Maayan Zik, 36, Orthodox Racial Equity Activist

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@maayanzik / @kamochah

The Jewish Week’s annual 36 Under 36 honors young leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers who are making a difference in the life of Jewish New York. For the full list of this year’s “36ers,” click here.

What do you do?

I am a designer, social activist, and mother who co-organized the Tahalucha For Social Justice March in June 2020, which called on Orthodox/Chabad Jews in Crown Heights to march against police violence and continue the community’s conversation on racial equity and relations amongst its neighbors. I am also a co-founder of both Ker a Velt and Kamochah, both of which work for social justice and racial equity. My work has been featured in Vogue, the Washington Post, The Forward, The Jewish Press, and more.

How does your Jewish identity influence your work?

Being a Jewish Jamaican-American reinforces for me the need to tell my story so that other Jews of color can feel represented and seen and the broader Jewish community can learn about the diversity within our religion and culture.

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

“And seek the welfare of the city to which I have exiled you and pray to the LORD in its behalf; for in its prosperity you shall prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

What’s a fun fact about you?

I’m a Trekkie.

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