Designer is ‘sharing light’ with uplifting JN sticker to counter antisemitism

This week’s print edition of Jewish News contains a sheet of stickers for readers to wear at the UK march against antisemitism on 26 November that are the result of a chance meeting in Finchley a fortnight earlier.

One of our reporters was attending the Sing for Israel evenings that Ivor Goldberg of the klezmer band Shir has been leading every week since 7 October. She got chatting to one of the Israelis attending, who later shared photos of some stickers her friend had made. The wording and design were so simple and effective that Jewish News was determined to share them with its readers.

Emily Theodore, the graphic designer who created the special stickers for this paper, had been moved by the Jewish community’s peaceful and positive approach to activism. “I saw the slogan ‘Love is stronger than hate’ at a rally and I instantly connected to its uplifting message,” she said.

Theodore, 32, who is based in London, had wanted to contribute in her own way to the effort to combat rising antisemitism in the capital and began printing stickers to share with her friends.

“We realised these had a place on the streets in response to the divisive or hateful stickers, posters and graffiti we saw around us,” she said.

She takes her place alongside the countless groups and individuals who have been raising money and awareness, from organising campaigns and hanging posters to creating content and running events.

Theodore, who says she also enjoys “dancing and big earrings”, added: “It’s incredible to experience so much unity and love in these otherwise uncertain times. However or wherever you use your stickers, I hope they share a little light for yourself and those around you.”

Light and joy are what Ivor Goldberg’s Shir is also creating. His Sing For Israel evenings are, as he puts it, proving helpful and therapeutic. “They give people the opportunity to connect and express themselves at this difficult time when many of us are feeling quite helpless.

“Singing together is always good for the soul, spirit and for the universe. And, of course, for Israel.”