue youth group’s social action efforts. In Spring 2025, Samuel traveled to Capitol Hill as a member of Ohio's teen delegation, meeting with members of Congress and lobbying on issues like gun violence prevention and pay equity. With NYAC, Samuel and his partner, Olivia, have created Antisemitism: Then and Now, a podcast that aims to debunk the myths that fuel antisemitism by interviewing people near and far with diverse experiences and perspectives on Judaism, immigration, and stereotypes. In June 2026, Samuel was awarded the esteemed Cohen Family Upstander Award by the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center for his advocacy work and fostering meaningful dialogue around identity, belonging, antisemitism, and equality.
Olivia Schulhof (she/her) spent her junior year in Spain studying with School Year Abroad and returned to The Spence School in Manhattan for her senior year of highschool. In the fall Olivia will attend Harvard College as an incoming freshman. She is passionate about education and literacy, particularly for underserved communities. In addition to running four separate tutoring programs, Olivia interned for Project Baala writing a paper on adolescent women's health and advocating for educational opportunities for girls. Recently, Olivia authored a research paper and handout to provide resources to newly arrived Spanish-speaking immigrants in Washington Heights. She did this with the guidance of Harvard Professor Dr. Flavia Perea, and focused on “best practices” of educating and integrating immigrants within the New York City public school system. She has interned for Project Rousseau assisting immigrants in navigating the legal process of seeking asylum. She’s a member at her local synagogue and takes pride in her Judaism. In addition to being a fellow in the 2025-2026 NYAC cohort, Olivia serves as an intern for the LGBTQ+ Institute, which supports the coordination of youth experiences. Her hobbies include cooking and playing tennis. She looks forward to supporting a project at the intersection of antisemitism and immigration.
