08/28/2026
An evening of community, learning, and resilience.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Conversation & Cocktails — an evening bringing together faculty, leaders, and supporters around a shared commitment to Jewish life in higher education.
JFRG Executive Director Matthew Davidson opened the evening by sharing the mission behind our work and the growing need to support Jewish faculty across North American campuses. Rick Richman and Rabbi Abraham Cooper joined us for a candid conversation on the rise of antisemitism and antizionism, and how we move forward — and Rick generously signed and gifted copies of his book, And None Shall Make Them Afraid, to attendees.
Our host, UCLA cardiologist Dr. Kamran Shamsa, shared his own experience of being assaulted on campus during the encampments, a reminder of what's at stake in this work. The evening closed on a moving note, with the world-renowned Dr. Judea Pearl leading a musical medley, and JFRG's Kira Stein joining host Mahsa Shamsa as the room stood together to sing Hatikvah.
Conversations like these strengthen the community behind JFRG's work. Building the network starts with connection — and we're grateful to everyone who showed up.
Strengthening Jewish faculty & staff. Protecting students. Shaping the next generation.
