Exploring Israeli History and Society with Journalist Alla Gavrilova

Last week, Project Kesher Israel hosted two thought-provoking meetings with Alla Gavrilova, journalist, host, and podcast creator at Kan REKA.

In Jerusalem, PKI’s Women’s and LGBTQ+ groups came together for a joint session on the complex and often painful relationship between Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews and the Ashkenazi establishment in Israel’s early decades. The conversation highlighted the communities and grassroots activists who challenged inequality and fought for justice, a vital chapter in the story of Israeli civil society. Bringing PKI’s two groups together also gave participants a meaningful chance to connect, build bridges, and discover shared interests.

In Bat Yam, Gavrilova met with PKI’s women’s group to discuss religion and state in Israel, focusing on the timely question of military enlistment and how it is viewed across different sectors of Israeli society. Participants explored the history behind these perspectives, reflecting on shared civic responsibility and the importance of open dialogue in a diverse society.

For Russian-speaking immigrants, conversations like these offer essential historical and cultural context for navigating Israeli public discourse. PKI remains committed to creating a safe, welcoming space where participants can approach sensitive issues with care, listen to diverse perspectives, and take part in thoughtful dialogue about the society they are building together.