This past September, I had the pleasure of traveling to New York City to sit down with Deena Margolies, a staff attorney at the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law. The Brandeis Center—unaffiliated with Brandeis University—provides legal advocacy for individuals affected by Title VI violations, with a particular focus on those targeted for their Jewish or Zionist identity in academic settings, from elementary schools to universities, including students, faculty, and staff. In our conversation, Deena shares what inspired her journey from entertainment law to civil rights advocacy, where she now represents victims of antisemitism. She explains the scope of Title VI, unpacks the distinction between free speech and harassment, and recounts powerful stories of college students who risked their social standing to defend themselves and their peers. Deena also reflects on why her current work keeps her every bit as busy—and fulfilled—as her earlier legal career. Please join me for this timely conversation.   Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Basheket Sheli" by Anat Malamud Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This past July, I had the privilege of sitting down with Yossi Held, Executive Director of Stand With Us Midwest. In our conversation, Yossi discussed the dual mission of Stand With Us: to educate the public about Israel and Judaism in order to counter widespread misinformation, and to provide legal support for individuals impacted by antisemitism—particularly in educational settings, from elementary schools to graduate programs. Yossi reflects on how the small size of the Jewish community leaves it in a constant struggle to stay afloat against antisemitism—an undercurrent that has always existed but has now erupted into an undeniable force in society. He also talks about his personal journey through profound loss and resilience: navigating the aftermath of October 7th while caring for his terminally ill husband. Yossi shares how, in the midst of this storm of communal and personal adversity, his work at Stand With Us became his solace.  Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Boom Boom Blossom" by Elijah Aaron Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠

On September 17, 2025, Manya Marcus spoke with Raphael Herbst, a senior paramedic with Magen David Adom (MDA) and head of its Emotional Resilience Program, at the offices of American Friends of Magen David Adom in New York City. Raphael discusses MDA’s vital role in Israeli society—from delivering world-class emergency care across the country to leading national responses to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, terror attacks, the 12-day war with Iran, and the October 7, 2023 massacre in southern Israel. He also highlights MDA’s technological innovations, like using WhatsApp to guide patients before medics arrive and securing blood banks as strategic national assets. Raphael shares his personal journey, including his response to a 2001 terror attack and how it inspired his commitment to fostering emotional resilience among MDA staff through peer-to-peer support.   Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Ahavat Olam" by Elnatan and Yaakov Schwekey Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to What Came After. Today is October 22, 2025. While much remains uncertain in Israel, one thing is clear: the emotional recovery of an entire nation coping with collective trauma will be a long and complex process. In this episode, I speak with several remarkable people from Ripples of Healing, a therapeutic program that helps individuals process trauma through guided immersion in water. It’s a powerful, innovative and effective approach. We'll explore the therapy itself, as well as the personal journeys of several people who've been transformed by it. --------- Yitzchak (Itzik) Rabinovitz An electronic engineer and graduate of the University of Illinois, Itzik immigrated to Israel 47 years ago and has since devoted his career and life to strengthening Israel’s defense — both through his service in the IDF and his work in the defense industry. He and his wife, Channa, are proud parents of five children and grandparents to 29. During Operation Iron Swords, four of Itzik’s sons and his son-in-law served on active reserve duty, each contributing over 400 days in defense of the nation. ----------- Tzviki Barkai Age 37, husband and father of two daughters. During his military service in Gaza (Operation Cast Lead), Tzviki was shot in the head by a sniper and critically wounded. After undergoing treatment at Einot Bar, he experienced a profound personal transformation and chose to dedicate his life to helping others heal. Today, Tzviki serves as the CEO of Advot Marpeh (Ripples of Healing), a nonprofit organization operating within the Einot Bar ecosystem. He leads with deep commitment to expanding care and rehabilitation for trauma survivors. ----------- Einat Sarfati Cohen Founder of Einot Bar, Israel’s leading center for growth through crisis. For the past decade, Einot Bar has been operating as an integrative healing center located in the heart of the Negev Desert, offering innovative programs that combine mind, body, and spirit. Einat is a mother of three and the founder of the community of Giv’ot Bar, which became a model for sustainable living and regional development that transformed the Negev and the Galilee over the past twenty years. Since October 7th, Einat has been working tirelessly in Israel and abroad to support soldiers and civilians recovering from trauma. The integrative medical model she developed at Einot Bar has been recognized as a leading approach in Israel for trauma recovery and holistic rehabilitation. -------------- Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "And The Waves" by Menachem Halevi and Nuriel Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Simon Deng is a former slave from South Sudan, human rights activist, public speaker, and professional swimmer. He has lived in the United States since 1989 and has been a leader of the South Sudanese expatriate community since 1993. ⁠⁠ Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Jerusalem" by Elijah Aaron Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠ ⁠  

In February, What Came After sat down with the Chief Rabbi of Poland and native New Yorker, Michael Schudrich. Their conversation was recorded in Warsaw, where Rabbi Schudrich has lived and worked for the past 35 years. Host Manya Marcus speaks with Schudrich about his personal journey to Poland, how there are many more Jews- or those with Jewish heritage- who live in Poland than anyone realized or expected when Schudrich took his post in 1990, and how Poland’s Jewish community is growing to include more Poles whose Jewish parents, grandparents and great grandparents stayed in Poland after the war and chose not to share with their own families that they were Jewish. Schudrich speaks to the process of self-discovery among these community members, as well as the need for the broader international Jewish community to recognize and support the Jewish life that has not only survived in Poland, but begun to thrive. Schudrich talks about the Polish response to October 7th, and how, in the wake of the tragedy, more Polish Jews have come out of the woodwork and chosen to live Jewish lives.     Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "It's Never Too Late" by Elijah Aaron Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ ⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠

Mino is a Roman entrepreneur and restaurateur with deep roots in the culinary world, shaped by his family’s experience in the industry. He manages two establishments: Casalino Osteria, a kosher restaurant, and a bakery-café, Dolce Kosher. Through his work, he combines tradition and innovation, creating welcoming spaces where people can enjoy great food and hospitality. Beyond the kitchen, Mino is passionate about curating special events and menus that highlight seasonal ingredients and Italian culinary heritage.   Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Voice Acting: Matt Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Osim Shuk" by Noa (Achinoam Nini) Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠

Ruth Dureghello was born in Rome on July 5, 1967. She earned a law degree from the University of Rome La Sapienza and went on to pursue a career in entrepreneurial activities. Married with two children, Ruth led the “For Israel” party as its presidential candidate for the Council of the Jewish Community in Rome in 2015. She won 44.08% of the total vote and, following the Council’s recommendation, became the first woman to serve as President in the history of the Roman Jewish Community. Re-elected by a wide majority in 2019, she led the Jewish Community of Rome until June 2023. Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Shir L'Shalom" by Lehakat HaNachal Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ or ⁠Apple Music⁠

Listen to our conversation with EL-NET CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) featuring: Anna Miszewska, Deputy Director Joanna Olszewska, Project Manager Marta Kubica, CEO   Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Old Polish Tango in Hebrew" by Olga Mieleszczuk Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠  

Arie Bensemhoun has been the Chief Executive Officer of Elnet France since 2011. He has made his career in the private sector as a consultant in communications, PR, and international relations, dealing with Middle Eastern and strategic affairs. He plays a crucial role in the French-Israeli relationship through his commitment at both the community and political levels. He seeks to strengthen ties between political leaders from France and Israel who believe that close relations between Europe and Israel are vital to both parties.   Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Nigun Ga'agu'a" by Elnatan Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠

Marta Kubica is the Chief Executive Officer of ELNET CEE (Central and Eastern Europe), driven by a passion for strengthening ties between Europe and Israel through innovative diplomacy. After five years in the role, Marta sees ELNET as more than just an organization facilitating delegations or strategic dialogues; it is about creating a safe space for open conversation and building trust. With over 18 years of experience, including work at both the U.S. and Israeli embassies in Poland, she skillfully brings people together, applying her background in Jewish studies and political science to bridge cultural divides and foster mutual understanding. Marta is currently focused on developing innovative diplomatic initiatives that support resilience, civil defense, and crisis management, including aiding Ukrainian refugees—a testament to her belief in the power of human connection and collaborative problem-solving.   Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Goral Ehad" by Ofra Haza Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

In this special episode, What Came After presents an audio travelogue from the team’s trip to Paris this past January. Join our summer intern, Keren Glicksman, as she interviews host Manya Marcus about the experience, and listen to on-the-ground recordings from Manya and producer Maya Zanger-Nadis as they navigate the city during a particularly challenging moment in Jewish history.   Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Une Petite Cantate" by Talya Eliav Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emile Ackermann is the co-founder, together with his wife, Rabbanit Myriam Ackermann-Sommer, of Ayeka in Paris — the first Liberal Modern Orthodox community in France. Born in Strasbourg and a graduate of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, he holds a BA in Administration Économique et Sociale. Rav Emile is also deeply engaged in French political life. He is the author of N’oublions pas qui nous sommes (Let Us Not Forget Who We Are), in which he shares his vision of Modern Orthodoxy, reflects on his time at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, and explores his perspective on laïcité in France — a subject at the heart of many public debates. A regular guest in national media, he often defends and articulates the Jewish voice in the French public sphere. Rav Emile is also a trainer in the fight against antisemitism, providing education for French political parties as well as Jewish youth organizations. Committed to interfaith dialogue, he frequently speaks at multicultural and multi-faith events across the country.   Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Pa'am" by Anat Malamud Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠

Juan Caldes was born and raised in Mallorca. At age 14, he moved to the US. He graduated from Emmanuel College with a degree in Political Science and Finance. He has lived in Spain, the US, the UK, Israel, and Belgium. Juan is currently working as the European Advocacy Coordinator at the European Jewish Association, working with national governments and Jewish leaders from all across Europe to combat antisemitism and foster Jewish life.     Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Change" by Nuriel Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠

Rabbi Akiva Camissar and his wife, Toiby, are the heads of Chabad of Central Amsterdam.   Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "On Our Way" by Elijah Aaron Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠

Anna Veronese was born in Venice, Italy. Since 2009, she has been living in Paris with her husband and three children. She holds a BA in Archaeology, an MA in History from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and an MA in Information Science from the CNAM Institute in Paris. She is the project coordinator at Ta Shma, an independent French Beit Midrash in Jerusalem. She is the vice-president of Kol-Elles, a Beit Midrash in Paris offering Jewish learning for women. She studies issues of gender, equality, and social justice within Orthodox Judaism. She is passionate about Italian Jewish traditions, rich and composite in both customs and liturgy, which she studies and passes on to the next generation. Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Mar'ot" by Anat Malamud Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠  

This episode was recorded in late January 2025, well before the start of the Israel-Iran war. The conversation, in many ways, feels more relevant than ever. However, we want our listeners to be aware of the date and time. Please enjoy this important discussion. Rihards Kols is a Latvian politician, currently a member of the European Parliament, working in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Committee on International Trade and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.   Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "All We See" by Nuriel Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠

David Fiorentini, 25, born and raised in Siena, is a Medical Doctor graduated from Humanitas University in Milan. Previously served as President of the Italian Union of Jewish Students and Young Professionals (UGEI), leading community gatherings, political representation and educational sessions, he currently holds the position of Policy Officer continuing his involvement within Jewish activism.                                                                                    Born and raised in Rome, Luca works as a freelance journalist. Involved in the Italian Union of Jewish Students and Young Professionals (UGEI) since 2016, he was a Board member and Treasurer in 2018. Before being elected to the Board at the end of 2023, he was the Editorial Director of HaTikwa (UGEI's newspaper) from 2021 to 2023. He is the current President, responsible for Media and Institutional Relations. Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Kama Tov" by Shlomo Lipman Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠

Céline Bardet is a lawyer and international criminal investigator specializing in war crimes. Internationally recognized, she has worked in over 50 conflict and post-conflict countries, including for the United Nations, the European Union, and Interpol. She began her career at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia under Judge Claude Jorda. Between 2001 and 2004, she worked at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, focusing on issues of terrorism and organized crime. From 2004 onward, Céline Bardet dedicated herself to long-term field missions related to transitional justice and security. ​In 2007, she was appointed legal director and adviser to the principal deputy high representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she established a war crimes unit in Brčko. She led investigations and initiated several trials for war crimes, including the first trial for rape as a war crime in Brčko. Since 2011, Céline Bardet has been an independent expert on justice and security. Internationally recognized, she has worked in over 50 conflict and post-conflict countries for the United Nations, the European Union, and Interpol. ​In 2014, she founded the Non-Governmental Organization We are NOT Weapons of War to provide a comprehensive, holistic, and effective response to the endemic use of sexual violence in fragile environments through innovative and creative legal approaches.   Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Im Haya Makom" by Anat Malamud Listen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠  

Dov Sabo discusses his decision to move from Israel to the Netherlands following his service in the IDF. Coming from a religious background, Dov reflects on how life in the Netherlands initially felt more “relaxed”—until October 7th, when he was jolted awake to a reality his Auschwitz-survivor grandmother had known: that the native Dutch people he had considered friends, were not. Dov speaks about raising his daughters in the Netherlands, why his grandmother believed Holland was a safe and acceptable place for her grandson to build his adult life, and how the October 7th attacks led him to offer “psychological first aid” to Kibbutz survivors who fled to Eilat.Hear more about why Dov was in Egypt when the October 7th attacks began, and why Dov's response to the pogrom in Amsterdam on November 8th led many in Israel to believe that this real estate mogul might be a Lyft driver in Amsterdam. Host and Creator: Manya Marcus Managing Producer: Maya Zanger-Nadis Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar Outro Music: "Yesh Mehuma" by Tzlil Dayan Listen on ⁠Spotify or ⁠Apple Music