Join host Matthew Abramowitz and co-host Yossi Katz as they speak with Eliana Birman, a Barnard College student and assistant digital editor at The Jewish Link. Eliana shares her experiences navigating rising antisemitism on campus — from online harassment and doxxing to social pressure and protests — and how she’s used her voice to advocate for Jewish students at Barnard and Columbia University.

This episode examines courage, leadership, and the delicate balance between personal safety and public advocacy, providing valuable insights for students, administrators, and campus communities.

• Eliana Birman on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eliana.birman/?hl=en
• Eliana Birman on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliana-birman-458a9a2a7/
• Follow the podcast on Instagram @unsilencejewishvoicespod https://www.instagram.com/unsilencedjewishvoicespod/

Track: Tears of Joy Artist: Benjamin Tissot Source: Bensound.com License Code: 4YDVJJRV5L9BTNW4

Episode Description

Join host Matthew Abramowitz and co-host Yossi Katz as they speak with Yitzy Frankel, a student who took a stand against antisemitism at UCLA Law. Yitzy shares his experience challenging systemic bias on campus, navigating the legal process, and advocating for Jewish students nationwide. This episode explores leadership, courage, and the impact one student can have in confronting antisemitism — offering insights for students, administrators, and community members alike.

• Case Overview – Becket Fund Frankel v. Regents of the University of California https://becketfund.org/case/frankel-v-regents-of-the-university-of-california/
• RealClearEducation Op-Ed (Post–Preliminary Injunction) “UCLA Failed Jewish Students Like Me and the University’s Motto” https://www.realcleareducation.com/articles/2024/09/06/ucla_failed_jewish_students_like_me_and_the_universitys_motto_1056739.html
• U.S. Department of Justice – Statement of Interest DOJ statement in support of the case https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1393616/dl
• Washington Examiner Op-Ed (Post-Settlement) “UCLA Learned It Can’t Tolerate Antisemitism. Universities, Take Note.” https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/equality-not-elitism/3779230/ucla-learned-it-cant-tolerate-antisemitism-universities-take-note/
• DailyWire Op-Ed “No One Should Help UCLA Dodge Consequences — Especially Not Jewish Organizations” https://www.dailywire.com/news/no-one-should-help-ucla-dodge-consequences-especially-not-jewish-organizations
• Video Overview Encampment footage and discussion of the judge’s decision https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ01LdIrcbY

Yitzy Frankel graduated from UCLA Law in May 2025 and now works in criminal defense litigation with renowned trial attorney Michael D. Schwartz. In the summer of 2024 he served as lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against UCLA seeking a permanent injunction and other relief over the university’s treatment of Jewish students during pro-Palestinian encampments on campus.

The complaint alleged violations of the U.S. Constitution, California Constitution, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and several sections of the U.S. Code. In July 2025, UCLA entered into a $6.13 million settlement with Yitzy and the other plaintiffs, with the vast majority of the net funds earmarked to support Jewish organizations on campus.

Yitzy lives in Los Angeles with his wife Esther and their four young children. You can follow him on X: @YitZionist (https://x.com/YitZionist).

You can follow the podcast @unsilencedjewishvoicespod https://www.instagram.com/unsilencedjewishvoicespod/

Music by: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music Track: Tears of Joy Artist: Benjamin Tissot License code: 4YDVJJRV5L9BTNW4