Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 14
November 13, 2024
The Artists Against Antisemitism 2024 Auction is OPEN
The Artists Against Antisemitism kicks off its second annual auction on Nov. 13, 2024by Lisa Barr and Julie Satow
Artists Against Antisemitism is an organization comprised of prominent authors and artists who are raising funds to combat hate and increase antisemitism education across North America.
With the surge of antisemitism worldwide���especially in the art world, where blacklists, harassment, cancellations, violence, review bombing, and letter campaigns have become trendy and mainstreamed, The Artists Against Antisemitism (AAA) is fighting back.
The organization, founded by bestselling authors and prominent artists in the wake of October 7th, is hosting its second annual auction from November 13-20th. Funds raised from this year���s action will benefit, in part, Project Shema, a program that will help train facilitators to run antisemitism 101 awareness events for companies and organizations across North America, as well as toward special projects to supply antisemitism awareness training sessions for bookstores, libraries, museums, galleries, studios, news outlets, and other arts organizations in need.
���This is our way to create a safe space for Jewish artists and allies to come together and be proactive. We���re offering connection, support, and a vibrant community joining together to make a difference,��� says bestselling author and the organization���s co-president Jill Santopolo.
On the heels of the tremendous success of The Artists Against Antisemitism���s inaugural auction last December, raising more than $120,000 to fight antisemitism in the US, this year���s lineup features more than 300 fabulous items including goods, services and experiences from celebrities, bestselling authors, chefs, artists, and experts in their fields. Some of the hot ticket times include donations from Regina Spektor, Chelsea Clinton, Mayim Bialik, Henry Winkler, Lily Tomlin, Jenny Slate, Mark Feuerstein, Martin Fletcher, and Laraine Newman of SNL fame, plus VIP Tickets to the Tonight Show, DC United (with a locker room visit), Broadway tickets (Left on Tenth, written by Delia Ephron, starring Juliana Margulies)���and of course, book clubs, dinners, and personal conversations and Zooms with bestselling authors and artists.
���In the days following Oct. 7th, this organization gave our 33 founding members strength and community when we felt hopeless,��� explains bestselling author Alison Hammer, co-president of The Artists Against Antisemitism. ���This auction is our way for the arts community to stand up to hate, and channel our pain into something productive to raise awareness and create a platform that combats antisemitism by spreading love and light.���
The Artists Against Antisemitism is a 501(c)(3) founded by a group of authors in the aftermath of October 7th, to raise awareness of antisemitism in the arts, promote education about Jewish history and culture, celebrate Jewish artists, and unite the artistic community to build a kinder, brighter, more understanding future.
Auction website: www.theartistsagainstantisemitism.com/auctionAuction Dates/Times:
Bidding starts Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 12pm EST
Bidding closes Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 6pm EST
Antisemitism is frequently called the oldest form of hate. But within the arts, it���s a topic that���s too often misunderstood or neglected. Having a deeper understanding of the history of antisemitism and how it can manifest today will help you and your networks recognize it and call it out.
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Never Again is Now State of Israel Instagram
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The Amsterdam Pogrom 11/7/2024 World Jewish Congress
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400 Days Stand With Us “For 400 days we have not stopped fighting for them and thinking about them. The 101 hostages must be reunited with their families, NOW!”
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November 12, 2024
Living, Loving, and Laughing in Los Angeles
Lisa���s Los Angeles: Life, Love, and AdventureLiving in Los Angeles is like being on a constant adventure, where every street, park, and event holds the promise of something unforgettable. From the iconic Hollywood Bowl to chic, hidden spots like the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, LA offers the perfect blend of luxury, culture, and laid-back fun. One of my favorite summer activities is catching a concert at the Hollywood Bowl���it’s not just the music that makes it special, but the entire experience. This summer I was there for four amazing nights including watching Barbie The Movie: In Concert, featuring an all-women, mostly women-of-color orchestra called the Barbie Land Sinfonietta. The orchestra, dressed in fabulous pink jumpsuits, brought a whole new level of energy to the iconic score, making for a magical night under the stars.
Los Angeles’ appeal isn’t just limited to its entertainment scene���it’s also a haven for relaxation and culture. A staycation at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, tucked just below the Getty Center in Brentwood, offers the perfect balance of serenity and access to the city’s vibrant life. I spent an afternoon soaking in the art and architecture at the Getty, just a short stroll away, before unwinding with a chilled prosecco by the pool. The ambiance of the hotel���serene, yet buzzing with the city’s energy���is a reminder of how LA brings a sense of peace while keeping you connected to everything happening around you.
Whether it’s sipping cocktails while watching the sunset at the Andaz West Hollywood or discovering California���s finest at the newly opened Intuit Dome, LA is a place where unforgettable moments are always just around the corner. The diversity of experiences here���spanning from art-filled staycations to active, airbrushed swag at sports events���reminds me why I love calling this city home. There���s always something to celebrate, whether it���s a musical performance or an intimate gathering with friends over great food. In LA, every moment feels like it could be the beginning of something exciting.
A major highlight of my year has been the journey with my memoir, BRAVE-ish, which has taken me to places I never imagined. Touring with the book has been a deeply fulfilling experience, from being welcomed into the vibrant communities of independent bookstores like Zibby’s Bookshop to meeting readers at various Barnes & Noble locations. Each stop has been an opportunity to connect with people who share a love for storytelling and a thirst for inspiration. I���ve been so grateful to be part of these events, whether through live conversations or the videos I���ve created along the way, sharing my experiences, both funny and emotional, about life, travel, and writing.
LA has been a perfect backdrop for these moments, where I���ve been able to merge my love for the city with my growth as an author. The excitement of meeting readers, sharing my book, and connecting with like-minded creators has made this year one of personal and professional milestones. Every conversation I have at a bookstore, every video shared, reminds me why I do what I do���to inspire, to connect, and to grow.
As I look forward to the year ahead, I’m filled with excitement for the next chapter of my journey, both in writing and in life. With LA as my stage, there’s always something new to discover and more adventures to embrace. And with my book now part of the scene, I feel more connected than ever to the community of readers and storytellers who continue to inspire me.
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This birthday has been an unforgettable marathon of candles, laughter, and meals shared with friends from every chapter of my life! I���m endlessly grateful for the friends who lift me up, each one a thread in this lifelong adventure, from Jessica���my friend since 7th grade���to so many others who���ve come along for the ride. Every lunch, dinner, and celebration has felt like an exciting twist in our shared journey���a real game of chutes and ladders, filled with climbs, slides, and unexpected turns that make life so much richer.
Celebrating at the new Ospi in Brentwood added an extra spark. It���s been a longtime favorite of mine in Venice, and seeing it now on San Vicente feels like a little piece of home, closer than ever. Here���s to all the friends, old and new, who make life���s moments meaningful.
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is go to the Hollywood Bowl, we absolutely loved seeing Barbie The Movie: In Concert featuring the Barbie Land Sinfonietta, an all-women and mostly women of color orchestra dressed in pink jumpsuits!
Hey BARBIE! Great Fireworks! at the Hollywood Bowl for Barbie The Movie: In Concert featuring the Barbie Land
Sinfonietta, an all-women and mostly women of color orchestra dressed in pink jumpsuits!
Enjoying a luxurious staycation at the historic Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel! Nestled on seven acres of serene greenery just below the Getty Center and near Brentwood, this elegant hotel offers a peaceful retreat while still being close to all the excitement of Los Angeles. We relaxed by the pool at sunset, sipping chilled prosecco from our private cabana���such a perfect way to unwind. For lunch, we dined at On Sunset, the hotel���s renowned restaurant, where the fresh guacamole and delicious dishes made the experience even better. Afterward, we took the time to really soak up the culture at the Getty Center, exploring its stunning art and architecture. You can also enjoy the pool and amenities for an afternoon or sunset visit with ResortPass���perfect for a laid-back luxury escape.
Active Airbrush Brings California Cool to the Intuit Dome!
Couldn���t get enough of Active Airbrush at the Visit California event at the brand-new Intuit Dome! From the first stroke, they took custom event swag to the next level, personalizing basketballs with California-inspired designs that perfectly captured the energy and excitement of this new stadium. Guests were thrilled to take home their very own keepsakes���each basketball a vibrant, one-of-a-kind masterpiece celebrating the Golden State���s spirit.
Active Airbrush specializes in custom airbrush art, offering a wide range of personalized products, including apparel, accessories, and of course, sports gear like these stylish basketballs. Their skilled artists use a mix of traditional airbrush techniques and modern design concepts to create stunning, high-quality artwork. Not only do they focus on aesthetics, but they also provide an interactive experience at events, allowing guests to engage with their artistry firsthand.
With their commitment to customization, Active Airbrush empowers customers to choose colors, themes, and personal touches, ensuring every item is unique. Their presence at events, like the one at the Intuit Dome, creates memorable experiences that guests cherish long after the event ends.
Active Airbrush nailed it with creativity, making every detail unforgettable.
California���s Best Gather at the New Intuit Dome: A Night of Inspiration, Adventure, and Unforgettable Swag
The newly opened Intuit Dome in Inglewood was the perfect setting to showcase California���s incredible travel destinations and experiences, bringing together the best of the best in the Golden State. Travel industry leaders, top journalists, and destination experts gathered to celebrate the full spectrum of California���s magic���from vibrant cities and coastal escapes to wine country retreats and mountain adventures. The night wasn���t just a preview of California���s finest; it was an invitation to reimagine the Golden State���s endless possibilities for exploration and inspiration.
The immersive experience included everything that makes California unforgettable: locally-inspired cuisine, signature cocktails, and interactive exhibits that highlighted the distinct vibes of each destination. With more than 40 top travel representatives on hand, guests got the latest updates, insider tips, and inspiration for future travel pieces. And for a memorable touch of stadium-themed swag, Active Airbrush was there to personalize basketballs with attendees��� names, adding vibrant designs in sync with the Intuit Dome���s exciting new era.
Here���s a look at all the California destinations that made the evening shine: Participating Destinations: Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau, Discover Claremont, Highway 1 Road Trip, KSL Resorts, Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority, North Lake Tahoe, PIER 39, Plumas County Tourism, San Diego Tourism Authority, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), San Francisco Travel Association, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, See Monterey, Sonoma County Tourism, Stay Healdsburg, The San Francisco Peninsula, Travel Costa Mesa, Visit 29 Palms, Visit Carlsbad, Visit Carmel, Visit Concord, Visit Dana Point, Visit Fresno County, Visit Greater Palm Springs, Visit Huntington Beach, Visit Mendocino County, Visit Oceanside, Visit Oxnard, Visit Pasadena, Visit Redding, Visit Santa Barbara, Visit Santa Cruz County, Visit Santa Maria Valley, Visit SLO CAL, Visit Stockton, Visit Temecula Valley, Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, Visit Visalia, Visit West Hollywood, Visit Yosemite | Madera County, Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood, Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.
With so many destinations represented, it was like a journey across California in one night. From the stunning coastlines to the scenic mountains and bustling cities, the Golden State has it all. It was a night filled with stories, connections, and fresh ideas for the next big adventure.
Celebrating the Andaz West Hollywood at the Sounds of Sunset art exhibit! As the first Andaz for Hyatt, launched in 2007, this hotel redefines luxury with its unique approach to hospitality���embracing unbuttoned luxury with a refreshing vibe and absolutely no stuffiness.
From the stunning rooftop pool, the highest in WeHo, to the vibrant art installations throughout the hotel, every corner exudes creativity and flair. The lobby showcases colorful, tall boots as art, making a bold statement, while the elevator door wrapped to resemble a stack of vinyl records adds a playful touch that embodies the essence of music and art.
Guests can soak in the sunset vibes while exploring the immersive art experience at Andaz West Hollywood. I loved the art curated by Liz Woolf from Song Word Art House. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying the artistic ambiance, this venue perfectly captures the spirit of Sunset.
Had an amazing time back at Barnes & Noble, UPSTAIRS at The Grove! Loved my book event here for BRAVE-ish with BJ Korros of the Hollywood Moment���so much fun meeting Eric Roberts and his #DWTS partner Britt Stewart. Exciting book signing for Runaway Train! Wishing them great luck on the dance floor!
Spent a lovely afternoon at the Getty Center, soaking in the stunning art, architecture, and views. It���s just a short distance from the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing staycation in Los Angeles. Culture, calm, and a touch of luxury���what a beautiful way to recharge!
So special to have time with beloved friends! Huge thanks to Ospi Venice for serving up their signature coastal Italian fare just steps from the beach���everything from fresh pasta to wood-fired pizzas was on point. Terra at Eataly took things to the next level with its rooftop setting, where we sipped handcrafted cocktails while soaking in panoramic city views. And of course, the elegant ambiance at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel was the perfect backdrop for unwinding in style, making every moment of our celebration feel even more special. Great laughs, amazing libations, delicious eats, and unforgettable surroundings���what more could you ask for?
Congrats Evan! What a great night at The Adventurers Club hearing about your top ten most dangerous moments.
I loved celebrating Fiprotur���s 5th Anniversary at Culina with Rodrigo and his team from #loscabostourism. There are many new luxury hotels opening and I cannot wait to see them. I have sailed to Cabo many times but I have actually never stayed overnight! Where should I stay FIRST? Being at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles makes any day feel like a holiday. What a treat to have breakfast with travel friends and talk about my favorite topic! This hotel is where California style meets laid-back luxury so of course you can find it as a Top Hotel in Los Angeles and on #travelandleisure World���s Best Awards.
I am so incredibly grateful to Barnes & Noble Studio City for inviting me to sign my memoir, Brave-ish! This week marks ONE YEAR since my book was published, and I couldn���t be more thrilled! Chris from the store was amazing, helping me with photos and signing. I even had the chance to stroll the aisles with fellow travel writer Timathea Workman! It was so fun to see Brave-ish on the shelves alongside books by some of my favorite authors and friends: Alka Joshi, Christie Tate, Patricia Schultz, Ali Brady, Lisa Barr, Lisa Genova, Cheryl Strayed, Michelle Obama, Gloria Steinem, Jodi Picoult, James Michener, Maria Semple, Beth Santos, and Andrew McCarthy. Feeling like a very happy and grateful author today!
As we embrace the new year and set our goals, I can’t help but reflect on the unforgettable experiences that summer brought us, especially those cherished nights at the Hollywood Bowl. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a concert featuring the iconic Boyz II Men, which reminded me just how special this venue is in the heart of Los Angeles. The Hollywood Bowl isn���t just a concert hall; it���s a treasure trove of summer delights, where the magic of music meets the beauty of our city. For decades, it has been a place of joy, community, and memorable performances, drawing people from all walks of life to enjoy the magic of live music under the stars.
Boyz II Men were nothing short of spectacular. As the best-selling R&B group of all time, they took the stage and transported us back to the golden age of R&B with their smooth harmonies and timeless hits. I found myself singing along to classics like “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” and “Motownphilly,” feeling a sense of nostalgia that connected me with the music of my youth and the crowd around me. Their performance was a celebration of not only their rich history but also the enduring impact of their music, which has inspired countless artists across generations.
Each note they sang echoed the countless accolades they���ve achieved over their 30-year career: four Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their ability to craft timeless ballads filled with sincere emotion is why they remain a fixture in our hearts and playlists. It���s also a testament to their commitment to their craft, as they continue to produce new music and tour across the world.
Attending this concert was more than just a night of entertainment; it was a reminder of the power of music to uplift, inspire, and connect us. As the fireworks lit up the sky, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being in that moment. Living in Los Angeles offers so many incredible opportunities, and the Hollywood Bowl epitomizes what makes this city so special.
As we step into 5785, I look for the light in the coming year, praying each day that it will be the one to bring all the hostages home. I hope for a year filled with safety, health, and the promise that we will dance again. Let���s cherish these moments, whether it���s a concert under the stars or simply enjoying the beauty around us, and embrace the goals we set for the new year. Here���s to more unforgettable nights filled with music, laughter, and the spirit of LA!
I wanted to share one of the best concerts at one of my favorite places to remind myself and everyone else that we will dance again. Paula Abdul took the Hollywood Bowl by storm, proving once again that age is just a number! At 62, this global icon���known for her unstoppable energy and talent���reminded us all why she���s a true entertainment legend.
As a music superstar, dancer, renowned choreographer, and beloved TV personality (original judge on American Idol), Paula has impacted every corner of the industry. With 60 million records sold and a host of awards including two GRAMMYs, two Emmys, and five MTV Video Music Awards, her influence just keeps growing. Her timeless hits like Straight Up, Cold Hearted, and Opposites Attract continue to bring fans of all ages to their feet
So exciting to be at the grand opening of the brand-new Barnes & Noble on 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica! Loved hearing Mayor Phil Brock and Wally Marks speak about revitalizing the area and gearing up for the LA28 Olympics. The entire team, led by manager Sarah and social media lead Estrella, has extensive experience from other stores, bringing vast knowledge and a true passion for books. BJ Korros conducted interviews with authors and the amazing Barnes & Noble team, including Darlene Ingram, for The Hollywood Moment. I especially loved the giant travel section with books by my friend Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, as well as some of my other favorite authors and friends Lisa Barr, Lisa Genova, and Alka Joshi���and many books by local authors, including me! The store also features a huge downstairs, a fantastic children’s section, and many more books by local authors.
Is there a better way to spend a summer night than at the Hollywood Bowl with Pink Martini? This was their 30th performance at the Bowl, and it was nothing short of magical! Huge thanks to Jessica for joining me. There���s something about summer nights at the Hollywood Bowl���the warm breeze, the music floating through the night sky, and the sense of community that makes it a quintessential LA experience.
Pink Martini���s ability to connect people from all walks of life through their multilingual performances (25 languages!) is truly special. Hearing them sing ‘Elohai’ in Hebrew was such a powerful moment���a prayer about the purity of the soul that reflects how music can bring peace and unity to the world. In a time when we need more grace and togetherness, it was beautiful to experience that moment as a community under the stars.
And of course, ‘Hey Eugene’ had us all dancing and laughing! Pink Martini���s joyful energy and commitment to inclusivity are why they���ve been inducted into both the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame and the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Their music spans continents, blending global sounds with a unique style that makes each concert feel like a journey. No wonder they���re a Bowl favorite!
One of my favorite things to do in Los Angeles is see a concert at The Hollywood Bowl. Thanks to Jessica for joining me at the Hollywood Bowl. Opening for Pink Martini���this is Andrew Bird Trio. AND! I learned how to do overlay on Tiktok!
One of my favorite summer activities in Los Angeles is spending a night at the Hollywood Bowl! In August, I had the pleasure of seeing the Los Angeles Philharmonic, led by Otto Tausk, with the incredible pianist Behzod Abduraimov. The USC Trojan Marching Band joined them for an unforgettable performance!
The program was all Tchaikovsky���Polonaise from Eugene Onegin, Piano Concerto No. 1, The Sleeping Beauty suite, and, of course, the powerful 1812 Overture. The music, the energy, and the atmosphere were all magical! Grateful to spend the night with treasured family.
By the Sea at Hermosa Beach
I had the honor to meet and interview four award-winning Paralympians on their road to the Paris Olympics. These champions shared their love of competition and how they stay motivated:
Ezra Frech says:
Set big unrealistic goals–so big that it keeps you motivated to make your dream come true. And tell other people for support. He is going for the triple crown in track and field at the LA Olympics 2028!
https://www.instagram.com/ezrafrech/
https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/ezra...
Nick Mayhugh learned a new sport during COVID, and told me he sets incremental goals to keep himself motivated. It works because he won 3 gold medals in his new sport of track and field. He said: “Believe in yourself!”
https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/nich...
https://www.instagram.com/nickmayhugh
Lizzie Smith says:
Pour everything into your training. There are no guarantees but it is worth it, you need to believe, have faith, keep up the hope and imagine being on the podium!
https://www.instagram.com/lizzi__smith
https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/lizz...
Ahalya Lettenberger says she is able keep going because of her teammates. They support each other and help each other to get back into the cold pool in the morning and swim!
https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/ahal...
https://www.instagram.com/alett19/
Mazel Tov to the authors of On Being Jewish Now and to Zibby Books, Zibby Owens and Zibby’s Bookshop for publishing this essential work at such a critical time. Following the tragedy of October 7���a day that left deep scars on the Jewish community, with lives lost, families shattered, and hostages still held captive���this collection of voices is more meaningful than ever. In a time of grief, fear, and rising antisemitism, On Being Jewish Now brings together 75 diverse perspectives, capturing the resilience, courage, and strength of Jewish identity amid overwhelming pain.
This anthology speaks to the challenges of being Jewish today and the unwavering pride that binds us together. In honoring these voices, we also honor those affected by the tragedy, those still waiting to come home, and our commitment to speak out against hate. Thank you to Zibby Books and all the authors for amplifying our stories and helping us find solidarity and healing.
https://youtube.com/shorts/hCJYcH-g414Grateful beyond words for the incredible people in my life ��� friends, family, and community. Your support means the world to me. We all need our village, filled with kindness, those who see the next steps for us when we can’t, who lift us up, and who wish for us hidden miracles. My wish for you is to be filled with tremendous health and the power to find joy daily.
As we begin 5785, rooted in Tikkun Olam, the Jewish belief that we are responsible for making the world better, I will be sharing several opportunities to give back and help. Here’s to a new year filled with love, laughter, adventure, radiant health, abundance, and JOY!
FUN FOTOS from the red carpet and gala night! I am a 2x WINNER at the 66th annual Southern California Journalism Awards! My PODCAST “Make Your Own Map” WON for my interviews with both Samantha Brown and Tony Phelan, A Small Light. Thank you to the Los Angeles Press Club. I was also a finalist for Online Journalist of the Year, Podcast Host and for two of my other podcast interviews with Andrew McCarthy and Christie Tate.
THANK YOU!! I am deeply grateful to everyone who joined me and BJ Korros from The Hollywood Moment at Barnes & Noble at The Grove for my BRAVE-ish event! WOW! Thank you to Rachael for the incredible 6 foot wide banner that hung up on the 3rd floor for over a month. THANKS to everyone who showed up and asked questions and bought books and to all our giveaway sponsors. It was SO MUCH FUN!! Thanks to my sister for flying in from NYC as a giant surprise! and to all the friends and family who not only showed up at Barnes & Noble but were also at my events at Vroman’s Bookstore & Zibby’s Bookshop! Want your own signed copy of Brave-ish?
What a fantastic evening with Hadassah at Small World Books on Venice Beach! It was such a joy to celebrate the one-year anniversary of BRAVE-ish with a warm, welcoming group of women who share a passion for travel and support each other���s journeys. We talked about adventures, life, and how women wander the world, making a difference wherever they go. And of course, we had cake to celebrate! I���m filled with happiness, pride, and deep gratitude for everyone who joined me. Here���s to more travels, stories, and the incredible power of community!
I���m SO excited to share that tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of��my memoir BRAVE-ish! I���ll be celebrating this milestone with a special event at Small World Books, hosted by Hadassah, and I���d love for you to join me! It’s been an amazing journey, and I���m so honored that the event is featured in the calendar section of the Jewish Journal. It���s a reminder that small steps���like sharing stories, exploring new places, and building connections���can lead to BIG changes.
I���m incredibly grateful for all the support I���ve received over the past year���whether you���ve bought the book, left a review, shared your thoughts on social media, or come out to events. Your encouragement has meant the world to me!
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November 11, 2024
Polar Bear Encounters and Northern Wonders: Adventures with Churchill Wild
The Birds, Bears, and Belugas Safari with Churchill Wild is a rare and incredible opportunity, with only around 8,000 adventurers having experienced this breathtaking walking safari in over 33 years. Nestled at the Seal River Heritage Lodge, our journey brought us face-to-face with Hudson Bay���s extraordinary wildlife, including polar bears, beluga whales, and a diverse array of birds���all under the expert guidance of Churchill Wild���s ethical wildlife viewing principles.
Our days often began with sightings that seemed surreal. One morning, while enjoying breakfast, we looked up to see a polar bear wandering across the rocks just outside the dining room window. Walking safaris here are a signature Churchill Wild experience, allowing us to explore on foot, led by guides who emphasize respectful distances, minimal impact, and sustainable practices. Wearing the sturdy rubber boots Churchill Wild provided, we trekked through the tundra in single file, moving quietly to observe these majestic creatures without disturbing them.
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A highlight of the trip was spotting a mother polar bear and her two cubs at the mouth of the Seal River. The family strolled across the rocks, taking occasional dips to cool off���a magical sight that underscored the beauty and power of these Arctic giants. On another day, from the zodiac, we marveled at the sheer number of beluga whales swimming and playing in Hudson Bay, their calls echoing through the water. Known as the ‘canaries of the sea,’ belugas gather here in the tens of thousands each summer, making Hudson Bay one of the best places in the world to witness these vocal, social animals.
Our guides���Jess, Luke, and Terry���were an essential part of this experience, sharing their expertise and passion for the wildlife and landscape. They led us on day trips out to spots like Jack’s Cabin by ATV, where we picnicked and spotted enormous polar bear tracks and even an arctic hare. Their keen eyes made each outing special, with new sights each day, whether from the lodge windows, during a peaceful hike, or from a zodiac out on the water.
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With Churchill Wild, every day felt like a gift from nature. The remote location, extraordinary wildlife, and commitment to responsible tourism made this journey unforgettable���a unique blend of adventure, learning, and awe in one of the world���s last true wildernesses.
We were walking and hoping to see polar bears in their natural environment, guided by Churchill Wild‘s commitment to ethical wildlife viewing. Traveling on foot, we maintained a respectful distance, minimized noise, and ensured no impact on the bears���no drones, never feeding wildlife, and green operations all the way. Wearing the rubber boots provided by Churchill Wild, we navigated the uneven, changing terrain in single file through this beautiful area. In August, a bug net hat or jacket is a must! It was incredible to be in the wild with the polar bears and see their tracks up close.
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An unforgettable sight at the mouth of the Seal River���watching a polar bear mom with her two cubs walking across the rocks! We also saw them swimming, cooling off in the water and just being their adorable selves. Moments like these make you truly appreciate the wild beauty of nature. Terry, one of our three incredible guides, spotted them while we were watching an enormous number of beluga whales from our zodiac boat adventure. Birds, Bears, and Belugas safari at Seal River Heritage Lodge.
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Had an absolutely magical experience watching this mother polar bear and her two cubs on the rocks in Seal River from our zodiac boat, right after seeing thousands of beluga whales! Our two zodiacs were the only boats in the water, making the experience even more special and serene. Churchill Wild truly offers something unforgettable!
Polar bears everywhere! One morning at Seal River Heritage Lodge, we watched a polar bear stroll over the rocks right outside the dining room window during breakfast. You never know when you���ll get that thrilling knock on your door������There���s a bear in the lobby!��� or ���Wake up to see the Northern Lights!��� This exclusive remote lodge offers so many incredible viewing opportunities. Every day brings something new, whether on our walks from the lodge or from the water on the zodiacs. Being up close with these apex predators is beyond awesome!
I absolutely loved our walking safari with the polar bears at Seal River Heritage Lodge with Churchill Wild! Our three incredible guides���Jess, Luke, and Terry���made this experience unforgettable. The lodge is wonderful, the food is fantastic, and the team is exceptional. We saw so many polar bears in so many different settings! On this day, we explored all around the lodge, spotting polar bears in the tall grass, along the riverbed, and across diverse landscapes. And yes, we finally learned the answer to the classic question, ‘Why did the polar bear cross the road?’
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Did you know there are around 100,000 beluga whales on our planet? Every summer, 25-50% of them gather in Hudson Bay, making it one of the best places to see these incredible creatures. Belugas can be found in five countries: Canada, Greenland/Denmark, Svalbard/Norway, Alaska/USA, and Russia. These 14-foot-long, white whales are often called the ‘canaries of the sea’ because of their vocalizations. We were lucky enough to witness thousands of them swimming by, playing, and hear their beautiful sounds through a hydrophone. It’s truly an unforgettable experience!
Had an awesome full-day touring adventure from Seal River Lodge by ATV out to Jack’s Cabin! We enjoyed a picnic, spotted giant polar bear tracks, and even saw an arctic hare. We followed our formation for viewing and saw a polar bear in the distance���got some great photos! Some days we walk from the lodge, others we���re on the zodiac boat, and this day was all about the ATV. Such a fun day filled with adventure and new friends. Our talented guides made the experience unforgettable���just the best!
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READ MORE:
Birds, Bears, and Belugas Safari with Churchill Wild Seal River Lodge 2024
Walking with Polar Bears and Wolves at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge 2018
USA Today 10Best : Clear your mind in these open spaces made for exploringHUFF POST PERSONAL: ‘My Octopus Teacher’ Was Mesmerizing But There’s 1 Thing That Deeply Troubled Me“When I was walking in the Canadian wilderness with tour operator Churchill Wild to see wolves and polar bears…“ Ms. Magazine : 10 Global Travel Adventures To Inspire Global Eco-Activism Polar Bears Can���t Vote, So You Have To! We Said Go Travel Part One: Do You Want to Walk with Polar Bears? and on JJPart Two: Are You Ready for an Adventure? Walk with Polar Bears & on JJPart Three: How Do You Get To Churchill Wild? & on JJAre You Ready to Discover Wonderful Winnipeg? and on JJ Tell Me More About Walking with Polar BearsVIDEOS: Nanuk Lodge Video PlaylistFacebook album from Nanuk LodgeBored Panda: Do You Want To Walk With Polar Bears?I walked with the animals
Walking with Polar Bears by Lisa Niver with Churchill Wild near Hudson BayView this post on InstagramA post shared by Lisa Niver
The post Polar Bear Encounters and Northern Wonders: Adventures with Churchill Wild appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
November 9, 2024
BRAVE-ish wins READER’S FAVORITE Award! Meet me at the MIAMI BOOK FAIR!
Winning a Readers��� Favorite award feels like an amazing moment, and it just got even more thrilling���I���m headed to the Miami Book Fair! Readers��� Favorite has been helping authors share their stories with the world since 2009, creating a vibrant community that highlights talent across every genre. They���ve built a reputation as a trusted voice, connecting award-winning books with readers, libraries, and booksellers globally. To be recognized by them means so much, knowing that my story truly connected with readers and reviewers.
And then there���s the Miami Book Fair���one of the biggest literary events in the U.S. and a true celebration of books and ideas. Since 1984, this beloved fair has brought together authors, book lovers, and creative minds from across the globe for a week filled with dynamic author panels, interactive workshops, and family-friendly events. Hosted by Miami Dade College, the fair is known for its rich diversity and its unique ability to create a sense of community among attendees, with something for every reader and storyteller.
Being recognized by Readers��� Favorite and invited to the Miami Book Fair feels like a full-circle moment, a chance to connect with readers, meet incredible authors, and soak up the vibrant energy of this iconic event. I can���t wait to dive into the conversations, celebrate books, and share my story in such an inspiring setting. Here���s to this exciting journey���YAY to what���s next!
BRAVE-ish wins READER’S FAVORITE Women’s Genre! Thank you so much! I am honored and excited for my memoir to be including in this award.
SEE YOU AT THE MIAMI BOOK FAIR where my memoir will be in the Reader’s Favorite Tent! Saturday, November 23, 2024 and Sunday, November 24, 2024
– Adult Admission: $12 at the gate
– Kids 12 & under: FREE
– Hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
– Gates open at 9 a.m.
Official bookseller at Miami Book Fair is BOOKS and BOOKS. Find more information about panels with Jewish authors including Zibby Owens, editor of On Being Jewish Now, here in the Jewish Authors Program.
Do you want to win a copy of my memoir? CLICK here to enter!
Brave-ish 5 Star REVIEW by Edith Wairimu on Reader’s FavoriteBlending her personal journey with her extraordinary travel experiences, Lisa Niver delivers an exceptional, inspiring memoir. Brave-ish, One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty chronicles her journey, including her marriage and divorce, and encourages others to bravely embrace life and venture into the unknown. Niver had never been a stranger to instability and uncertainty. Years earlier, she had given up studying medicine and a promising medical career to become an assistant preschool teacher. A couple of years later, she would walk away from seven years of travel and working on cruise ships, and return to teaching. Such courageous risks mark her remarkable life which includes her adventures across the globe. Though she encounters many hardships, her journey is also full of fun, joy, and hope.
This awe-inspiring work offers readers the chance to go on exciting travels without having to leave the comfort of their homes. In her book, Niver offers more than a travelogue. She provides a raw, honest glimpse into her experiences, including the immense challenges she faced and the beautiful, life-changing encounters she had. She talks about the physical and emotional trauma she suffered from her marriage and encourages readers to move forward and not allow similar struggles to hinder them from pursuing their dreams. I found her zest for life inspiring and was encouraged by her ability to face both small and great risks. Her journey is captivating and along the way she meets various interesting characters. Brave-ish, One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty is a heartfelt, must-read memoir told with wit, honesty, and heart.
See my book on the award page
MORE AWARDS FOR BRAVE-ish
My memoir, Brave-ish, is a 2023 HEARTEN Book Awards First Place Winner for Uplifting & Inspiring Non-Fiction and Memoir!BRAVE-ish is a Nonfiction Gold Book Awards Winner
BRAVE-ish is a winner: 2024 Literary Titan Gold Book Award
Goody Business Book Awards: Memoir/Self-Help
Zibby Awards: Best Book for The Strong Woman
My Podcast, Make Your Own Map, won 2nd place for Diversity in TV/Streaming at the NAEJ Awards
My website is #10 on the top 100 Travel Lifestyle Blogs and Websites
I am also the #3 Top Travel Influencer for 2024 for Afluencer as well as #10 of Female Influencers Brands Can���t Get Enough of for 2024!
The post BRAVE-ish wins READER’S FAVORITE Award! Meet me at the MIAMI BOOK FAIR! appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
October 31, 2024
It’s My Birthday! Niver’s October News 2024
October News 2024 with Lisa Niver & We Said Go Travel:HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! Thank you for all of the birthday wishes. Want to celebrate with me? Support tikkun olam and make our world a better place. Here are a few organizations doing great work to consider.Thank you to Bookfest for including me as a speaker again! I spoke at the Fall Bookfest 2023 and this year on the Oh The Places You Will Go Travel Panel for Fall 2024. My memoir won TWO AWARDS at the event!!
Thank you to all of the podcast hosts who have interviewed me! This article has links to five Jewish podcasts including Jewish Sacred Aging, Too Jewish, Search for Meaning, Taste Buds with Deb and The Jewish Lens where I was interviewed about my memoir, BRAVE-ish!
Thank you Hearten Book Awards for my First Place Award for Uplifting and Inspiring Non-Fiction for BRAVE-ish! I filmed with my 1st place ribbon at Barnes & Noble Studio City. Thank you Loraine Morrill for inviting me on your iHeart Radio show to talk about my memoir, BRAVE-ish. Listen to our discussion here!
Thank you to Ilyssa Panitz, The Divorce Journalist, for inviting me on her show, Ways Thru Divorce, Ep 7. ���Divorce can push your stress levels to the max, but that doesn���t mean you have to give up on taking a vacation or enjoying your time with your kids. On Ways Thru Divorce on Your Home TV, we talk to Lisa Niver about the benefits of travel during divorce and how to plan an affordable, fun itinerary for your family.��� Watch now: https://wtd.yourhometv.com/
Thank you Nicole Pajer for including me in your Huffington Post article on TRAVEL: ���
The Common Pieces Of Travel Advice You Should Actually Ignore
“���One piece of advice you should ignore is people who say you do not need travel insurance. You do when something goes wrong,��� said Lisa Niver, a travel expert and author of ���Brave-ish: One Break-up, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.��� ���I have been in a hurricane on a ship, my cruise company went bankrupt seven days after Sept. 11, medical emergencies, dive accidents. Trust me get travel insurance!���
One of the best things about Los Angeles is the The Hollywood Bowl! Watch this playlist with 16 videos from my favorite concerts!I went to the Hollywood Bowl four times this summer and saw the final concert with stellar performances from both Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men! What a GREAT NIGHT! Can you hear my friend singing along in the videos?
Do you LOVE my book BRAVE-ish? PLEASE WRITE A REVIEW!! Click here to go directly to rate or review BRAVE-ish on Amazon (now at 59 reviews! Help me get to 100!)–but you can do anywhere you bought your book! You can find my book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Simon & Schuster, Post Hill Press, Target, Walmart, BookShop, BAM! and wherever you get your audiobooks!
People always ask me where is it best to buy my book. I recommend you go into or call your favorite local book store and ask them to order it for you and pick it up IN THE STORE! You never know what other treasures you will find. Any bookstore can order my book because my publisher is Post Hill Press and it is distributed by Simon and Schuster. My book is now in store at Dubray bookstore on Grafton in Dublin, Ireland! Brave-ish is available all over the globe!
Learn more about my events: click here and my articles here
Want to travel more? Take my Travel Writer 101 class on Udemy.
LATEST on my PODCAST: How Alex Jimenez Transformed Her Passion into a Thriving Travel Community
THANK YOU for watching my award-winning podcast, Make Your Own Map! It has now been seen and heard in 52 countries on 6 continents.
WATCH my podcast, “MAKE YOUR OWN MAP: Are YOU ready to be BRAVE?” on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Podcast, Google Podcasts, Audacy, Audible, Anchor, Pandora & iHeart Radio
WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I have nearly 2.25 Million views on YouTube! (now at: 2,225,000).
Thank you for your support! Are you one of my 4,400 subscribers? I hope you will join me and subscribe! For more We Said Go Travel articles, TV segments, videos and social media: CLICK HERE
Find me on social media with over 150,000 followers. Please follow on TikTok: @LisaNiver, Twitter at @LisaNiver, Instagram @LisaNiver and on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and at LisaNiver.com.
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This month included Rosh Hashannah, Yom Kippur, my birthday and Sukkot. Most of these times I focus on joy and thinking about my goals in the new year. However, it was also the one year anniversary of the horrific attacks on Israel on Oct 7, 2023, and there are still 101 hostages in hell after being taken by Hamas. Please join me in praying every day that they will soon return.
Do you love audiobooks? My memoir, Brave-ish, is available on all audio platforms! Did you know that authors have to audition to narrate their books?
Thank you to Joanne Fink for my birthday name art! Find her work at Zenspirations and on my social. I shared her art for Rosh Hashannah and Sept 11 remembrance.
More photos from my California cruise on the Ruby Princess and my birthday celebrations coming soon!
The post It’s My Birthday! Niver’s October News 2024 appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
October 24, 2024
BRAVE-ish at Bookfest 2024: Oh the Places You Go
The BookFest Adventure Livestream Fall Event will be on Oct 26th and 27th, 2024!
Travel Book Authors Panel: Oh the Places You Will Go
Travel Book Authors Panel: Oh the Places You Will Go
11:45am PT ��� 12:30pm PT
Ready to wander beyond the pages? Join this panel of travel writers as they share their most unforgettable journeys, offer practical tips for crafting a life filled with courage and discovery and the empowerment discovered when living a life of adventure. Whether you’re an armchair traveler or a globetrotter, or perhaps you���ve always dreamed of being a travel writer, this discussion will spark your wanderlust.
Linda Ballou, author of ���Lost Angel in Paradise,��� ���Get Great Trips for Free,��� and the most recent ���Lost Angel Unleashed-Stories from the Heart,��� she hosts a podcast and contributes to numerous magazines
Lisa Niver, award-winning travel expert who has explored 102 countries on six continents ��� her memoir, ���Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty��� has inspired millions
Jen Ruiz, award-winning lawyer turned travel writer, author of ���12 Trips in 12 Months,��� 3-time TEDx speaker, and featured travel expert by The Washington Post, Huffington Post, ABC News, and more
KJ Matthews, award-winning media and entertainment journalist, regular contributor to BBC News and DW News, and former contributor to Extra News and CNN for over a decade
FULL PRESS RELEASE ABOUT BOOKFEST: CLICK HERELOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, September 26, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — The BookFest Adventure�����returns for its 10th biannual virtual event on October 26th and 27th, 2024. The Fall 2024 edition features bestselling authors Kelley Armstrong, author of the popular “Women of the Otherworld” series and her recent release “A Rip Through Time”, and S.A. Cosby, acclaimed author of “Blacktop Wasteland” and his latest, “Razorblade Tears”. Also featured is Brandon McNulty, author of “Bad Parts” and his newest release, “The Half Murders”. This highly anticipated event promises to captivate readers and writers alike with two days of always-free-to-attend programming. The BookFest Fall 2024 is an exciting event for anyone who loves books and writing. The event brings together a diverse range of speakers and attendees, offering insights and ideas on everything from writing craft to book marketing and technology.
Saturday, October 26th, 2024, livestream programming is dedicated to readers. Listed in Pacific Time, the programming includes:
9:30am PT ��� Welcome Message from The BookFest Founder Desire�� Duffy
9:35am PT ��� Opening Keynote ��� Dr. Raye Mitchell: Greenlight Your Genius
9:45am PT ��� A Salute to Lisa Diane Kastner ��� Winner of the Honorary Achievement BookFest Award
10:00am PT ��� A Conversation with S.A. Cosby and Jennifer Anne Gordon
10:45am PT ��� The Truth About Showing Up
11:00am PT ��� A Conversation with Slumberkins creators Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen, and Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble
11:45am PT ��� Travel Book Authors Panel: Oh the Places You Will Go
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12:30pm PT ��� A Conversation with Kelley Armstrong: Ripping Through History
1:15pm PT ��� Historical Fiction Panel: The Good Old Days? Historical Fiction that Might Open Our Eyes
2:00pm PT ��� A Conversation with Annie Korzen: From Seinfeld to TikTok Sensation
2:45pm PT ��� Embracing What Makes You You: Turning Your Personality into a Superpower
3:00pm PT ��� Live Author Chats, hosted by Beth Worsdell and co-hosted by J. Gordon Curtis
5:00pm PT ��� Winners of The BookFest Big Bundle of Books Giveaway and The BookFest Children���s Book Giveaway announced
The full list of BookFest Fall 2024 speakers includes: Maria Alexander; Marcy Axelrod; Kelley Armstrong; Jim Azevedo; Linda Ballou; Jeza Belle; Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble; Gina Cavalier; Sebastien de Castell; Callie Christensen; Mark Coker; Tricia Copeland; S.A. Cosby; J. Gordon Curtis; Grinnell “Buzz” Desjarlais; Dave Duffy; Desire�� Duffy; Naomi Kim Eagleson; Reggie Ford; Beth Freely; DC Gomez; Jennifer Anne Gordon; Tina Hogan Grant; Margaret Grundstein; Rebecca Hendricks; Steven Joseph; Kathleen Kaiser; Lisa Diane Kastner; David Katz; Annie Korzen; Bjorn Leesson; Leslie Lehr; Russel Little; Christopher Madden; Lucia Matuonto; KJ Matthews; Hollis Jo McCollum; Dominic McLoughlin; Brandon McNulty; Mickey Mikkelson; Karen Hodges Miller; Jode Millman; Dr. Raye Mitchell; Stacia Moffett; Adanna Moriarty; donalee Moulton; Lisa Niver; Kelly Oriard; Aimee Ravichandran; CC Robinson; Jennifer Ruiz; Scott Ryan; Lucas Strunc; Deborah Vankin; Amy Wolf; Beth Worsdell.
The event���s hub is the website���TheBookFest.com,���where visitors can find the livestream link on the day of the event. Also, it will stream through the Books That Make You Channel on���YouTube���and The BookFest���Facebook Page. Hashtags #TheBookFest and #TheBookFestFall2024 are used to spread the word.
���Celebrating the 10th BookFest is an incredible milestone, and it is an honor to present such a diverse array of speakers impacting the literary world.������ Desire�� Duffy
See me at BookFest 2023!
My memoir: BRAVE-ish on the BookFest siteThe BookFest Fall 2024 is an exciting event for anyone who loves books and writing. The event brings together a diverse range of speakers and attendees, offering insights and ideas on everything from writing craft to book marketing and technology. Whether you’re a fan of reading, a published author, or are just starting out, The BookFest is an event that is not to be missed. Mark your calendars for October 26th and October 27th for the next BookFest Adventure.
More details can be found on The BookFest website. Join the fun and hang out with the bookish community, which includes readers, writers, and industry experts. The BookFest website streams the online event, and it can be found on the Books That Make You YouTube Channel, too.
You can also follow The BookFest on Instagram, Facebook Page and Facebook Group.
Calling all Bookworms ��� The Big Bundle of Books Giveaway is coming soon! Stay tuned, as it will be open for entries leading up to every BookFest. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the Live Author Chats.
Become a BookFester by signing up for email alerts. You’ll also get the Virtual Gift Bag, which is sent at the end of each BookFest. Packed with free downloads and special offers, it is something all booklovers have gotta have.
Books That Make You is a proud presenting sponsor of The BookFest. The BookFest is produced by Black Ch��teau Enterprises.
Visit the Virtual Booths and support the companies and organizations that support The BookFest.���
BookFest Speaker profile
Lisa Niver on BOOKS THAT MAKE YOU PodcastBooks That Make You Try New Things and be���Brave-ish What happens when you���re almost fifty, undergoing divorced and moving back into your parent���s home to start from the beginning? If you���re like Lisa Niver, you start by taking one ���braveish��� step at a time. For Lisa, each step took her away from her old world and into a bold new adventurous one. In her new memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty, she chronicles her attempt at trying fifty new things before turning fifty: diving into shipwrecks, swimming with sharks, bobsledding and more. All throughout, Lisa found herself traversing the world on a journey of reinvention and personal growth. Brave-ish inspires readers to take risks and embrace the unknown, and even the frightening, in order to live a life filled with wonder and excitement.
About The BookFest Adventure��
The BookFest is the leader in virtual literary events, producing vital conversations on the world���s stage for those who love to read and those who love to write. It launched in May 2020, at a time when many live events were canceled. Free to attend, the biannual event takes place in the spring and fall, streaming panel discussions, conversations, and live interactive sessions. As an award-winning event, The BookFest has received recognition from the Webby Awards with a nomination in 2021, a gold award from the Muse Creative Awards in 2020, and a silver award from the w3 Awards in 2020. The BookFest features an array of literary speakers, experts, and authors, including: Mitch Albom; Kevin J. Anderson; Angela Bole; Mark Coker; James Dashner; Robert G. Diforio; Dr. Michael Greger; Cheryl Willis Hudson; Wade Hudson; Sarah Kendzior; Jonathan Maberry; Josh Malerman; Lisa Morton; Karla Olson; Deborah M. Pratt; James Rollins; Connie Schultz; Michael Shermer; Mark K. Shriver; Danny Trejo; Helene Wecker; Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein and many others. The BookFest is presented by Books That Make You and produced by Black Ch��teau Enterprises. The BookFest is a registered trademark of Desire�� Duffy, founder of all three. For more information, visit���The BookFest.com.
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October 20, 2024
How Alex Jimenez Transformed Her Passion into a Thriving Travel Community
In this exciting episode of Make Your Own Map, Lisa Niver welcomes her longtime friend and founder of Travel Fashion Girl, Alex Jimenez. They dive into Alex���s incredible journey from a corporate fashion career to building a thriving travel community, reflecting on the transformative power of travel, the importance of community, and the courage to take risks. Alex shares her experiences with Women���s Travel Fest, the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, and how she continues to inspire others with her passion for travel.
“I wanted to be in the fashion industry for as long as I can remember. I wanted to own my own business since I was 6.”
“What is the worst that can happen? I took three months off and wouldn’t have a job when I got back, and that actually did happen.”
“Traveling is refreshing and rejuvenating. Just a little more challenging to get up and go nowadays.”
“Reflecting on the person who did that originally and how brave I was then… Looking back at 25-year-old me, I think���WOW! you did that.”
“It’s always worth the risk and I thought, well, what’s the worst that can happen?”
Introduction:
Welcome to this episode of Make Your Own Map! Today, I am thrilled to have Alex Jimenez, the dynamic founder of Travel Fashion Girl and Women���s Travel Fest. Alex and I have been friends since 2012, and it���s been incredible to witness her journey from a fashion blogger to a trailblazer in the travel community. In this episode, Alex shares her inspiring story, from overcoming challenges to taking bold risks. Tune in to hear about her latest ventures, the power of travel, and how she continues to make a significant impact in the world of travel and beyond. Click here to read about when Alex interviewed me in 2012.
Lisa and Alex in Thailand in 2012Show NotesOrigins of Travel Fashion Girl: Alex discusses how Travel Fashion Girl started, focusing on packing lists and traveler interviews.Impact of Community: Alex reflects on taking over and merging Women���s Travel Fest with Travel Fashion Girl.Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Insights into managing multiple roles as a new mom and entrepreneur.Inspiring Others: Alex���s commitment to empowering others through her work and community efforts.Overcoming Pandemic Challenges: Alex���s resilience and the evolution of Women���s Travel Fest during and after the pandemic.Taking Risks: Alex���s approach to risk-taking and how it has shaped her career.Balancing Multiple Roles: The challenges of managing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and travel.Future of Women���s Travel Fest: Exciting plans for the upcoming event in LA.Reflecting on Achievements:: Alex looks back at her adventurous past and her bravery in taking risks.Travel as Refresh: How travel remains a source of rejuvenation and inspiration for Alex.Supportive Friendship: The value of ongoing support and friendship between Lisa and Alex.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Women's Travel Fest (@womenstravelfest)
Welcome to Make Your Own Map! I���m Lisa Niver, and today���s episode features a conversation with the incredible Alex Jimenez, founder of Travel Fashion Girl and Women���s Travel Fest. Alex and I go way back, and I���m thrilled to have her on the show to share her inspiring journey from a corporate fashion career to becoming a leading voice in the travel community. We���ll dive into her experiences with risk-taking, community building, and the transformative power of travel. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired!
Lisa Niver
I am beyond thrilled and excited to have my very good friend, Alex from Travel Fashion Girl, here with us on the podcast. Alex, you are amazing. Welcome.
Alex Jimenez
Lisa, I’m so thrilled to be here today with you. Thank you so much for having me.
Lisa Niver
So, for people that don’t know, Alex and I have been friends since 2012. We actually met when she was living in Thailand in the Travel Blogger Think Tank house, and that was really the beginning. My website started in 2010, so it was early in my website, and you were very involved in early internet, evolving social.
It was almost before social. We met because you tweeted at me.
Alex Jimenez
I remember when I started Travel Fashion Girl, I was always on Twitter, and really that was the main original place I met people. I was following your blog and your social, and you were in Hua Hin. And I said come to Koh Samui and you did.
Lisa Niver
This was twitter in 2012. I wasn’t sure if it did anything. And not only did you tweet, come to Koh Samui, you invited me and said you’d interview me for Travel Fashion Girl.
Alex Jimenez
That’s true. I had just launched Travel Fashion Girl, the month or two months before you came, and I was doing an interview series on the blog, showcasing different travelers, not just fashion styles, but how they packed, what they packed.
I still love that. That’s the origin of how I started Travel Fashion Girl, interviewing people on the road. So, you were one of the people that I interviewed, literally, on the road.
Lisa Niver
I loved that you thought I had fashion style. I was so excited. I thought I would change all my plans to meet this woman.
And we’ve been friends ever since. And you grew Travel Fashion Girl from an idea to an enormous community. So, tell people about Travel Fashion Girl, because I think one of the early things was the packing list.
Alex Jimenez
Yes. So, the reason why Travel Fashion Girl existed was because I’d been backpacking, essentially, for five years long term at that point. And I was so tired of packing all the wrong things and overpacking.
And I wanted to pack lighter. So, I started interviewing people on the road, other travelers like you and finding out, well, what did you pack? How did you pack?
Are you happy with what you brought? It was information that I didn’t find online.
You’d go to some forums and you’d see a packing list per se. It was really driven towards a male hiker at that point. — pack three quick dry tees, a pair of cargo pants that turn into shorts, and three pairs of underwear that you can flip inside out to get more wear out of them.
I remember looking at the packing tips from people in forums, again, not websites, and I didn’t find any resources that could help me.
I was trying to figure out–how can I do this? So, I started the packing lists, and they still really are the bread and butter even as the Travel Fashion Girl has evolved.
In order to pack efficiently, you’ve got to have a packing list. In order to have the right packing list, you’ve got to know what to pack. You’ve got to understand your destination and all the things.
And that’s expanded so much now. It all started with packing lists and how to pack. And now the community is growing and growing further.
Lisa Niver
The community is huge. And now you have products. So, tell people about your amazing Compass Rose packing cubes.
Alex Jimenez
Now the community is massive. I started by creating a website with packing lists and packing tips. I started a Facebook group in December 2013. So, it’s been over a decade. The business has grown tremendously. It’s always been because I’ve really listened to what the readers wanted, what the community wanted. This is my latest product, The Compass Rose travel accessories luggage scale.
Lisa Niver
Oh, that’s brilliant.
Alex Jimenez
I started Compass Rose travel accessories out of the need again, because the products that were out there in 2013, 14, 15 weren’t what people what needed. I started the product line with my slim packing cubes. I changed things up with mine, I made a YouTube video back in 2013 and it was on how I packed carry on only for full time travel.
I used another brand’s packing cubes. But I didn’t use packing cubes the way they were marketed by companies, which is to organize clothing, right? I use them, yes, to organize, but also compress the clothing.
So I devised my packing technique. When I imagined what the best packing cube would look like, obviously, you need the best materials, things that are not going to rip. So all of my materials for the compass rose travel accessories packing cubes are super hardcore. I wanted to make sure that they’re going to be durable.
You can put as much as you wanted in there, and they were going to close and zip and not tear like with other products that I’ve tested. Other packing cubes weren’t the right size. I was traveling carry on only and all the packing cubes were too large for carry on bags. They’re meant for regular size suitcases.
That was my the other major differences that I fixed the size made them specifically to fit the carry on size, even now that I have my larger packing cubes, they’re still meant to fit perfectly in a carry on. And in addition to that, let’s make them more functional. I color coded and added numbers.
So that way, the functionality, the ways that I use packing cubes myself was the focus. This all came from my personal needs, whether it was a website or the products like the cubes. The products that we developed were things that the community wanted, like the travel adapter, which I’ve also just relaunched.
I asked the community back then, What do you want us to produce? What are the products that you need? And then we did our best to make them happen and continue to do so now.
Lisa Niver
We should also mention that before you were living in Thailand, and before you were backpacking, you worked in the fashion world.
Alex Jimenez
I did. I that is my background. I worked in for the second largest company in the fashion industry. I worked there for six years before I quit my corporate job and went traveling.
So I do have that experience. And as a long-term traveler back in the day, before people were traveling with laptops and working remotely and nomads or whatever, I was trying to figure out how to travel long term. I kept thinking how do I keep going?
Lisa Niver
And I’m going to put a link in the notes to the video that we made together in 2012. When we went to the best lasagna in Thailand with the travel blogger think tank. So two things are very memorable for me about you of the many because we’ve been friends a long time.
We’ve seen each other in many countries. So one is that you wanted to interview me about fashion, which was a shock for me. And I did wear my shirt with stars because you made me feel like a star when you invited me to speak at Women’s Travel Fest which made me an international speaker because the conference was in Mexico.
So tell people about this incredible conference where you bring women together, you empower people. Women’s Travel Fest is connected to Travel Fashion Girl, but also separate. Women’s Travel Fest is coming to LA March 7-9, 2025.
Alex Jimenez
Well, thank you so much for coming, Lisa. That’s so sweet. I love it.
I love how you incorporate fashion into your emotional feeling and having me here today. So thank you. I appreciate it.
Women’s Travel Fest has been going on for over a decade. As I was saying before, I’ve always done what makes sense for the community. In 2019, I started holding in person meetups.
It was really sort of the next level. I was looking at starting a conference for my community. And then 2020 happened. And one thing led to another, I found out the Women’s Travel Fest, which was had been running for a decade already at that point, was going to be sold to somebody.
And I said, #1 I love this conference. It’s such a special space. And #2, I wanted to have a conference for the travel fashion girl community, why not combine the two, and may be able to continue this beautiful space that Kelly Lewis, the previous owner had created. I wanted to bring together that wonderful community and help it keep going and thriving, as well as have a place for my travel fashion girl community and merge them together. I had this vision.
This year was the first year I did it on my own. It was in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Lisa was a speaker. Thank you so much for coming over there and talking about how to be a PR Maven in which you absolutely are. It was it was a wonderful experience.
Next year for 2025, it’s going to be in LA, where I’m from. It’s never actually been in LA before. So that’s also pretty exciting. Join us March 7-9 2025. I can’t wait.
Lisa, hopefully you’ll be there as well. And ‘ll get a chance to see you in person again. That’ll be your third Women’s Travel Fest because you came to the one in New York in 2023 to support me. When I said, Lisa, you have to be there. I can’t tell you why it’s so important for you to be here. But you have to because nobody knew that Kelly was going to be handing the torch over to me, we were going to announce that I was taking over Women’s Travel Fest in New York. So thank you for being there, Lisa.
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Lisa Niver
That���s one of the things that you’re discussing is that people need community. And you and I have been together through engagements, weddings, divorces. Now you’re a new mom.
So that’s another piece — one of the plates you’re juggling is raising your child in two countries and traveling as a business owner and seaking as an entrepreneur. You’re showing people how to show up.
It’s very impressive. So I think we need to take a breath and say, Alex is awesome. And for people listening, I’d love if you could speak for a moment, because I know that you’ve been very honest in your writing and on social media that there have been struggles and challenges.
So maybe a lot of people, especially you mentioned, you had the meetups and then it was 2020, which is, of course, the global pandemic. It happened to all of us. It impacted us in travel, just like every other field.
So with struggles, which we all have, is there something that you turn to? What helps you in these challenging times to not quit? Because the way you get somewhere is, I always say, fall down seven, get up eight.
What refreshes you? What helps you think, okay, tomorrow I’ll try again?
Alex Jimenez
Wow, that’s like the worst question ever, Lisa. It’s so hard to answer. Oh, okay. It’s a challenging question for a million reasons.
Lisa Niver
Do you have a mentor or you have a mastermind support team or you hired another person? Is there a strategy that helped you that other people could access?
Alex Jimenez
Ultimately, it’s a community. So it goes back to that. This is the worst question ever because I still feel like a new mom and entrepreneur and investor and all these things that I do. I’m like, I’m so bad at…
Lisa Niver
Wait, okay, hold on. Can I reflect back to you what I think you do? Would that help?
Alex Jimenez
Okay.
Lisa Niver
So I noticed that one of the things you did for Travel Fashion Girl, I mean, for Women’s Travel Fest, was that you had a lot of things that were very grounding. There was music, there was journaling, you brought in experts to help. And then I noticed that you took yourself after the major conference to a new location.
You went to Japan and stayed in a capsule hotel. And I thought that for me, I imagined watching you do that, that it really shifted your perspective to focus on how you do love traveling and that you can still go on your own.
Alex Jimenez
Yes, there you go. Traveling is refreshing and rejuvenating. Just a little more challenging to get up and go nowadays.
But yes, that was very necessary. And obviously, that’s what’s helped me-traveling is what I am passionate about.
That’s how I ended up with Travel Fashion Girl and the journey and inspiring people to travel. And that’s also what Women’s Travel Fest is about. And it is about coming together for the love of travel and the impact that travel has.
And that’s a great reminder of how much I need travel in my life, because it has an impact on me. I think because traveling is so much more challenging right now for me to do as a relatively still new mom, it is really restorative. That’s what rejuvenates me, that’s what refreshes me.
And the theme for the Women’s Travel Fest in Playa del Carmen was the impact of how travel can help us as individuals, how it’s not just about taking pictures in front of a shrine, and posting on social media. It’s so much more. In allowing travel to actually have its impact, how it can impact you by being present, and giving it that opportunity.
And you’re right, because I don’t get to do it all the time, because on a personal level I feel like it has to be something I do every single day, like meditation or yoga. But it’s travel, I go, I travel, it lights me up. Without it, it feels like my spark is dimmed.
With travel, for me to take off, and travel alone –this year was a massive thing. Being able to go really rejuvenates my soul. That���s what I wanted to share with people through the music and the journaling, and helping people at the conference this past year be present, and be able to experience that the things that used to make me feel so good about traveling around the time when I met you. I would still travel with a journal and journal on the go. And really, I would be disconnected because I didn’t have a job online, right?
I didn’t have a reason to be online. It was wonderful to float around the world. I still do when I travel on my own. I do that. That’s why I don’t really share my travels online, because I’m just enjoying them being present. And that’s how I refuel myself.
But what keeps me going from a business perspective, is the community. Building these things for the community, whether its products, or the information that we shared on Travel Fashion Girl in 2020, everybody was devastated by the pandemic. But a part of the reason why Travel Fashion Girl came out of 2020 and came back stronger is that we listened to the community, what they wanted, what they wanted from us, how we could help them so they could help us.
And in this case, now, it moves on to the next part of Travel Fashion Girl, which we’re going to be officially launching soon is our new community that’s off of Facebook. It’s going to be a new private community. And that’s a really big deal.
It’s something that I would have never thought about doing. Something that scared me, and really something that wasn’t in my plans at all. But the community asked for it this year, due to, as you mentioned, some issues that we’ve encountered as a business with Google and Amazon and Facebook over the past year. So the solution to that was given to me by the readers.
And they said they want a community; they want to continue on. It’s humbling to know that, me starting a website about packing, how to pack, what to wear, it really became something so much deeper with people that love it. It became so much larger than that, something more meaningful. That’s what motivates me is being able to celebrate the love of travel and how it can impact you with others as well.
Lisa Niver
A great follow up from that is the speakers you selected for Women’s Travel Fest really went deep. I loved the conversation you had about being moms and your travel style. I loved that basically whatever you said, she said, ���Oh, yeah, I’m the opposite.���
There was this big space for how women business owners who are mothers of young children have a variety of ways to be in the world. There’s no cookie cutter. I also love that you are so good at encouraging and promoting the Latina Travel Fest. You’re a big supporter of that new conference and that it’s not a competition. It is a collaboration and the deepness of feelings that you created this space for was really impressive.
Alex Jimenez
Thank you. I appreciate that. There’s space for all of us to support each other in travel as women.
There���s enough room for all of us. For me, it’s about connecting people and giving them a platform, giving you a platform, giving other speakers a platform, a space to be seen to have their messages share their experience. It is to go deeper within yourself because we have to have these honest conversations. At this point, I’m an open book. I don’t have anything to hide from you.
Being able to have those conversations are so important and being able to use travel as a vehicle for growth and to share a truth and to connect with others. It’s important. And there’s a variety, like you said, the way she travels isn’t the way I travel, the way she mothers isn’t the way that I mother, we’re completely different people.
And likewise, there is a travel community for everybody, because not everyone’s going to resonate with the same thing. Or maybe some communities will just speak to someone differently, but we can all uplift each other. I’d love to be able to continue working alongside and supporting other owners of other leaders of travel communities. My main thing is I went to an all-girls high school.
I love the empowerment that I learned there. I’m have a really strong mother figure as well. So to be able to empower others and to get to do the travel. When you put it that way, Lisa, you are opening my eyes to all this.
It really is a blessing to be able to do all of this.
Lisa Niver
I really think you’ve built something incredible. And it’s funny, I’m sure we’ve talked about it before, but I forgot, but I also went to all-girls high school. I think it makes a difference.
The president of the student council is a girl, the president of the math club is a girl. I have a new class — Travel Writer 101 on Udemy–it’s an appetizer, all the different pieces you need, social media, video, press trips and writing.
And my second class, actually, I would never would have had without you because when you invited me to speak, you actually gave me a topic: ���How to be a PR Maven.��� When I opened your email, honestly, my first thought was to write you back and say– this is not what I’m going to talk about. But I trust you.
So I did it. And now that’s going to be my second class I’m building.
Alex Jimenez
That’s so cool. I love that. And I can’t believe that wouldn’t have been the first thing that you offered up. I don’t know if other conference owners do that but I look at what you submitted. And then offer this is actually what you should be speaking about. I’m glad it worked out with you because I’m doing it to other people.
Lisa Niver
You have a genius that you look at people and see what could be. I think people offer to speak on topics that are not necessarily so much of a reach. I probably suggested a topic about being brave and my book.
And you said to me– what’s amazing that you’re doing right now is the promotion of the book. So THANK YOU!!
INTERVIEW of Lisa on Women’s Travel Fest:
Related to my book, I have a question I’ve been asking all my podcast guests, which is– is there a brave-ish challenge that you’ve completed that you’d like to share?
Or is there something that’s a reach for you? Obviously, you’ve got a lot going on. You have these beautiful Airbnbs that you’ve redesigned. You have a young child. You have multiple businesses. You’re a rock star. But is there something else where you think– Oh, if only I could?
Alex Jimenez
In reflecting over the decade of my journey and remembering that I started traveling long term in 2008. It seems so long ago now. But I don’t think it’s something about me being brave now. It’s reflecting on the person who did that originally and how brave I was then.
I look back at 25 year old me and think would I hitchhike through Africa again? Would I have been sharing a room with all these strangers that I met while backpacking Southeast Asia? Half of the stuff that I’ve done, would I do that right now?
Looking back at the person who did all these things, I think���WOW! you did that.
Looking back at me over 10, 15 years ago, I think that’s really cool, because I don’t know if I could do that.
Lisa Niver
For the people that are listening, a lot of people say to me, I want to travel like you, I want to be a travel writer, which is why I started that class on Udemy of how to be a travel writer.
Because often people ask me the same thing, and I want to help them. You were working in fashion, which was at one point your dream job. And then your dream changed.
So for people that maybe have their current dream job, but have a new dream or want to be in travel or want to come to the conference? What would say to them about travel and change– It’s worth the risk or don’t give up?
What inspired you one day to say I am never going to work again at 830am or whatever it was. And you said– Nope, that’s over.
Alex Jimenez
It’s always worth the risk and I thought, well, what’s the worst that can happen?
I didn’t hate my job. I had no problem with my cubicle job. I wanted to be in the fashion industry for as long as I can remember. I wanted to own my own business in the fashion industry since I was 6. At 13, I had these different business ideas that I was working on.
Even in high school, I had a business. I always wanted it. I saw myself climbing up the corporate ladder in my company and I loved it.
But when I took a leap of faith and took some time to myself to travel, I was taking three months off at that point. It was a big deal in 2008, like who did that?
But I was always intending to go back to work. It was always my plan.
Life unfolded in a different way and opened up new opportunities for me. I really was very focused on paying attention to where things were leading me. I operated on my gut. Like this feels good. That doesn’t feel good. Or, I really want this.
And with travel, what was the worst thing that can happen? I took three months off and wouldn’t have a job when I got back, and that actually did happen. After my three month break, I took in between jobs, the job I was going to said– there’s a recession now, so we can’t hire you anymore.
What did I do? I was in India applying for jobs online somewhere else, got a job while I was in India. Someone hired me and then I had to say no.
What is the worst that can happen? That’s what you have to ask yourself.
I didn’t come up with that. I asked somebody else and it really makes sense. Like a year from now, could you go back to work?
If you needed to, anybody could go back to work. I can go to work at McDonald’s and get a job. There’s no reason why you can’t.
You can always start over. You can always go back.
What would I do if something happened to Travel Fashion Girl or it evolved, due to the current changes with Google, would I do something else? What are the options?
It was scary then, but the most practical way to think about it is, what are you willing to risk? How much can you take? Taking that risk as a 25-year-old woman without kids, a car, or a mortgage, that was way easier to do. Now, it would be more complicated to take that challenge.
But now there’s a lot more resources than ever before, online you have remote families, you have single mothers, women in their fifties, sixties, seventies, starting over, whether they had children, whether they don’t have children.
What’s the message right now in 2024, that women can do anything. They’re doing everything and they’re capable of doing everything. It’s a wonderful time to be a woman and really kind of pave our own way.
Lisa Niver
That was awesome. Are you running for president? I will vote for you.
I was just in Canada to see the polar bears and I was staying in Winnipeg and my last name’s Niver and 40 minutes from Winnipeg is a town called Niverville. I asked, could I be mayor for the day? Maybe you want to be mayor for the day of Los Angeles.
Alex Jimenez
I don’t want to be mayor anymore, but when I was in high school, I would say that.
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Lisa Niver
One of the things you said, which was brilliant was about taking risk. The flip of that, that I used to think about when I left also in 2008, I went for a year was, if I don’t go, how will I feel? Will my regrets outweigh the risk?
Before I have to let you go, let’s talk about how people will be regretful if they don’t start participating in Travel Fashion Girl and Women’s Travel Fest. How can they find out more? How can they get a ticket? How can they get involved? Where do they find you?
Alex Jimenez
Well, travelfashiongirl.com is where they can find out all the information on how to pack, what to wear for anywhere in the world. It’s not about fashion as much as it sounds like, it’s really about function. We talk a lot about the practicalities of destinations.
So don’t shy away from the word fashion if you don’t feel fashionable or fashion is not as much of a priority. And then check out our products, Compass Rose Travel Accessories. You can find them on Amazon.
Women’s Travel Fest find us on Instagram or our website. The conference, the event for Women’s Travel Fest is happening in Los Angeles March 7th through the 9th, 2025. We’d love to have you there and we will give you a code to share with your audience.
USE MY CODE: BRAVEISH for a discount on your tickets for Women’s Travel Fest
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Lisa Niver
I would love to be there. Thank you. I’d be happy to share a code because everyone should get their tickets right away and for the first time ever it will be in Los Angeles!
Follow Alex everywhere on both Travel Fashion Girl and Women’s Travel Fest.
And Alex, again, I am so appreciative of you because you made me fashionable and you made me an international speaker.
I am delighted to know you and be your friend and be in your community.
Alex Jimenez
Lisa, thank you so much. I’m so happy to be connected with you and to maintain this friendship with you. I love how supportive you are.
I look forward to our continued support of one another and being friends for many more decades. Thank you!
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Alexandra Jimenez is the founder of Travel Fashion Girl, a leading platform that helps female travelers pack smart and travel stylishly. With a background in the fashion industry, she transitioned from a corporate career to create a thriving community of globetrotters. Alex also organizes Women���s Travel Fest, an annual travel conference, which she has successfully merged with her own brand, creating a unique space for women to connect and explore their passion for travel. Her journey includes balancing motherhood, managing multiple businesses, and continually finding inspiration through travel.
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What is one brave step you���ve taken in your life or career that seemed daunting at the time but proved to be worth the risk? Share your story with us!
The post How Alex Jimenez Transformed Her Passion into a Thriving Travel Community appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
October 18, 2024
My Birthday Wish: Tikkun Olam
Gratitude fills my heart as I reflect on the incredible people in my life ��� friends, family, and community. Your support has carried me through so many moments, and I���m reminded that we all need our village. These are the people who show up with kindness, who see the next steps for us when we cannot, who lift us up and wish for us hidden miracles. My hope for everyone is to experience the gift of tremendous health and the power to find joy in each day. As we step into 5785, I am especially mindful of Tikkun Olam, the Jewish belief that we all share responsibility in making the world a better place.
This new year presents the perfect opportunity to take action and spread kindness in meaningful ways. Whether it���s by lending a helping hand to someone in need, participating in community efforts, or supporting causes that uplift and empower others, we each have the power to create positive change. Throughout this article, I���ll be sharing practical ideas and inspiration for how we can all contribute to Tikkun Olam and live with intention, making the world a brighter place for ourselves and those around us.
My wish for this year is for all of us to have more love, laughter, adventure, radiant health, abundance, and, most importantly, joy. Let’s make 5785 a year of connection and impact, where our individual efforts join together to shape a future full of hope and possibility.
Please find below several places to support:One inspiring example of Tikkun Olam in action is the Healing Space Rishpon, a pioneering initiative created in response to the trauma inflicted on Israel by the October 7th tragedy and the subsequent war. Trauma is now one of Israel���s most pressing public health issues, affecting not only direct victims but also responders and caregivers who have been exposed to immense emotional strain.
Healing Space provides a safe haven for both immediate and long-term recovery. Initially focused on offering respite to survivors of the Nova festival, bereaved families, and young adults displaced from the Gaza Envelope, the center has since expanded to help IDF soldiers, police officers, medical teams, therapists, educators, and journalists ��� many of whom are at high risk for developing PTSD.
The center���s approach is both holistic and cutting-edge. It uses body therapies in natural settings to identify and address trauma, helping over 10,000 people with more than 30,000 hours of therapy so far. Through their Trauma Scanner and integrative therapies like yoga, aromatherapy, sound healing, and vocational rehabilitation, Healing Space is on track to support hundreds of thousands of responders in the years to come.
By offering personalized treatment and harnessing the power of nature and human connection, Healing Space Rishpon is making a profound difference in the lives of those impacted by trauma, embodying the spirit of healing and hope.
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Another impactful initiative that supports Israel���s future is SparkIL, a platform dedicated to strengthening Israeli entrepreneurship by providing interest-free loans to small businesses. With a mission to connect global lenders with local entrepreneurs, SparkIL ignites economic growth, helping Israeli businesses thrive even during challenging times.
SparkIL offers loans of up to 100,000 ILS to support a wide range of businesses, from artisans and culinary entrepreneurs to social enterprises and hospitality ventures. Since its inception, SparkIL has raised over 40 million ILS, fueling the growth of 300 businesses and creating jobs that bolster community resilience.
Through SparkIL, 100% of your loan goes directly to the business of your choosing, and you can join a community of lenders who are making a real difference. With thorough vetting processes in place, SparkIL ensures that businesses are set up for success, even in difficult circumstances like the aftermath of October 7th.
By supporting small businesses through SparkIL, you can help spark new opportunities for entrepreneurs across Israel, building a brighter future through collective action. Together, we can make a lasting impact and empower Israeli businesses to thrive.
#bringthemhomeI want to extend my deepest condolences to Jon Polin, a founder of SparkIL, and his family during this unimaginably painful time. We grieve alongside them for the tragic loss of their son, Hersh, who was brutally murdered while being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas. My heart is with the Polin family and all of us whose lives have been tragically damaged since Oct 7. I continue to hope for the safe return of all the souls still being held captive.
Another incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact is with Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF), an organization dedicated to building a vibrant future for Israel and its people. JNF is all about tikkun olam���repairing the world���through initiatives that strengthen communities, restore landscapes, and enhance quality of life across the country. Whether it���s planting trees, creating parks, or developing infrastructure in the Negev and Galilee, JNF embodies the spirit of collaboration and commitment to a sustainable future.
With projects like the Blueprint Negev and Go North initiative, JNF is transforming Israel’s deserts and northern regions into thriving hubs for families and businesses alike. By getting involved, you can support these crucial efforts and help foster resilience in Israeli communities. When you donate to JNF, your contribution goes directly to projects that inspire hope and growth, ensuring that every dollar counts.
Join the JNF community and play a part in cultivating a greener, more prosperous Israel. Together, we can plant the seeds for a brighter future, making a lasting impact on the land we love.
Jewish World Watch is an expression of Judaism in action, bringing help and healing to survivors of mass atrocities around the globe and seeking to inspire people of all faiths and cultures to join the ongoing fight against genocide.
Support their ongoing missions:
Rescue child soldiers and sex slaves from armed militias and reunite them with their familiesFund school tuition for children orphaned by warSupport a cohort of aspiring female lawyers dedicated to transformative justiceTeach refugee women how to sustainably feed their families and communities with just a small plot of dry landExpose over 2,000 companies implicated in forced labor through our Uyghur Forced Labor DatabaseRoots ������������ �������� Fostering a grassroots movement of understanding, nonviolence, and transformation among Israelis and Palestinians.��
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NATAL is changing the lives of millions of Israelis by providing support for trauma and PTSD. NATAL: Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center��is an apolitical, internationally recognized and award-winning non-profit organization. Since 1998, NATAL�� has been providing vital assistance and training to over 400,000 individuals and professionals, helping them cope with traumatic events and everyday stress-related effects.�� NATAL���s reach includes veterans, law enforcement personnel, educators, first responders, community and business leaders, families, and faith leaders. The result is healthier societies, maximized employability, and increased performance amongst communities and workforces.��
American Friends of NATAL���s (AFN) assists NATAL���s professionals and volunteers who respond to the ever growing needs and demand for help. With AFN���s support, NATAL���s Helpline, Clinical, and Mobile Units support hundreds of families weekly. At the same time, NATAL���s Outreach Unit provides resiliency programming to thousands across Israel each year. AFN also engages in innovative collaborations, partnering with US organizations who seek NATAL���s expertise in the field of trauma preparedness and recovery. In doing so, AFN brings NATAL���s ��groundbreaking work to aid Americans in returning to productive lives. AFN unites a community of dedicated supporters who share a common goal:��helping NATAL to ensure a brighter tomorrow by taking care of Israel today.��Join us in creating a vibrant, more resilient Israel.
Latet (To Give) – was established in order to reduce poverty, for a better and just society, by providing assistance to needy populations, mobilizing Israeli civil society towards mutual responsibility, and leading��change in the national priorities.
Latet is the largest NGO combating poverty and food insecurity in Israel. Acting as an umbrella organization for 210 local associations, Latet operates the leading national food bank and runs impactful aid programs, providing monthly assistance to 95,000 families and 1,450 Holocaust survivors.
In conclusion, there are so many opportunities to get involved and make a difference, whether through initiatives like SparkIL or the impactful work of Jewish National Fund-USA. As I���ve shared in my memoir BRAVE-ish, small steps lead to big changes, and every contribution���no matter how small���can have a significant ripple effect. So, I invite you to explore these initiatives and find a way to participate. Your support can empower entrepreneurs, enrich communities, and contribute to the vibrancy of Israel’s future. Together, we can make meaningful strides towards a better world, one step at a time.
The post My Birthday Wish: Tikkun Olam appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
October 14, 2024
Reflecting with Gratitude on a Year of Jewish Conversations and Community
Celebrating 5785: Reflections on Jewish Identity and Growth Through TravelAs we enter the new Jewish year, 5785, and look forward to Sukkot, I���m especially grateful for the meaningful opportunities this past year has brought. Sukkot invites us to celebrate the harvest, a time of gathering and giving thanks for the hard work we���ve done throughout the year. For me, this season feels like a chance to appreciate the journey of writing Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty and the privilege of sharing it with audiences around the world, especially through Jewish platforms that welcomed me so warmly. Here���s a look back at these memorable conversations that allowed me to connect deeply, reflect on my Jewish identity, and celebrate the themes that Brave-ish brings to life.
Brave-ish On Jewish Sacred AgingSHOW 1: Brave-Ish on Jewish Sacred Aging
Joining Rabbi Richard Address on Jewish Sacred Aging���s Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast was a privilege. We explored the resilience, courage, and self-discovery at the core of Brave-ish, reflecting on how these qualities help us adapt to life���s inevitable changes. Rabbi Address���s thoughtful insights brought a new layer of meaning to the book���s themes, highlighting how Jewish values can guide us through challenges and inspire us to be fearless in our pursuit of growth. This conversation reminded me of the strength and wisdom found within our community, especially when we face the unknown.
Lisa On Too JewishSHOW 2: Lisa on Too Jewish
It was a pleasure to sit down with Rabbi Sam Cohon on his radio show, Too Jewish, to discuss Brave-ish, my Jewish upbringing, and the ongoing role of heritage in shaping my life. Rabbi Cohon���s insightful questions brought me back to the values that have guided me since childhood, from resilience to curiosity, which have deeply influenced my approach to life and travel. Reflecting on how my roots continue to shape my journey, both in my writing and my adventures, was a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact of community and tradition.
Lisa On SEARCH For MEANINGSHOW 3: Lisa on Search for Meaning
I had the joy of joining Senior Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback on Search for Meaning, where we discussed my path as a travel writer, author, and Stephen Wise Temple Board member. Our conversation touched on Brave-ish���s debut as Amazon���s top solo travel title and the journey I���ve traveled in writing, publishing, and sharing this book. Beyond the podcast, it was an honor to speak at Wise Years at Temple and to give a Friday night sermon, connecting with my own community on topics that matter deeply to us all. Rabbi Yoshi���s curiosity and thoughtfulness helped me reflect on how community and personal discovery are woven together in my life, and it was a privilege to be welcomed in these multiple ways at Stephen Wise Temple.
Brave-ish���s Lisa Niver: Traveling, Foodie Adventures & Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins RecipeSHOW 4: Brave-ish���s Lisa Niver on Taste Buds with Deb
On Taste Buds with Deb, I joined Deb Eckerling to discuss my culinary adventures, travel-friendly foods, and go-to travel tips for keeping energized on the road. Sharing my Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe with listeners felt like a sweet way to bring a taste of my journey to the audience. This conversation brought a fresh angle to our discussion, highlighting the small joys and memorable flavors that add a special richness to life on the road. Talking with Deb about food was a beautiful reminder of the shared connections we all find in something as simple, yet powerful, as a favorite recipe.
SHOW 5: Lisa on The Jewish Lens
On The Jewish Lens podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with host Jonathan Rosen. We discussed a wide range of topics, from my work hosting travel programs and my podcast Make Your Own Map to my experiences as an on-set teacher at Nickelodeon and, of course, the journey behind my memoir Brave-ish. Jonathan���s questions invited me to share unique aspects of my story and explore the intersections of teaching, travel, and storytelling in ways that have shaped my life and career.
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Looking Ahead in 5785
As we celebrate Sukkot and the beginning of a new year, I feel especially grateful for the seeds of connection, storytelling, and resilience planted through these conversations. Each host offered a unique perspective, encouraging me to explore the intersections of travel, Jewish identity, and personal growth in ways I hadn���t fully considered before. The warmth of each community that welcomed Brave-ish���and the invitation to share my story with others seeking adventure, inspiration, and courage���has been a deeply rewarding experience. Moving forward into 5785, I look forward to nurturing these seeds, sharing more of what I���ve learned, and inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of discovery with open hearts and minds.
Learn more about BRAVE-ish through the many podcast interviews, articles and TV programs that my memoir has been featured on–CLICK HERE for my PRESS PAGE!
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October 10, 2024
RESCIND the Noble Peace Prize nomination of UNRWA, U.N. Secretary Antonio Guterres, and ICJ NOW!
To the Honorable Norwegian Nobel Committee,(Send a copy of this letter to: postmaster@nobel.no, postmottak@smk.dep.no, press@nobelprize.org, media@nobel.no, sekretariat@svenskaakademien.se, sven.nyman@ramrational.com, sven.nyman@ramrational.com, thomas.perlmann@ki.se, registrator@su.se, peterb@dbb.su.se, ulf.danielsson@physics.uu.se, mats.malm@lir.gu.se, berit.reissandersen@dlapiper.com, anna.sjostrom.douagi@nobelprize.org )
We are deeply dismayed to hear that the Nobel Foundation is even considering a peace prize nomination to UNRWA, U.N. Secretary Antonio Guterres, and/or the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
We respectfully ask you to read this letter in its entirety and consider revoking this dangerous decision.
As you know, Alfred Nobel wrote in his will that a portion of his remaining estate should be used to endow ���prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind��� [1].
The U.N. has admitted that their staff members participated in the barbaric October 7th attack on Israel [2].
So the question that begs to be asked and answered is exactly how has UNRWA, Antonio Guterres, or the ICJ conferred the greatest benefit to humankind?
UNRWA: TROJAN HORSE FOR TERRORISM:
As far back as 1952, three years after UNRWA was created, Diplomat David Fritzlan told the U.S. State Department that UNRWA had ���failed to accomplish anything in the form of refugee resettlement,��� and had made ���no effort to make the people independent and remove them from the list of aid recipients.��� Moreover, he said that the policy of the Arab League was to frustrate the displaced Arabs for one purpose ��� to ���simply keep the Palestine problem alive in the hope of bringing about the downfall of Israel��� [3].
In 1958, when the U.S. and U.K. wanted to defund UNRWA for its failed mission, they were told by Saudi Ambassador Abdullah al Khayyal that if they wanted oil, allegiances, or strategic military intelligence from the Arab world, they would have to keep UNRWA funded [4].
And so began an agency, funded by the world of nations under duress, whose sole purpose was to keep human beings dependent and poor with displaced rage towards Israel and the Jewish People, who have longed to live peacefully alongside their Arab neighbors.
Today, the international community has paid for protection from the Arab world by funding UNRWA to the tune of $1.2 billion a year [5].
UNRWA and Hamas:
With these funds, UNRWA has become inextricably tied with the Hamas terrorist organization.
UNRWA���s senior attorney, James Lindsey, stated that UNRWA takes ���few steps to detect and eliminate terrorists from the ranks of its staff, and no steps at all to prevent members of terrorist organizations such as Hamas from joining its staff��� [6].
500 UNRWA Gaza employees serve in military positions in Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) [7].
UNRWA employs Hamas members [8] and UNRWA employees admit, ���everyone knew��� about the Hamas terror tunnels that caused a parking lot to collapse (in 2014); yet no one reported it [9].
UNRWA Compounds & Vehicles Support Hamas:
An UNRWA compound has served as Gaza headquarters for Hamas terrorists, and an UNRWA food warehouse in Gaza was a recruitment office and site for the production of UAV���s [10].
Hamas fires rockets at Israel from nearby UN facilities and hides caches of weapons in UNRWA aid bags and in UNRWA facilities (e.g., schools). Moreover, UNRWA returned missiles to Hamas once the missiles were discovered
[11-14].
Footage shows Hamas terrorists putting guns in UNRWA vehicles on UNRWA property while shooting at Gazan civilians [15].
A distressed Gazan man summarized the UNRWA-Hamas relationship in this powerful interview that is worth listening to (http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L71iyWy8JT8) [16].
UNRWA���s Money Laundering for Hamas:
UNRWA employees have laundered money for Hamas by building the infrastructure required to launch the October 7 war, paying Hamas terrorists as employees, and relaying Hamas propaganda through UNRWA schools [17].
As Gadi and Reuma Kadem, grandparents whose children and grandchildren were murdered by Hamas-UNWRA terrorists said, ���All funders of Hamas-UNRWA and its directors and major players ��� are fully complicit in the murder of my children and family��� [18].
UNRWA Weaponizes Palestinian Children:
UNRWA has poisoned over 545,000 Palestinian children through its P.A. curriculum that teaches hatred of Jewish people and Israel, and promotes violence, jihad, ���martyrdom culture,��� and omits teaching about peace and co-existence. In fact, 80 UNRWA teachers and staff across more than 30 schools have been caught distributing hateful content within their textbooks [19]. Not surprisingly, numerous Hamas terrorists have graduated from these schools [20] [21].
Since these children are instructed to be murder weapons for a terrorist group, UNRWA is DIRECTLY responsible for all the murders they commit, and for their untimely deaths as terrorists, suicide bombers, and as shields for Hamas [22].
UNRWA and Bloodshed:
UNRWA���s undercover partnership with Hamas was finally exposed to the world on October 7th when they raped, burned, butchered, and murdered 1,200 Israelis and foreigners and then proceeded to take more than 240 hostages into the terror tunnels that UNRWA staff failed to report 10 years earlier [23].
The world discovered that UNRWA had prior knowledge of this massacre, provided vehicles and equipment for the October 7th attack, and 10% (1,200) of UNRWA employees have direct ties to Hamas and Palestinian Jihad. At least 42 UNRWA staff directly participated in the barbaric massacre and kidnapping of Israelis, and a teacher employed by UNRWA held an Israeli hostage inside Gaza for nearly 50 days [24-27].
Hamas via UNRWA dragged Israel into a war and then used the Palestinian people as fodder for their PR campaign to delegitimize Israel by hiding weapons in schools, mosques, hospitals, and homes and preventing Palestinian people from getting food, water, or safe passage. The blood of thousands of Palestinians falls squarely on the shoulders of the Hamas-UNRWA partnership [28-30].
Hamas-UNRWA Bound Together:
Yahya Sinwar, Hamas��� mastermind of the October 7th attack, was a headmaster at an UNRWA school and chairman of the UNRWA Gaza workers��� union [31].
50% of UNRWA employees in Gaza have close family members with ties to Hamas, which negates UNRWA���s ���neutrality��� [32].
Historic Fact & Reason:
Incontrovertible proof shows that UNRWA never has ���conferred the greatest benefit to humankind��� especially not in the ���preceding year��� [33] and therefore does not meet the qualifications stipulated by Mr. Nobel ��� now or ever.
If the Nobel Foundation had any regard for Palestinians, Israelis, and the Foreign Nationals caught in this horrible war, it would not only withhold this prize from UNRWA but it would also seek to award champions who shut it down and make sure that the Palestinians receive aid in the same way all people in the world do – from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
ANTONIO GUTERRES:
Under his leadership, U.N. Secretary General Guterres allowed the Hamas terrorist organization to infiltrate UNRWA and flourish (described above) to such an extent that 42 UNRWA employees participated in the barbaric October 7 attack. What does Guterres ask for these 42 murderers and rapists? Immunity [34].
The section below describes how Guterres has failed as U.N. Secretary General in his role as an ���advocate, civil servant, and CEO��� [35]. From his failure to condemn international terrorism to his failure to protect his own employees, his actions show that he has NOT provided the greatest good to humankind. In fact, he has done the opposite ��� making the world a more dangerous place.
Failed to Condemn Hamas For October 7th Attack and Aftermath:
U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik released a scathing statement condemning Guterres for failing to condemn: Hamas terrorists for their barbaric acts, kidnapping hundreds of innocents, and recently murdering six hostages. Stefanik said that Guterres��� ���inhumane silence��� and inaction have aided and abetted Hamas in their war against a democratic ally [36].
Refusal to Designate Hamas as a Terrorist Organization:
The U.N. and the ICJ under the leadership of Guterres refuse to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization despite the fact that the United States and 27 other countries do [36a-36b].
Rationalized Hamas Attack and Spread Disinformation about the Conflict:
Only a few weeks after October 7th, Guterres made the following factually and morally vacant comments:
1) Hamas��� actions ���did not happen in a vacuum��� [37].
He blamed the terror attack on Israel.
2) The ���Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation��� [38].
He OMITTED that the only reason Israel was in Gaza in 1967 was because that year Egypt, Syria, and Jordan started a war with Israel. He also OMITTED that Israel has NOT occupied Gaza since 2005 ��� as one of Israel���s many gestures of peace towards their Arab neighbors that have been met with increased violence [39].
3) Israel���s assault on Gaza demonstrated ���clear violations of international humanitarian law��� [40].
This is absurd. Armies that fight a defensive war against terrorists in urban warfare, like coalition troops in Mosul, have a civilian to terrorist casualty ratio of 4 to 60:1; meaning 4 to 60 civilians are accidentally killed for every terrorist that is eliminated. Israel���s ratio is 1:1, meaning they have reduced civilian casualties four to sixtyfold by comparison. [41].
John Spencer, Former Chief of Urban Warfare Studies WestPoint, said, ���Israel has implemented more measures to avoid civilian casualties than any other military in the history of war��� [42]. According to International Law (Article 51) and ethics, all of these civilian casualties fall on Hamas who purposely boasts of hiding among civilians to INCREASE civilian casualties [43-45].
Silent About Hamas Sexual Violence:
Despite incontrovertible evidence (video footage, survivor reports) of Hamas��� sexual violence (e.g. rape, mutilation) against Israeli women, Guterres failed to speak out against this scourge on humanity. Only after the U.S. Senate wrote a letter to Guterres (December 2023) expressing their deep disappointment in his silence, did he finally make a statement against it [46].
Excluded Hamas from U.N.���s Sexual Violence Blacklist:
Compounding the gross neglect of his advocacy duties, Guterres excluded Hamas from the U.N.���s blacklist of entities responsible for sexual violence – despite Hamas��� own video footage and survivor reports [47-48].
Failure to Address Sexual Assault by U.N. Peacekeepers:
In 2020, the U.N. confirmed that it received 66 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by U.N. peacekeepers, and 91 from U.N. personnel outside of a peacekeeping role. Yet, Guterres did not take decisive action to address these abuses, leaving victims without adequate recourse and protection [49].
Failure to Address U.N. Workplace Misconduct Against Women:
Guterres failed to address the U.N. workplace gender misconduct of Fabrizio Hochschild, and then promoted him to become tech-envoy [50].
Weak Approach to Global Terrorism and Sexual Violence:
Since his tenure (2017), Guterres has failed to take substantial, actionable steps to mitigate the rise in global terrorism, including sexual violence, by Islamic Jihadist groups such as: al-Shabab (Somalia, Kenya); Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and JNIM (Sahel Region of Sub-Sahara Africa); ISIS (Democratic Republic of Congo); Taliban (Afghanistan); and Tehrik-i-Taliban-Pakistan (Pakistan) [51].
Failure to Address Global Human Trafficking:
In 2022 alone, there was an estimated 50 million human trafficking victims in South and Central Asia, with Europe trailing as the second-highest region affected by this inhumane practice [52]. Yet, Guterres has not implemented comprehensive policies or mobilized sufficient resources to effectively address this crisis.
Tacit Approval of Authoritarian, Anti-Democratic Regimes:
Guterres refused to denounce Iran���s missile attack against Israel [53].
Moreover, Guterres recently attended the BRICS summit, where he met with authoritarian, anti-democratic regimes. Instead of condemning Russia for human rights violations, he tacitly gave his approval of Putin���s crimes against Ukraine [54].
Guterres offered a muted response, at best, regarding China���s genocide against the Uyghurs, and he failed to act when Turkey bombed the Yezidis and Kurds [55].
Guterres failed to condemn: the Saudi government���s brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the traumatic separation of migrant children from their families, and the relentless bombing of Syrian hospitals by Russian-Syrian forces [56-57].
Rewards Terrorism:
Instead of condemning Hamas, and putting international pressure on them to surrender and return the hostages unharmed and alive, Guterres immediately began to talk about a two-state solution. Discussing this publicly before the terrorists were eliminated and the hostages returned, sent a signal to worldwide terrorists that the U.N., via Guterres, will reward terrorists for their barbarity [58].
Guterres��� comments put worldwide democracies in danger and covered up Hamas��� stated goal ��� that of outright war until the conquest of the entire Jewish State [59].
https://www.instagram.com/diploact.il
Summary on Guterres:
There is a pattern to Guterres��� behavior: ignore or speak mutedly about jihadist terrorism, sexual violence, and the violence of authoritarian regimes; reward terrorism; and condemn democracies for defending themselves according to International Law.
Guterres��� behavior has signaled terrorists and autocrats that murdering their own citizens or citizens of neighboring countries is normal, that their brutality and repression will go unpunished, and that the principles of democracy and human rights are optional and negotiable [60].
Guterres has not only failed Mr. Nobel���s imperative to ���confer, during the preceding year, the greatest benefit to humankind��� [61], but he has also hobbled the world���s ability to confront tyranny ��� setting the stage for world war.
Would Mr. Nobel, or clear-minded members of the Nobel Foundation, want to be written in the history books for that?
INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ):
Humanity relies on judges to ensure that truth and justice prevail. The qualities that all judges must possess are: faithfulness to and competence in the law; impartiality; and being un-swayed by political bias, partisan interests, public clamor, or fear of criticism [62].
Sadly, the ICJ has violated the world���s trust by being swayed by public opinion, using misinformation and false accusations, and being riddled with conflicts of interest.
ICJ: Broke the Public���s Trust:
Mr. Nobel stipulated that the Peace Prize be awarded to one ���who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promoting of peace congresses��� [63].
The bedrock to promoting peace is mutual trust, however the ICJ has lost credibility and humanity���s trust due to its conflicts of interest and false claims about Israel.
Public Pressure to Adjudicate Israel Despite the Absence of Evidence Swayed ICJ:
When South Africa asked the ICJ to try Israel for genocide, the South Africans brought NO credible evidence of genocide. At this point, the ICJ should have dismissed the case. Yet, the ICJ allowed itself to be swayed by its inherent conflicts of interest and public pressure. It adjudicated the case nonetheless [64].
In May 2024, due to the ICJ���s confusing use of words to describe their ruling to the lay-public, the media���s conception of the ICJ���s ruling was that the ICJ found it plausible that Israel committed genocide. This misrepresentation of the ICJ���s ruling was then blasted throughout the media [65].
It finally took Judge Donoghue, in a BBC interview, to set the record straight, where she said, ���The court did NOT decide that the claim of genocide was plausible��� [66]. However, the damage to Israel, and to any democracy in need of fighting a just war to stop terrorism, had already been done.
Had the court kept itself from being swayed by conflict or interest or public opinion when asked to adjudicate without any credible evidence, the damage to Israel and to democracies fighting justly against terrorism would have been averted.
ICJ: Currently Being Swayed by Public Pressure Without Evidence:
Currently (October 2024), despite the fact that South Africa still has NO credible evidence of Israel committing genocide, the ICJ court is allowing itself to consider South Africa���s request to extend the October 28th due date of when South Africa must bring credible evidence of genocide to the ICJ court [67].
Once again, the ICJ is allowing itself to be swayed to consider a case against Israel despite there being NO credible evidence for this case.
ICJ Falsely Accused Israel of Occupation:
The ICJ has falsely accused Israel of ���occupation of Palestinian territories��� [68]. Whether the court is misinformed and/or biased, it violates the public���s trust and interferes with their capacity to promote ���peace of congresses��� as desired by Alfred Nobel [69].
The following is the information the ICJ is either unaware of or unwilling to discuss:
Predating Islam, the Jewish people established the Land of Israel in the second millennium B.C.E. and lived there for more than 1,600 years. Despite being conquered by the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans thousands of Jews have lived for centuries in each of the holy cities of Jerusalem, Safad, Tiberius, and Hebron; and in Gaza, Rafah, Ashkelon, Caesarea, Jaffa, Acre, and Jericho. [70]. Archaeological evidence proves Jewish indigenousy, with cities populated by a Jewish majority prior to the establishment of the modern state of Israel [71].
It is absurd to claim that the Jews who returned to Israel starting in the 19th century were colonialists and imperialists. They did not plant the flag of the antisemitic regimes of Russia, Poland, and Lithuania; and they were kicked out of Yemen, Iraq, Turkey, and North Africa. In fact, these refugees had to overcome Turkish, British, and Pan-Arab imperialism to achieve self-determination. They fled pogroms and persecution, and wanted nothing to do with the countries from which they fled. They did not come to the land with weapons to conquer, but with rakes and hoes to cultivate often swamp-infested land they purchased from absentee landlords. After the Holocaust, the state of Israel was established by international law (1948). While the Israelis were ecstatic to live peacefully among their neighbors within the meager boundaries they were allotted, five Arab countries attacked Israel in the War of Independence. This war was one of many that Muslim extremists committed against the Jewish state to deny Israel���s right to exist [72].
In 1967 Egypt, Syria, and Jordan started a war with Israel. Hafiz al-Assad ordered his Syrian soldiers to strike Israeli civilians, ���turn them into dust, pave the Arab roads with the skulls of the Jews, and strike them without mercy��� [73]. Miraculously, Israel won the war and gained territory in the Sinai, Golan Heights, West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. In 1982, Israel gave the Sinai to Egypt, which has created peace between the countries [74].
With similar hope, Israel left Gaza in 2005 as one of many gestures of peace with its Arab neighbors that have been met with violence [75]. This is worth repeating. Since 2005, Israel has NOT occupied Gaza. In response, Hamas overtook Gaza, slaughtered Palestinian leaders, created 450 miles of terror tunnels, launched over 30,000 rockets at Israel, and on October 7 perpetrated the most heinous attacks on the Jewish people since the Holocaust including the kidnapping of Israelis, Americans, and Foreign Nationals still missing today [76-77].
ICJ Rulings Rely on Manufactured Evidence from Biased Witnesses:
The ICJ���s rulings relied in part on ���evidence��� from UNRWA workers, despite the fact that:
1) 42 UNRWA employees participated in the October 7 attack [78].
2) 10% of UNRWA employees (1,200) have direct ties to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) [79].
3) 500 UNRWA Gaza employees serve in military positions in Hamas and PIJ [80].
4) UNRWA has weaponized over 545,000 Palestinian children through its P.A. curriculum and schools [81-82].
5) UNRWA employees launder money for Hamas and built the terror tunnel infrastructure [83].
6) An UNRWA compound was used as Hamas headquarters; and an UNRWA food warehouse in Gaza was a recruitment office and a site for the production of UAV���s [84].
Finally, 50% of UNRWA employees in Gaza have close family members with ties to Hamas, which negates UNRWA���s neutrality in bringing credible evidence to the court [85]. Yet, the ICJ allowed this.
Neither the ICJ nor the UN Designate Hamas as a Terrorist Organization:
The United States and 27 other countries designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, yet neither the ICJ nor the U.N. does so [86-87].
The ICJ and UN hold to the above decision despite the fact that the Hamas Charter calls for:
1) The complete destruction of the state of Israel as an essential condition for the liberation of Palestine, and the establishment of a theocratic state based on Islamic law (Sharia).
2) The need for both unrestrained and unceasing holy war (jihad) to attain the above objective.
3) The deliberate disdain for and dismissal of any negotiated resolution or political settlement of Jewish and Muslim claims to the Holy Land.
4) The reinforcement of historical antisemitic tropes and calumnies married to sinister conspiracy theories [88-89].
Bias: ICJ, UNRWA, and Guterres are Arms of the Same UN Organization:
Since the ICJ is the ���principal judicial organ of the United Nations��� [90] it is by definition inseparable from the deeply corrupt leadership of Guterres and the deeply corrupt and criminally liable organization that is UNRWA (see sections above).
This state of fusion between these three entities severely compromises the impartiality of the ICJ as a judicial body.
ICJ: The Integrity of the Court Has Been Compromised for Years:
For six decades the ICJ���s influence has been declining due to its severe conflicts of interest, such as:
1) The process of election and re-election of ICJ judges.
2) The presence of permanent members of the UN Security Council on the Court.
3) The appointment of ad hoc judges under Article 31 of the Statute of the Court [91].
A glaring example of the court���s bias is: the Chief Judge of the ICJ has been a candidate for Prime Minister of Lebanon, a country that harbors Hezbollah terrorists, who are currently attacking Israel [92-93].
ICJ: Summary:
This document proves that the ICJ, which is fused with the corrupt leadership of Guterres and the criminal organization that is UNRWA, has been biased and falsely accusatory, and has not ���conferred the greatest benefit to humankind��� [94].
Nobel���s Committee of Five Persons is Selected from Members of Norwegian Parliament with Strong Bias Against Israel:
Defying logic and historic fact, the Norwegian government has taken a strong stance against Israel. It has called for rewarding Hamas with land for their barbaric terrorism against the Jewish State and it was the first country to jump in when the ICC prosecutor threatened to arrest Israeli leaders. Yet, it is the Norwegian government that selects the Nobel���s Committee of Five Persons to decide whom to give the Nobel Peace Prize [95]. The potential bias of this committee is significant.
Conclusion:This document proves that the criminal UNRWA, corrupt Secretary Guterres, and biased ICJ are entities that are fused together and riddled with conflicts of interest that make their actions on the world stage dangerous for global harmony.
None of these entities match Mr. Nobel���s qualifications for a prize, and the mere consideration of giving this prize to any of them makes humanity pause at either the severe biases and/or backroom financial or political deals that the Nobel Foundation may be a part of.
Giving a prize to any of these entities will strike the final nails on the coffin for this prize and the Nobel Foundation in the eyes of the world and in human history.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DA8uZb3RMKE, https://www.instagram.com/p/DA8uZb3RMKE/
For the full letter and references, click here.References UNRWA:
1 https://www.nobelprize.org/Alfred-nob....
2 David Brunnstorm, ���Nine UNRWA staff members were possibly involved in attack on Israel, UN says,��� Reuters, 5 August 2024.
3 Schwartz, A. & Wilf E. (2020). The war of return: How western indulgence of the Palestinian dream has obstructed the path for peace. New York, NY: St. Martin���s Publishing, p. 17.
4 Schwartz, A. & Wilf E. (2020). The war of return: How western indulgence of the Palestinian dream has obstructed the path for peace. New York, NY: St. Martin���s Publishing, p. 17.
5 Noa Tishby, ���Israel: A simple guide to the most misunderstood country on earth,��� 2021.
6 Tova Lazaroff, ���UNRWA staff not tested for terror ties,��� JPost, 31 January 2009.
7 https://govextra.gov.il/mda/unrwa/ter..., April 2024.
8 Brett Schaefer, ���Why Trump was right to end funding for the U.N. Palestinian aid organization,��� The Heritage Foundation, 6 September 2018.
9 David Luhnow, ���A UN agency is accused of links to Hamas. The clues were there all along,��� WSJ, 2 February 2024.
10 ���SWU UK expresses deep concern over UK decision to restore 21 million pounds funding to UNRWA,��� 19 July 2024.
11 https://twitter.com/cogatonline/statu..., 7 December 2024.
12 https://twitter.com/IDFSpokesperson/s..., 9 December 2023
13 Raphael Ahren, ���UN agency handed rockets back to Hamas, Israel says,��� Times of Israel, 20 July 2024.
14 Pesach Benson, ���Rockets under relief supplies raise questions about UNRWA,��� JNS, 3 December 2023.
15 https://www.reddit.com/r/geopolitics/...
16 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L71iyWy8JT8
17 STL Jewish Light, ���Victims of October 7 attack sue UNRWA for allegedly laundering money for Hamas,��� 24 June 2024.
18 Ibid.
19 Paul Nuki, ���UNRWA cannot operate without Hamas, no wonder it has a neutrality problem,��� The Telegraph, 4 February 2024.
20 UNRWA school celebrates Hamas��� ���jihad warriors��� in Gaza ��� a report, Jerusalem Post (Nov. 8, 2023).
21 JPost Staff, ���UNRWA school celebrates Hamas��� jihad warriors in Gaza ��� a report,��� Jerusalem Post, 8 November 2023.
22 Paul Nuki, ���UNRWA cannot operate without Hamas, no wonder it has a neutrality problem,��� The Telegraph, 4 February 2024.
23 David Luhnow, ���A UN agency is accused of links to Hamas. The clues were there all along,��� WSJ, 2 February 2024
24 TOI Staff, ���Israel reveals 12 UNRWA staffers it says took part in October 7 says 30 more assisted,��� Times of Israel, 16 February 2024.
25 Knesset News, ���Approved in first reading: UNRWA to be declared by the State of Israel as a terrorist organization; all relations between UNRWA and the state to be severed,��� 22 July 2024.
26 Fern Sidman, ���1,200 employees of UN agency have affiliations with Hamas,��� The Jewish Voice, 1 February 2024.
27 Mike Brest, ���UN Palestinian agency looking into claim teacher held Israeli in attic,��� Washington Examiner, 1 December 2023.
28 FDD, ���Hamas officials admit its strategy is to use Palestinian civilians as human shields,��� 1 November 2023.
29 Newsweek, ���My fellow Palestinians: Stop blaming the Jews ��� Hamas is starving our brothers and sisters in Gaza, 7 March 2024.
30 UN Article 51
31 Paul Nuki, ���UNRWA cannot operate without Hamas ��� no wonder it has a neutrality problem,��� The U.K. Telegraph, 4 February 2024.
32 Carrie Keller Lynn & David Luhnow, ���Intelligence reveals details of UN agency staff���s links to October 7 attack,��� Wall Street Journal, 29 January 2024.
33 https://www.nobelprize.org/Alfred-nob...
GUTERRES:
34 https://allisrael.com/un-seeks-immuni...
35 https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/the-...
36 https://stefanik.house.gov/2024/9/sta...
36a Senator Collins Bipartisan group urges UN to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization 11-27-23.
36b https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2024/02/...]
37 https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/27/opinio...].
38 https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op...
39 Michal Oren, ���Six days of war: June 1967 and he making of the modern Middle East,��� 2003.
40 https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op...].
41 Erin Molan, ���Interview with U.S. military expert M. Pregent,��� Sky News, 16, June 2024.
42 Twitter, Spencer Guard, John Spencer on Israel, 1752181728016277765.
43 https://www.facebook.com/SkyNewsAustr...
44 Erin Molan, ���Interview with U.S. military expert M. Pregent,��� Sky News, 16, June 2024.
45 Alan Dershowitz, ���The war against the Jews,��� 2023.
46 https://www.grassley.senate.gov/imo/m...
47 https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15621....
48 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjk2...
49 https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/...
50 https://www.politico.eu/article/anton...
51 https://www.visionofhumanity.org/dead...
52 https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/50-...
53 https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/10/0...
54 https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/40104.
55 https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op...
56 https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/04/25/w...
57 https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/16/c...
58 https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/01/...
59 https://www.reddit.com/r/Israel/comme...
60 https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/40104
61 https://www.nobelprize.org/Alfred-nob...
ICJ:
62 https://www.uscourts.gov/judges-judge...].
63 https://nobelpeaceprize.org/nobel-pea...
64 https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/a...
65 https://www.npr.org/2024/01/26/122707...
66 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq9MB...
67 https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/a...
68 https://melaniephillips.substack.com/...
69 https://nobelpeaceprize.org/nobel-pea...
70 Alan Dershowitz, ���The case for Israel,��� 2003.
71 Alan Dershowitz, ���The war against the Jews,��� 2023.
72 Alan Dershowitz, ���The case for Israel,��� 2003.
73 Michael Oren, ���Six days of war: June 1967 and the making of the modern Middle East,��� 2003, p. 253.
74 Michael Oren, ���Six days of war: June 1967 and the making of the modern Middle East,��� 2003, p. 253.
75 Alan Dershowitz, ���The case for Israel,��� 2003.
76 Britannica, ���Israel���s disengagement from Gaza���
77 Wikipedia, ���Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel.���
78 TOI Staff, ���Israel reveals 12 UNRWA staffers it says took part in October 7 says 30 more assisted, ���Times of Israel,��� 16 February 2024.
79 TOI Staff, ���Israel reveals 12 UNRWA staffers it says took part in October 7 says 30 more assisted, ���Times of Israel,��� 16 February 2024.
80 https://govextra.gov.il/mda/unrwa/ter..., April 2024.
81 Paaul Nuki, ���UNRWA cannot operate without Hamas, no wonder it has a neutrality problem,��� The Telegraph, 4 February 2-24
82 UNRWA school celebrates Hamas��� ���jihad warriors��� in Gaza ��� a report, Jerusalem Post, 8 November 2023.
83 STL Jewish Light, ���Victims of Oct 7 attack sue UNRWA for allegedly laundering money for Hamas,��� 24 June 2024.
84 10 ���SWU UK expresses deep concern over UK decision to restore 21 million pounds funding to UNRWA,��� 19 July 2024.
85 Carrie Keller Lynn & David Luhnow, ���Intelligence reveals details of UN agency staff���s links to October 7 attack,��� Wall Street Journal, 29 January 2024.
86 Senator Collins Bipartisan group urges UN to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization 11-27-23
87 https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2024/02/...
88 Yale Law School, The Avalon Project, Hamas Covenant, 1988
89 https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what...
90 https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-cha...
91 https://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/cg...
92 https://wsj.com/articles/icjs-new-chi...
93 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle...
94 https://www.nobelprize.org/Alfred-nob...
95 Elliot Abrams, ���Norway: From mediator to prosecutor of Israel,��� Council of Foreign Relations, 12 August 2024
This letter was written by a Jewish Activist with #EndJewHatred and shared with me to publish.cc:
American City Council Members
Christians United for Israel
Nobel Foundation, Board of Directors
Press: CNN, Daily Wire, Free Press, OWN, Sky News, Telegraph, VIN, WSJ, etc.
Select Members of the Canadian Parliament
Select Members of the European Parliament
Select Worldwide Governments
United States Congress
WSJ: A Nobel Prize for Terror? Hamas abettors and apologists are on the list of nominees for the Peace Prize.Israel National News: Nobel Peace Prize: Petition protesting UNRWA nomination quickly gaining tractionIm Tirtzu petition protesting UNRWA nomination for Nobel Peace Prize quickly gains 12,000 signatures. ‘We call on the prize committee not to stain the Prize with the blood found on the hands of UNRWA employees.’PLEASE ALSO SIGN THE PETITION from IMTIRTZU On October 10, 2024 10am the petition had 53,654 —add your name here.
We express our strong condemnation of the nomination of UNRWA for the Nobel Peace Prize. Our concerns are rooted in UNRWA���s cooperation with terror groups in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
UNRWA workers participated in the events surrounding the October 7th massacre, UNRWA school teachers have been linked to leadership positions within Hamas, and UNRWA facilities have been used to store weapons and serve as launch sites for attacks.
The connection of UNRWA and Hamas contradict the values that the Nobel Peace Prize seeks to promote. UNRWA is no peace mission or humanitarian aid organization: they aid only terror and violence, and promote violence and hatred of Jews and Israelis.
Recognizing UNRWA with the Nobel Peace Prize would send a contradictory message about the values of peace and reconciliation. We urge the Nobel Committee to reconsider this nomination.
Sign here to add your voice ��� UNRWA is not worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize
The Jerusalem Post: UNRWA retains Nobel Peace Prize candidacy despite evidence proving its ties to HamasApproximately 12,000 people signed a petition urging the Peace Research Institute Oslo to reconsider UNRWA���s candidacy for the Nobel Prize.The post RESCIND the Noble Peace Prize nomination of UNRWA, U.N. Secretary Antonio Guterres, and ICJ NOW! appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
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