2025 Jewish Writers Mifgash Collaborative Poem 

On September 14, 2025, 140 Jewish writers and publishing professionals gathered together for The Artists Against Antisemitism’s first Jewish Writers Mifgash.

All attendees were given the prompts “I was,” “I am,” and “I will be,” along with a stack of sticky notes and a pile of pens. Throughout the day, attendees added words to the wall of poetry. Those words were collected and transformed into this poem, reflecting both the diversity and unity of the attendees.

This is the poem that came from their contributions.

I Am a Writer

A collective poem by The Artists Against Antisemitism Jewish Writers Mifgash, 2025

I was lost, uncertain, scared, disconnected.

I was silent.

I was apologetic, shunned, walking on eggshells.

I was in denial, a worrier, a shadow artist.

I was hidden.

I was fiercely secular, on the periphery, quiet about my Jewish identity, an outsider.

I was caught in my compassion for others.

I was in darkness and in pain.

I was naïve, trusting, overly self-critical.

I was fearful.

I was afraid,

afraid,

afraid…

But I am resilient.

I am louder and clearer.

Stronger and prouder.

I am Reform, Conservative, Orthodox. Observant. Guarded.

I am Jewish,

Jewish,

proudly Jewish,

a Jewish writer and artist.

I am stepping into my greatness, emerging energized and creative.

I am laughing, happy, engaged.

I am grateful.

I am inspired by the richness of Jewish creative culture.

I am practicing and learning.

I am writing joyfully.

I am what I am, right where I’m supposed to be.

I am here.

I am here.

I’m not going anywhere.

And I will be loud.

I will be a warrior, ready to wield my sword to lift up Jewish stories.

I will be a voice for those who were erased.

I will be fearless.

I will be unapologetic,

unapologetic,

unapologetic.

I will be bold, defiant.

I will be hopeful, vibrant, a conduit of Jewish pride and joy.

I will be flourishing, thriving in the sun.

I will be authentic, whole, more myself.

I will be brave, determined.

I will be supportive.

I will be loving and kind.

I will not be silent.

I will be Jewish,

forever, Jewish.

A Jewish writer.

Give the Gift of Poetry & Art

Once the poem was complete, we shared it with the visual artist Arielle Zorger, who creates stunning patterns and prints. She painted her interpretation of the poem, and then integrated her artwork and the text to a unified design—a true community collaboration.

The design is now available on Arielle’s website as a menorah/challah tray, a challah cover, and a giclee art print. The Artists Against Antisemitism will receive 25% of the proceeds from everything created using this design—and if you place your order by December 6, Arielle will guarantee delivery by December 20th, before the end of Hanukkah. These items will remain on sale even after the holiday for birthday or hostess (or any other) gift!