Hen Mazzig returns to YouTube with Season 2 of ‘And They’re Jewish’

Influencer and activist Hen Mazzig is bringing his celebration of Jewish identity back to screens, launching the second season of his YouTube interview series And They’re Jewish. The new run will begin with a live event at New York’s 92NY on 29 October, before rolling out weekly episodes online.

Mazzig, founder of the Tel Aviv Institute, has become one of the most visible Jewish voices since 7 October, amassing more than 800,000 followers and reaching over 100 million people across platforms while challenging misinformation and antisemitism. But he said the show was conceived to shift focus away from Jewish trauma and towards Jewish life.

“After two years defined by grief and division, I wanted to remind people that Jewish identity isn’t just about survival or trauma, it’s about joy, creativity, and life,” Mazzig said. “This show was born from exhaustion from being asked to explain Jewish pain instead of celebrating Jewish life. With And They’re Jewish, I wanted to flip the script. We’re not here to defend our existence; we’re here to revel in it.”

Season Two’s guests include actress Lisa Edelstein, chef Michael Solomonov, CNN anchor Bianna Golodryga, author and publisher Zibby Owens, filmmaker Jonah Feingold, podcaster Amanda Hirsch and reality star Jackie Goldschneider. Mazzig said each of them brings a different expression of Jewish creativity into mainstream culture.

“Season Two brings together voices like Lisa Edelstein, Michael Solomonov, Zibby Owens and Bianna Golodryga – each showing that there’s no single way to be Jewish, but every way is worth celebrating,” he said. “These guests show the world that being Jewish isn’t a footnote to their story, it’s the heartbeat of their creativity. That’s what makes this season feel so alive.”

While the series does not centre on politics, Mazzig acknowledged that visible Jewish pride is taking on added meaning at a time of rising hostility. He said the aim is to make audiences feel more confident in that identity.

The first episode of the new season will premiere on YouTube following the 92NY launch event.