The Woman Behind EndJewHatred

Michelle Ahdoot isn’t going to sit back and let antisemitism flourish. Along with her team and a group of dedicated volunteers, she’s actively working to combat it and push Jewish pride instead.

As director of programming and strategy at EndJewHatred, Michelle spends her days mobilizing grassroots efforts to stop antisemitism in its tracks. This could mean creating pre-populated emails for people to send to politicians or other influential figures, alerting campus officials of antisemitism at colleges, or getting people together for rallies and empowerment events. EndJewHatred’s digital activist network, run primarily through WhatsApp and social media, reaches 40,000 people.

“We are the first line of defense when it comes to combatting Jew haters,” Michelle, a wife and mother of four said. “I’m getting thousands of texts from people every day. They’re telling me about antisemitism happening in their town or to them personally.”

Now, Michelle is hoping to expand her activism by becoming a World Zionist Congress delegate through the Aish Ha’Am slate. It’s perfectly in line with her life’s mission.

“My last name, Ahdoot, is like achdut, unity,” she said. “My maiden name was Ohevshalom, lover of peace. That’s me.”

Making Her Way into Activism

Michelle is from a Persian Jewish family. Her mother left Iran in the 1940s and was part of one of the first Iranian families coming to New York. Her father left Iran to go to medical school in Germany, and many of her cousins escaped after the Revolution, in 1979. Michelle grew up in Great Neck, among many other Persian Jews, and went to NYU Stern School of Business for college. She worked in business, got married, had children, and became a stay-at-home mom, becoming involved in the school PTA and putting on events for organizations like Friends of the IDF.

“I decided to then jump back into full-time work when my youngest was nine,” Michelle said. “I met Brooke Goldstein, founder of EndJewHatred, and one thing led to another.”

Through the organization, Michelle collaborates with other groups like CAMERA and StandWithUs to take action when antisemitism happens. She also protests at college campuses, city council meetings, and other venues where Jew hatred occurs, and participates in pro-Jewish, pro-Israel rallies. She works with leaders like New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who reached out to her and her team.

“We’re honing in on the idea that every one of us, both Jews and non-Jews, can be activists in whatever way we are most comfortable,” she said. “We’re making sure we move the needle on Jew hatred.”

What she has learned through her work is how important it is for people to step up.

“It’s all about power in numbers,” she said.

Spreading Her Work

Michelle is choosing to run on the Aish Ha’Am slate because she’ll be surrounded by “incredible individuals who are working towards making our voices amplified,” she said. “Aish is amazing. I stand for everything they do and stand for: empowerment and education. It’s all-encompassing. The other individuals on the slate are like family to me. They are very much aligned with my views and thoughts.”

If Michelle is elected as a WZO delegate, she plans to keep on doing her important work and ensuring all Jews know how imperative it is to stand up for themselves.

“There is no option other than activism and being loud,” she said. “Activism is the antidote to despair. This resonates on every level and every age.”

Michelle’s advice for young Jews during this time is to, “educate yourself and be empowered to speak out and speak up. No one should be scared and think that they’re all alone. Know that you’ll have support when you need it.”

As for Michelle, she will keep on fighting for what she believes in and standing up for her people.

“I am here to do whatever I need to do,” she said. “I will go the extra mile.”

Go to www.aish.com/vote/aishcom to learn more about the Aish Ha’am movement and to register to stay informed about the campaign. You can also find an opportunity on the website to become an ambassador, actively joining in our efforts.

The Jewish People need Aish’s voice. And Aish needs YOUR voice! Together we can accomplish what might seem impossible.

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