Empowering Youth: Bianna Golodryga's Journey to Combat Antisemitism Through 'Don't Feed the Lion
Bianna Golodryga, a CNN International news anchor, immigrated to the U.S. from the former Soviet Union in 1980 to escape antisemitism. As a parent of two children, she faces the challenge of explaining the hatred towards Jewish people in the country, especially on social media. Golodryga, along with her friend Yonit Levi, co-authored a young adult novel titled "Don't Feed the Lion" to provide a roadmap for preteen children to navigate such issues.
The book follows Theo Kaplan, a soccer enthusiast in Chicago, whose world is shaken when his favorite footballer makes an antisemitic remark. When Theo's locker is vandalized with a swastika and antisemitic hashtag, his younger sister takes matters into her own hands online. Golodryga's personal experiences, like her son's reaction to antisemitic incidents in sports, inspired the central plot of the book.
Golodryga and Levi recognized the need for resources to address antisemitism, especially after the Hamas attack on Israel that led to a surge in antisemitic incidents. They aimed to create a story that would serve as a valuable resource for Jewish and non-Jewish children and the adults in their lives. The book addresses the tepid response from schools to incidents of antisemitism and the need for a more proactive approach to combatting hate.
The authors faced challenges in finding a publisher for the book, as many were hesitant to tackle the sensitive topic of antisemitism for a young audience. However, they eventually found a publisher through networking and persistence. Golodryga's son, who shares similarities with the book's protagonist, was not concerned about the book being revealing but rather focused on the harsh reality of living in a world where antisemitism is a prevalent issue.
In conclusion, "Don't Feed the Lion" serves as a timely and important resource for addressing antisemitism among young readers. Golodryga and Levi's personal experiences and dedication to educating children about hate and discrimination have led to the creation of a valuable tool for navigating these complex issues in today's society.