This year CIJO started with a completely new board. It was officially announced at the member meeting at the 1st of May of 2023. Read the interview down below with our new board members.

Ravi

I’m Ravi from South-Africa. A student at Utrecht University. I’m currently studying PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics). Outside of studying you can find me integrating with the locals (“Ja ik heb mijn bonuskaart” / “mag ik een bakje pleur”). Based in Utrecht, I work closely with the CIJO teams to create an advocacy platform to combat antisemitism in the Netherlands. We strive to promote cross-cultural dialogue and integrate community engagement into our projects.

Gideon

I am an open-minded person with a sense of humor, and my friends often describe me as such. I have a passion for music, singing, dancing, acting, history, and religion. Professionally, I am the co-founder of a legaltech startup. Additionally, I actively participate in the youth department of WEF to make a difference in The Hague.

When I was twelve I discovered my Sephardic Jewish background. Although my family didn’t place much emphasis on it, it gradually became a significant part of my identity and belief system. Growing up surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds, I have always found it difficult to comprehend racism, anti-Semitism, or discrimination. My love for my diverse group of friends ignited a desire in me to strive for peace through dialogue.

My primary goal within CIJO is to combat anti-Semitism by educating those who are ignorant about Jewish culture and history. I believe in fostering honest conversations between Jews and non-Jews, encouraging both sides to acknowledge the positives and negatives within themselves and each other.

Natalie

Shalom and hello! My name is Natalie Baumgarten, born and raised in a Georgian family in Vienna Austria. After completing my high school studies, I moved to Utrecht for my bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in political science and international relations at the University of Amsterdam.

Coming from a multicultural family, my Judaism has been incredibly central to my lifestyle and identity. I thrive in learning and understanding people’s diverse pathways, whether it be in religion or culture. I live by the rule to never go into a debate or discussion on an empty stomach. Food and music are what binds us, no matter from which part of the world one is from. We all have our own story, and I’m here to listen to all of them. Are you ready to share yours with us?

Dalit Lymor 

My name is Dalit Lymor and I’m based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Where I live in a small apartment with my lovely cat Mango. I grew up in a bicultural household, where I am Jewish Argentinian from my moms side and Dutch (Gronings) from my dads side. Where I was immersed in a variety of Klezmer, Tango/Salsa and Groningse folk music. My dad converted later in life to Judaism in 2019. And to celebrate his entrance to Judaism, my parents held a Jewish wedding. During my life my parents made sure that we gained a strong Jewish sense of self.

From 2014 to 2019 I followed a bachelors in illustration at the Willem de Kooning Academy. After that I spend some time working on my own practice. Due to recent events and the rise of antisemitism, I felt the need to do something about it. Therefore I started a (Pre-)Masters at the University of Amsterdam in Jewish & Middle Eastern Studies. Since January of 2023, I began as president of CIJO. Where I plan to continue my creativity for events, design and fostering dialogue.