Ryan Torok

Los Angeles

Freelance Journalist at Freelance

Los Angeles journalist. Contributor @JewishJournal, @bhcourier, @jewishsf, @jdforward, | Story tips & feedback to [email protected]

Articles

Photography Exhibit Grapples with Meaning of Zionism

2 days ago | jewishjournal.com | Ryan Torok

Artist Shlomit Levy Bard’sphotography exhibition, “(RE)Defining Zionism: Portraits and Perspectives from a Post-October 7 Israel,” captures the complexity of what Zionism means in the aftermath of Oct. 7, challenges simplified narratives and highlights the diversity of Israeli society. Currently on display at Hillel at UCLA, the exhibit is as much a storytelling exhibit as it is a photography display.
National Days of Jewish Service Volunteers, Magen David Adom Luncheon, USHMM Lecture

1 week ago | jewishjournal.com | Ryan Torok

As part of National Days of Jewish Service (NDJS) and NuRoots’ 10th annual Collective Escape, Repair the World Los Angeles invited volunteers to prepare and pack meals alongside partners at Project Angel Food, which prepares and delivers free meals to those facing life-threatening illness. Taking place just ahead of Passover, volunteers honored the holiday themes of reflection, resilience and liberation.
United Hatzalah Celebrates, Brothers for Life, Miracle Project Shows, Art of Healing

2 weeks ago | jewishjournal.com | Ryan Torok

United Hatzalah’s annual Young Leadership Yom HaAtzmaut celebration brought together over 500 young Jewish professionals to honor Israel’s 77th birthday and raise more than $80,000 for life-saving efforts in Israel. “This night was only possible thanks to the incredible United Hatzalah Young Leadership team and Carolyn Kangavari,” event co-chair Chloe Sabbah said.
Global Mitzvah Maker Day, Vision Awards, WIZO Brunch, AFMDA Discussion

3 weeks ago | jewishjournal.com | Ryan Torok

Actress Emmanuelle Chriqui; author and activist Noa Tishby; and business leader and human rights activist Mandana Dayani joined volunteers at JLA, formerly Westside Jewish Community Center, to pack hygiene kits for Good+ Foundation in Los Angeles for Global Mitzvah Maker Day, a day of service held April 27.
Jay’s New Challenge

3 weeks ago | jewishjournal.com | Ryan Torok

Jay Sanderson is sipping on an iced matcha latte as the two of us have breakfast in Studio City. We’re meeting to discuss the news, announced just days earlier on May 5, that he would, effective immediately, become interim president of American Jewish University (AJU). “My first instinct was to decline,” Sanderson says, seated underneath an awning of the Ventura Boulevard-facing café, shading him from the city’s unexpected heatwave.
Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron Ceremonies; Teens Do Community Service, Braid Talk

1 month ago | jewishjournal.com | Ryan Torok

In honor of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Holocaust Museum LA staged a stirring ceremony with survivors, city officials and religious leaders at Pan Pacific Park,on April 27. Open to the entire community, the program’s theme was “Beyond Liberation,” highlighting the 80 years that have passed since the end of Holocaust.
Community Leader Says “Value High” in Voting in Zionist Congress Elections

1 month ago | jewishjournal.com | Ryan Torok

As voting for the U.S. elections in the 39th World Zionist Congress nears conclusion—voting closes May 4—American Zionist Movement (AZM) Executive Director Herbert Block said there were few barriers of entry to voting in what Jewish leaders are describing as a consequential election. In fact, it costs just $5 per person to vote—essentially the cost of a cup of coffee, the AZM leader said during a recent Zoom interview.
Moroccan Org Inducts Anthropologist, Vegan Seder, Casden Housing Panel

1 month ago | jewishjournal.com | Ryan Torok

Anthropologist and UCLA professor Aomar Boum was inducted into the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco, an educational institution in Rabat, Morocco. It was with touching eloquence that Rahma Bourkia, president of the higher council for education, recounted Boum’s exceptional journey, from his humble beginnings in the Draa Valley to his recognized expertise in Maghrebi and Oriental studies at UCLA. His courage and perseverance propelled him to the highest spheres.
Israel Bonds Event, FIDF Founder’s 98th Birthday, JFSLA Receives Grant

1 month ago | jewishjournal.com | Ryan Torok

Leo David, founder of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) in Los Angeles, marked his 98th birthday with a lavish celebration at the Skirball Cultural Center. The event, held on April 6, was attended by friends and family who enjoyed a vibrant pre-reception featuring an array of gourmet sushi and live music, setting the tone for the festive evening.
Five for Fighting’s John Ondrasik Releases Musical Tribute to Israeli Hostage

1 month ago | jewishjournal.com | Ryan Torok

Musician John Ondrasik, who performs as “Five for Fighting,” has continued to show he is one of Israel’s most outspoken allies. Ondrasik, who isn’t Jewish, recently collaborated with Idit Ohel, the mother of current Israeli hostage Alon Ohel. Alon, 24, was abducted on Oct. 7, and he’s one of 24 hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza.