Emmy-Nominated Journalist Jacki Bryk Karsh '09 Speaks to Students about Leadership and Advocating for Jews and Israel

Upper Schoolers received an incredible visit from six-time Emmy-nominated journalist Jacki Bryk Karsh ’09. The proud alumna spoke about the leadership skills that helped her advance in her career, how she came to be such a prominent advocate against antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and, throughout it all, how Ramaz prepared her with the tools for her journey. She explained that Ramaz is “a place that refuses to let you stay small. Here is a place where curiosity isn’t optional and perseverance is really built.” Because Ramaz has always taught students how make their voices heard and pushed students to improve their skills, Jacki felt prepared to take charge and pursue her dream career as a journalist. After October 7, 2023, she decided to dedicate herself to combatting antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. She told students, “I have put every skill that defines my reporting to work for the Jewish people,” including writing op-eds, moderating high-stakes conversations and public forums, testifying in support of antisemitism-fighting legislation, meeting with elected officials, and even bringing civic leaders to Israel.

She views it as imperative to fight misinformation about Israel and to defend Jewish life. To that end, she and her husband founded the Karsh Journalism Fellowship, which provides resources and mentorship to equip future journalists “to produce accurate stories about Jewish life and the State of Israel, ensuring that these stories are told with depth, independence, and truth.” Overall, they feel strongly that the world needs “more fearless Jewish voices who tell the truth, build trust, and live their values in public,” and she urged Ramaz students to keep this in mind. Regardless of the careers that the students choose, Jacki emphasized to them that they must bring their Jewish identity and integrity everywhere they go. She said, “Ramaz has always, always, produced graduates who lead. Now it’s your turn,” adding, “you have to let the voice that you’ve discovered here in these walls carry you farther.”