Rawan Osman and Rabbi Raphael Shaw
Rabbi Raphael Shaw, founder of Open Door Media, and Rawan Osman, a Syrian activist and founder of Arabs Ask, have collaborated on a new documentary titled Tragic Awakening. This past week they appeared on a podcast to discuss the film and its significance in understanding and combating antisemitism.
On the podcast, Rabbi Shaw explained that Tragic Awakening explores the ideological conflicts that drive antisemitism, going beyond the common scapegoating narratives. He added that the film seeks to reveal these deeper motivations, offering a more comprehensive analysis of why Jews have been targeted throughout history.
Rawan Osman discussed her initial hesitation to participate, noting, “My initial reaction was no way—this is not my place,” but ultimately recognized the importance of bridging gaps between Arab and Jewish communities.
Together, Shaw and Osman hope that Tragic Awakening will foster mutual understanding and inspire proactive measures to eliminate antisemitism.
Adam Mendelsohn
Adam Mendelsohn, a high school senior from Orlando, FL, was deeply troubled by the rise of antisemitic messages he encountered online after October 7. Recognizing similarities between these modern messages and pre-Holocaust propaganda, Adam felt compelled to raise awareness about the dangers of unchecked hatred among his peers and community.
Determined to make a difference, Adam successfully raised $30,000 and partnered with the nonprofit organization Hate Ends Now to create a meaningful exhibit for his school. The exhibit features replicas of the cattle cars used by Nazis to transport Jews to concentration camps, videos of two Holocaust survivors sharing their experiences, and 25 Holocaust artifacts.
Inspired by the documentary Paper Clips, Adam sought to create a similar exhibit to the one in the film. Realizing that six million paperclips would cost $15,000, Adam sought alternatives and contacted Alex Minzer, owner of Bulk Office Supplies. Impressed by Adam’s determination, Minzer agreed to meet and the company donated one million paperclips. Adam and his friends then spent the night unboxing 10,000 boxes of paperclips to set up the exhibit, which is now planned to become a permanent feature at his high school.
Beyond his immediate project, Adam has joined the board of Hate Ends Now and is actively working to bring his exhibit to every school in Florida. He is also still trying to collect the other five million paperclips he wants to add to the exhibit.
Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert isn’t just starring in Cabaret—he’s making sure its message is heard. Widely recognized for his rise to fame on American Idol and dynamic stage presence, Lambert stepped into the role of the Emcee in the latest revival of Cabaret. Set in 1930s Berlin, the musical explores the city’s nightlife against the backdrop of the Nazi rise to power. Lambert’s performance brings new weight to the show’s themes, particularly as a Jewish artist himself.
Originally debuting in 1966, Cabaret has long been a commentary on apathy toward fascism. One of its most chilling moments is the song “If You Could See Her,” which ends with the line, “If you could see her through my eyes, she wouldn’t look Jewish at all.” The line was written to expose antisemitic attitudes, but Lambert noticed that some audiences were laughing instead of absorbing its intended impact.
Refusing to let the message be lost, Lambert has actively stopped performances to address the audience, reminding them of the line’s historical weight. His interventions have sparked important conversations about antisemitism and the responsibility of artists to challenge harmful narratives.
By leveraging his Jewish identity, Lambert ensures Cabaret remains more than just a performance—it’s a stark reminder of the dangers of rising prejudice.
