Instagram: @theamyalbertson
Twitter: @theamyalbertson

Your brief back story: Where you were born and where do you live now, family background?

I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA, which is where I live now. I grew up in a mixed family, my mother is Chinese American and my father is Jewish American. My upbringing was very “assimilated American” and I experienced both of my cultures in what feels like very “American” ways - through food and holidays. I went to college at Portland State University, where my Jewish journey really took off and my activism for Israel and the Jewish people began. I eventually made Aliyah and lived in Israel for 6 years before returning to the US in 2021.

When and why did you become an activist for Jews and Israel?

My activism began in college after an Israel event was protested. I saw that there was a need to speak up for Israel and the Jewish people on my college campus and decided to take action. This eventually evolved into social media activism once I moved to Israel. I wanted to share my story and experience as a Chinese American Jewish woman who made Aliyah. I wanted to show the real Israel and talk about my ever-evolving Jewish identity.

What is your biggest concern for the Jewish people and Israel?

As we see, antisemitism is growing on both the right and the left, and this is very concerning. Sometimes it feels as though the Jewish people are being pushed out of all spaces, becoming homeless. We can’t let this happen. We must show the world who the Jewish people REALLY are, beyond antisemitic tropes and sterotypes they’ve been fed for thousands of years. I believe this is largely due to a lack of education. Most education about Jews is based in our oppression, like the holocaust, and doesn’t actually teach who we really are. This is hugely problematic.

What accomplishment/s or impact are you most proud of regarding your activism?

Anytime another Jewish person tells me that my content has made them feel more proud as a Jewish person, empowered them to speak up, educate another person, or even just simply be openly Jewish, I feel these are my biggest accomplishments. At the end of the day, I’m one person, and anytime I can empower another person I’m really happy.

What is your advice for young people today who are intimated or afraid to get involved or speak out against antisemitism/antizionism?

I’d say, your fear is warranted. It isn’t always easy. However, you will continue to be Jewish and it will hurt to hide more than it will to face challenges for being proud and unapologetic about who you are. Being Jewish is a beautiful thing to be celebrated and shared. Don’t be afraid to be who you are. You have every right just like every other person out there. Ease into it. Start by doing something as simple as wearing a Magen David. It can be a great conversation starter and you might be pleasantly surprised the opportunities it opens up to teaching people about who the Jewish people are.

What would you like to be your legacy?

New generations of empowered, unapologetic Jews “doing Jewish” their way and not feeling fear to be openly Jewish and Zionist.

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Amy Albertson

She/Her

Social Media Consultant & Jewish Advocate and EducatorFollow me on Instagram: @theamyalbertson