By Melanie Fine

The special Federation/JCRC event, Faces of Israel: Jewish Indian Heritage in Israel offered a meaningful window into the rich and often lesser-known story of Jewish life in India and its journey to Israel. Through the lens of personal narrative, the evening highlighted how history, culture, and identity intersect across generations and continents.

 Tom Rizman, Shaliach at the Jewish Federation Durham, N.C., shared his family’s story, tracing their roots in India and their eventual emigration to Israel.

Hosted at the home of Allison and Sam Revenson, he spoke movingly about the customs, traditions, and deep sense of Jewish identity that shaped his family’s life in India, alongside the complexities of leaving a familiar homeland to build a new life in Israel. His reflections brought to life the vibrancy of Indian Jewish culture and the pride with which these traditions were carried forward. 

Tom also explored the challenges his family and community faced upon arriving in Israel, including the trials of assimilation and the long journey toward acceptance within Israeli society. Through moments of struggle and resilience, his story underscored broader themes of belonging, perseverance, and the diverse tapestry that makes up Israeli society today.

 The program served as a powerful reminder that Israel’s story is made up of many faces, histories, and voices, each contributing to the collective narrative of the Jewish people.

Below, Tom Rizman is introduced by Lisa Looney, Federation/JCRC Israel Sub-committee co-chair.