Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect the change of the event’s date to December 14.
On November 2, 2024, The New York Times released a front-page article, “A Whisperer to the Stars on the Middle East Conflict” by Nicole Sperling. She wrote, “Since Oct. 7 of last year, Hollywood has struggled with how to handle the Middle East conflict. Usually a monolith in its support of progressive causes, the industry has become deeply divided. Influencers and celebrities alike have been sharply criticized for social media posts that have been interpreted as either antisemitic or Islamophobic.
That is where Hen Mazzig has stepped in and seen his influence grow. His follower counts have ballooned. His posts have been shared by celebrities like Pink, Amy Schumer and Gal Gadot. And they’ve been turned into billboards in Times Square.” While Hen is a whisperer to the stars, he’s also been source of information for his everyday followers on social media.
The Tucson J, in partnership with the Weintraub Israel Center, Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona, and with support from a Mithabrim Connections grant through JCC Association of North America and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, is proud to be bringing Hen Mazzig to Tucson to be in conversation with Samara Klar, PhD, on Saturday, December 14 from 6:30-8:30pm.
In addition to being a prominent voice on social media, Hen Mazzig is a Tel Aviv Institute Fellow, author, and speaker. In addition to speaking about the current Middle East conflict, Hen will share about a variety of topics including the story of his family’s experience escaping Iraq and Tunisia, military service as a humanitarian officer in the West Bank, the work being done to promote LGBTQ+ equality in Israel and around the world, and what it means to be a progressive Zionist (especially post October 7). The program will begin with a brief community Havdalah* to end Shabbat.
Each entry ticket includes a beverage, light snacks are available. Complimentary childcare is available with purchase.
“We are excited to bring this notable voice to our community during a time where conversation can really provide a gateway for deeper learning and connection, as well as inspire the broader community to act in solidarity and the Jewish community to live proud Jewish lives,” said Jennifer Selco, Sr. Director of Jewish Life + Engagement at the Tucson J.
The Tucson J believes a strong community is made of people who are deeply connected to each other, inspired to lead Jewish lives of meaning for themselves, and have the tools to lead them. Arts, culture, and community programming is intentionally designed to be both mirrors and windows. Mirrors that reflect our unique experience and how we see ourselves as part of a larger community, and through windows, where people peer through new worlds to learn about those who have a different Jewish experience. When we gather, learn, and enjoy culturally rich experiences together, we have the opportunity to deepen our connection with each other and to the global Jewish community, and to build allyship across the Jewish community and with the broader community.
Through renowned speakers and talented musicians, the 2024-2025 Beth and Mike Kasser Patron of the Arts Signature Series, embraces the opportunity to celebrate Jewish pride and to explore relevant topics and challenges facing our local and global community.
Learn more about the Signature Series and get your tickets for In Conversation with Hen Mazzig here.
