IsraelCast Episode 158

Matthew Nouriel has always worn many hats. A drag queen who goes by the stage name “The Empress Mizrahi,” the nonbinary activist is also the Community Engagement Director at JIMENA - Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa, which connects Matthew to their Iranian Jewish roots. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Matthew to discuss their journey towards coming to terms with their identities, how Middle Eastern and African Jews are not a monolith, and the importance of compassion when it comes to Israel advocacy.

Matthew Nouriel, aka “The Empress Mizrahi,” is a non-binary digital activist and content creator of Iranian Jewish descent. In recent years, they have been using their voice to passionately advocate and fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality within the Iranian and Jewish communities, as well as combating antisemitism everywhere. Matthew has taken on leadership roles with both queer and non queer organizations such as JDC Entwine, JQ International, Tel Aviv Institute, and works as the Community Engagement Director at JIMENA - Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa. In 2021 they were the recipient of the TrailBlazer Award at the JQ International annual Impact Awards.