April 19 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Z3 Conference brings Jews from across the political and religious spectrum together to dialogue about Israel, the diaspora, identity, and the future of Jewish life. It’s a gathering where unity is found by working together through challenging discourse, not by avoiding it.
Z3 @ Cincinnati brings the spirit of the national Z3 Conference to our community by bringing together speakers from across the globe (lineup to be announced soon!). The Z3 Conference is where Jews from across the political and religious spectrum come together to have real conversations about Israel, Zionism, power, identity, and the future of Jewish life. Z3 @ Cincinnati is our local version. Built by the Mayerson JCC and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, this event reflects the voices, questions, and realities of Jewish life in Cincinnati. Together, we’re creating a space for bold conversation, honest listening, and staying in the room when it’s difficult.
What to expect at Z3 @ Cincinnati:
- Hear Omer Shem Tov’s inspirational story of resilience and positivity as an act of resistance.
- Learn from thought leaders such as Elior Levy, Israeli TV reporter, Dr. Muli Peleg (University of Cincinnati), Tzach Shmuely (Community Shliach), Charlie Covit (current Harvard Student), Shayna Kling (Cincinnatian who works at University of Miami (FL) Hillel), and Shanie Reichman (Israel Policy Forum).
- Shop in our shuk (market) of handmade products from Israel.
- See how the Z3 came to be a visionary movement for the next chapter of Israel and Jewish Peoplehood.
- Participate in the global conversation of what the Jewish future looks like.
Z3 Project is an initiative of the Oshman Family JCC. Z3 is a registered trademark.
This event is part of our Modern Israeli Holiday observances. Visit MayersonJCC.org/IsraelEvents for the full lineup.
Learn more about what Z3 is HERE.
Presented in partnership by the Mayerson JCC, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, and Friday Night Shabbat. All events are supported by the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati.
Featured Speaker: Omer Shem Tov
Omer Shem Tov is a survivor of the October 7. Nova Music Festival massacre and a former hostage held captive by Hamas in Gaza for 505 days. Abducted during the attack, he endured prolonged captivity under brutal conditions-fighting not only to survive, but to remain human. In captivity, Omer chose faith over fear. Through a deep connection to God, inner discipline, and gratitude, he embraced positivity as an act of resistance-strengths that continue to guide his life. Today, Omer speaks with honesty and purpose, blending testimony with reflections on resilience, responsibility, and mindset. His message is not only about survival, but about how to live-choosing light, meaning, and life again and again.
