In a world where prejudice and hatred persist, Dar Halevy-Feldman stands out as a relentless advocate against antisemitism and a champion of national security.
With a deep-rooted passion for justice and equality, Halevy-Feldman has dedicated her life to these causes, making significant strides in promoting understanding and combating hate.
Influenced by her heritage and extensive professional experience, her unique perspective fuels her unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and secure society.
Growing up as the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Halevy-Feldman was acutely aware of the devastating impacts of antisemitism from a young age.
“My grandparents’ experiences during the Holocaust were a stark reminder of what unchecked hatred can lead to,” Halevy-Feldman recalls.
“Their stories instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility to fight antisemitism and protect future generations from similar atrocities.”
This personal connection to history ignited her commitment to ensuring such hatred would never reoccur. And Halevy-Feldman’s academic background in communications and international relations gave her the tools to understand the complexities of prejudice and discrimination.
As the program director of the nonprofit Faces of October 7th, Halevy-Feldman worked tirelessly to establish connections with universities, colleges, and community organizations across North America, lead fundraising initiatives, and coordinate events to further her cause.
“National security is intrinsically linked to the safety and well-being of all communities,” Halevy-Feldman states.
“By working with law enforcement and other stakeholders, we can create an environment where everyone feels safe and protected.”
As the director of Israel engagement and community relations at Hillel of San Diego, she created and led Israel and Jewish education programs for diverse community members, fostering collaborations with various organizations and managing student boards.
“Education is the most powerful weapon against hate,” Halevy-Feldman asserts. “By teaching people about Jewish history, culture and contributions to society, we can break down the barriers of ignorance that often lead to prejudice.”
Karen Parry, the Executive Director of Hillel of San Diego, says of Halevy-Feldman’s work: “Dar’s work on the Face of October 7th makes a lot of sense because she is great at networking and passionate about the cause. She has an electric personality. She is ambitious and driven while still being deeply empathetic.
“I think this is why she is capable of so much, and her work will ensure the active remembrance of the October 7th Terrorist attack. Especially on college campuses, bringing survivors to speak and for students to bear witness to the atrocities of Hamas is critical to providing experiential education on the Israel/Hamas war.”
Elisabeth Krebs, the Program Manager for B’nai B’rith International, has also worked with Halevy-Feldman on the Faces of October 7th program.
She recalls: “As a Program Manager, we’re always looking for programs that resonate with our members, both adults and young adults. I was very interested in bringing a survivor to our membership. Dar got back to me very quickly, within the hour.”
“She was great, very direct, and to the point, which I appreciated. We were asking if we could potentially do a virtual session with one of the survivors. They hadn’t done any yet at that point, but she was willing to make it work for us. We ended up having a virtual program in December-January.”
“She prepared the survivor and us thoroughly, which was very helpful. We wanted to be sensitive with the survivors, and her preparation was clear and specific.”
Krebs adds: “Her advocacy skills are really high, and she is a strong leader. Starting an organization from nothing, putting it together passionately, and ensuring its success takes a lot of work. She has built a platform for survivors to share their stories worldwide, which says a lot about her determination and passion.”
This belief and passion for the transformative power of education have been a cornerstone of Halevy-Feldman’s work. She has developed a range of educational programs aimed at dispelling myths and stereotypes about Jews, fostering empathy, and promoting mutual respect.
Her flagship program, Bridges of Understanding, pairs Jewish and non-Jewish schools in collaborative projects encouraging dialogue and mutual respect. “Through joint activities, such as cultural exchanges and community service projects, students learn to appreciate their differences and recognize their shared humanity,” she explains.
In today’s digital age, Halevy-Feldman understands the importance of leveraging technology to amplify her message. She launched a comprehensive online resource center that provides educators, students and community leaders with tools and materials to combat antisemitism. This platform includes interactive modules, video testimonials and downloadable lesson plans, making it accessible and user-friendly.
“Technology allows us to reach a broader audience and provide valuable resources to those who might not have access otherwise,” Halevy-Feldman explains. “It’s a crucial component of our strategy to educate and engage people in the fight against antisemitism.”
Halevy-Feldman actively uses social media to raise awareness about antisemitism and promote positive narratives about Jewish life and culture. Her digital campaigns have garnered significant attention, reaching millions of people across the globe. She has created a dynamic online community committed to fighting hatred and promoting understanding by utilising hashtags, viral videos, and interactive content.
Beyond education and awareness, Halevy-Feldman is deeply involved in enhancing national security through community collaboration. She understands that combating antisemitism is not just a matter of protecting Jewish communities but also ensuring the safety and security of society as a whole.
One of Halevy-Feldman’s most significant achievements has been her ability to build bridges across different communities. She firmly believes that combating antisemitism requires a united front, with people from all backgrounds working together towards a common goal.
To that end, she has established partnerships with various religious, ethnic and cultural organizations. “Interfaith collaboration is essential in our fight against hate,” Halevy-Feldman explains.
“When we work together, we send a powerful message that hatred has no place in our society.”
Her efforts extend to the political arena as well; Halevy-Feldman regularly meets with policymakers and government officials to advocate for stronger anti-hate legislation and policies.
Her advocacy work has also been instrumental in passing several key bills to combat hate crimes and protect vulnerable communities.
Halevy-Feldman’s influence is not confined to her home country; her work has a global reach. She frequently collaborates with international organizations, such as the United Nations and the European Union, to address antisemitism globally.
Her insights and recommendations have shaped international policies and initiatives to promote tolerance and combat hate: “Antisemitism is a global issue that requires a coordinated international response,” Halevy-Feldman notes.
“By working together, we can create a world where hatred and prejudice are no longer tolerated.”
Ronit Boyd is the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey Chief Innovation and Impact Officer: “Dar is relentless, in a positive way. She doesn’t give up and is completely dedicated and focused on the end goal. “
She was also very impressed by Halevy-Feldman’s work with Faces of October 7th, demonstrating her bullish commitment and dedication: “It was incredibly impressive how she got this nonprofit up and running so fast, making an immediate impact. There was a significant turnout at the event we hosted, and hearing from survivors was profoundly different than seeing it on the news.
“We need Dar in our community. She understands both the American and Israeli communities and can bridge cultural differences. Since October 7, we’ve been trying to work more systematically together, and having someone like Dar, who gets the nuances of both communities, is invaluable. We need to be unified but not uniform, and Dar can help accomplish that.”
Ethan Handelman is the President of Hillel at Rider University. He also worked with Halevy-Feldman through her work on Faces of October 7th: “I saw a need to have a huge event during the tumultuous time it was and continues to be for Jewish People,” he recalls.
“Dar is extremely strong-willed and driven. Seeing those attributes firsthand really helped me be even more confident about proudly being Jewish. I’m no longer scared about wearing my Star of David Necklace outside my shirt. I am very involved with educating people about what happened on October 7th, and I am unapologetically outspoken about Israel and my fellow Jewish people.”
Handelman adds: “Working with Dar improved morale among Jewish students, helped increase membership, and created a working relationship that is still present today. Our event welcomed 90 guests, which is rather big for my University’s size!
Halevy-Feldman remains optimistic about the potential for positive change. She envisions a world where antisemitism is eradicated, and all communities can live in peace and security. To achieve this vision, she continues to innovate and expand her efforts, seeking new ways to build bridges and break barriers.
“Every step we take toward understanding and empathy is a step toward a brighter future,” Halevy-Feldman concludes. “Together, we can create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”
Halevy-Feldman’s extensive experience in various leadership roles further underscores her capabilities and dedication.
As an Israel Fellow with The Jewish Agency for Israel, Halevy-Feldman created and led educational programs that helped Jewish students find expression for their identity. She promoted pro-Israel groups and managed resource development and budget management. Her ability to connect with young people and inspire them to embrace their heritage has impacted countless individuals.
Halevy-Feldman’s career is marked by her dedication to social impact and community engagement. Her strategic vision and leadership have consistently driven successful outcomes in every role she has undertaken.
She remains a pivotal figure in her field, leveraging her expertise to foster understanding, bridge communities, and drive positive change.
About Author Sarah Goldstein
Sarah Goldstein is a dedicated writer for Matzav.com, focusing on Jewish culture and contemporary news. With a deep understanding of Jewish traditions and a keen awareness of current global events, she crafts insightful articles that resonate with her readers.
Her work often explores the intersection of faith and modernity, offering a thoughtful perspective on how ancient practices adapt in today’s world.
Sarah’s writing is marked by clarity, empathy, and commitment to truth, making her a respected voice within the Jewish community and beyond. Through her contributions, she helps bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary life.
