Ashley Waxman Bakshi: Israel, Antisemitism & the Digital War After October 7

Ashley Waxman Bakshi joins the Soothing Semantics Podcast for a powerful conversation on Israel, antisemitism, October 7, Jewish identity, hostage advocacy, Zionism, and why the fight for truth online matters more than ever.

Ashley is widely known as a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle creator, but after October 7th, her platform shifted dramatically. In this episode, she opens up about the cost of speaking out for Israel, the antisemitism she experienced growing up in Canada, the pressure Jewish creators face online, and why Israel cannot afford to lose the digital war.

Chapters

We also discuss Ashley’s connection to former hostage Agam Berger, the impossible balance of advocating for hostages without raising their value to Hamas, the disconnect between Israel and the diaspora, why many Israelis underestimate the importance of online advocacy, and how Jewish identity is being challenged in the post-October 7 world.

This episode covers:

Ashley’s background as a beauty creator and Israel advocate

growing up Jewish in Canada

antisemitism on university campuses

October 7 and the shift in her audience

Israel’s digital war and online propaganda

hostage advocacy and Agam Berger

the role of diaspora Jews after October 7

why Zionism is misunderstood

Jewish indigeneity and historical connection to Israel

how to speak to people who are genuinely uninformed, not hateful

If this conversation resonates with you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share the episode.

Follow Ashley Waxman Bakshi:

Instagram: @ashleywaxmanbakshi

YouTube: The Girl Abroad / @makeupbyawb

Website: AWB Makeup

**Follow Soothing Semantics / Rafi Harel:**

Instagram: @rafi_the_realtor

Podcast Instagram: @soothingsemantics

YouTube: Soothing Semantics / @SoothingSemantics

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