Chai-er Ed, ADL’s campus podcast, brings you firsthand stories from Jewish students navigating today’s college campuses. Hosted by activist and former student leader Luda Isakharov, each episode uncovers the realities of Jewish life on campus—the challenges, the victories, and the unshakable resilience of Jewish students confronting hate head-on.
This is all of our fight. These are their stories.
Tune in weekly and join the conversation.
Click here (https://notoleranceforantisemitism.adl.org/) to take action on your campus.
Report a campus incident here. (https://notoleranceforantisemitism.adl.org/campus-antisemitism-legal-line)
If you want to share your story, please email chaiered@adl.org
Episode 4: Conviction – Luda Isakharov, University of Oregon/ADL Assistant Regional Director
In this episode, host Luda Isakharov shares her journey from facing antisemitism as a student to becoming student body president and now ADL's Assistant Regional Director in Washington DC. Born to Soviet immigrants, Luda often felt isolated as the only Jewish student in her schools. Her awakening came at University of Oregon when she discovered the BDS movement and realized she was alone as a Jewish voice in student government—initially leading her to hide her identity to survive politically....
12 Jun 2025
Mazel Talk: Running Toward It– Ava Tuschman
In this episode of Mazel Talk we hear from University of Indiana grad, Ava Tuschman. Ava opens up about her Jewish upbringing in Toledo, Ohio, where being “the Jewish kid” often made her feel different. She reflects on a complicated relationship with identity and how she ran toward her Judaism, not away. In this reminiscence, Ava talks about the inner transformation that turned hesitation into pride, and how the events of October 7 weren’t just world-shaking—they were personal. Tune in to hea...
28 May 2025
Episode 3: Standing Up & Winning – Lucas Korn, University of Michigan
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Lucas Korn from the University of Michigan to explore his courageous and inspiring journey into campus politics. Lucas shares what motivated him to get involved, how he successfully ran for student government, and the backlash and antisemitism he faced as a proud Jew in the public eye. Despite the challenges, Lucas stayed true to his values, persevered, and accomplished what he set out to do. His story is a testament to resilience, integrity, and the...
8 May 2025
Special Feature – President Santa Ono, University of Michigan
In this Chai-er Ed bonus episode, University of Michigan President Santa Ono emphasizes the importance of empathy and accountability in supporting Jewish students during times of conflict. He also shared the University of Michigan’s proactive steps to address antisemitism, including policy changes, campus engagement and a strong partnership with ADL. Click here to take action on your campus. Report a campus incident here. If you want to share your story, please email chaiered@adl.org Chai-er ...
24 Apr 2025
Mazel Talk: Jewish Community – Harrison Romero
In this episode of Mazel Talk, we hear from University of Pittsburgh's Harrison Romero. Discovering a robust Jewish community on campus was something Harrison wasn’t expecting, but something he embraced. Finding community, building relationships, and taking on leadership roles is what kept him and his friends empowered and supported during dark times on campus. Click here to take action on your campus. Report a campus incident here. If you want to share your story, please email chaiered...
10 Apr 2025
Special Feature – Chancellor Andrew Martin, Washington University
In this special Chai-er Ed bonus episode recorded live at the ADL’s Never Is Now summit, WashU Chancellor Andrew Martin discusses the critical balance between free speech and student safety on campus. From addressing antisemitism to enforcing campus policy during protests, Chancellor Martin shares how principled leadership can foster inclusive and resilient academic communities. Click here to take action on your campus. Report a campus incident here. If you want to share your story, please em...
3 Apr 2025
Mazel Talk: Leadership in Action – Sara Weinstein
In this episode of Mazel Talk, you will hear from University of Maryland’s, Sara Weinstein. Whether it is her passion for student government, leading the fight against BDS, or testifying before government committees, Sara’s story of being the change she wants to see, is one we all can learn from. Click here to take action on your campus. Report a campus incident here. If you want to share your story, please email chaiered@adl.org This episode was produced by Jasmine Rach. Senior Produce...
27 Mar 2025
Mazel Talk: A Friend For Life – Levi Fox
In this episode of Mazel Talk from Chai-er Ed, you will hear from University of Texas, Austin’s, Levi Fox. At an early age, Levi befriended a group of Holocaust survivors. One of them in particular, Uncle Zoly, became like family. The two built a special relationship, and Uncle Zoly’s passion for life and the way he faced challenges left Levi with a powerful playbook. Click here to take action on your campus. Report a campus incident here. If you want to share your story, please email c...
20 Mar 2025
Episode 2: Courage – Noah Lederman at Columbia University
In this episode of Chai-er Ed, we sit down with Noah Lederman, a student at Columbia University, who was physically assaulted near campus. Noah shares his story as a cautionary tale, but also as a beacon of inspiration on how a leader can be born out of darkness. Click here to take action on your campus. Report a campus incident here. If you want to share your story, please email chaiered@adl.org This episode was produced by Jasmine Rach. Senior Producer is Russell Gragg. Executive Producer i...
13 Mar 2025
Mazel Talk: Building Community – Susan Radov & Nacho Gajer
In our very first episode of Mazel Talk, part of Chai-er Ed, we hear from Susan and Nacho, both at Northwestern University. Post-10/7 and witnessing antisemitism on campus, they decided to be the change they wanted to see. They share how they built community, leaned on each other during difficult times, and are setting a standard for standing up for what you believe in, Click here to take action on your campus. Report a campus incident here. If you want to share your story, please...
27 Feb 2025
Episode 1: Standing Strong – Ben Marcus at Brown University
In our very first episode of Chai-er Ed, we sit down with Ben Marcus, a student at Brown University, who has faced antisemitism on campus—but refused to back down. Ben shares his powerful journey of resilience, how he overcame challenges, and what it took to transform adversity into leadership. From confronting hate to building a stronger Jewish community, Ben’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and pride. Tune in as we explore what it means to not just settle, but to stand up, speak out...
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Host of Chai-er Ed?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
