United Against Antisemitism. Stories from the Field | Episode 18

In this episode Nicole Schweiss speaks with Elyse Picker, Managing Director for National Programs at Rekindle, about a U.S. model for bridge‑building between Black and Jewish communities. Rekindle began in Cleveland and now supports roughly 20 chapters nationwide: a five‑session (≈15 hours) fellowship that combines historical readings, structured dialogue, and commitments to respectful conversation and a growing alumni network that turns dialogue into local action.

We discuss how Rekindle intentionally brings diverse voices into each cohort, uses “I‑statements” and facilitator commitments to create braver spaces, and adapts the program to local contexts (from learning trips to community events and collaborative projects). Elise also reflects on transnational learning and what European practitioners can take away from Rekindle’s chapter model.

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Intro: Bethany Odd | Moderator: Nicole Schweiß | Speaker: Elyse Picker | Audio-Edit: Gal Yaron Mayersohn | Music: Hopeful Start by John Bartmann is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License | Illustration: Saskia Schlarmann | Editing: Nihal Çalışır | Project Lead: Florian Eisheuer, Johanna Korneli, Jo Frank | © 2026 DialoguePerspectives e.V. | https://against-antisemitism.eu/⁠ | Insta: dialogueperspectives_epna