From as far back as I can remember, I have felt an undeniable warmth in my Jewish identity. Although I am more culturally Jewish than strictly religious, I found belonging in synagogue on the High Holidays and enriched my childhood through Sunday school—immersing myself in the traditions, folklore, and fellowship that nurtured my connection to Judaism. Even as my visits to synagogue waned in my teenage years, a sense of spiritual continuity and shared heritage remained constant in my life.
A defining aspect of that heritage is my connection to Israel—the ancient homeland of the Jewish people, where we have lived, created art, shared stories, and built communal bonds for thousands of years. While I have yet to visit, I have spent time studying Israel’s vast history and modern-day challenges, ultimately embracing Zionism as a core part of my identity. If you are unfamiliar with Zionism, let me clarify: it simply expresses the belief that Israel has the right to exist as a sovereign state and that Jewish people, like all other peoples, have the right to self-determination. It is not an ideology of exclusion or domination; rather, it is the assertion that my people should have the fundamental right to shape our own future in our ancestral land.
For many years, I lived in relative comfort as a Jewish person, never directly encountering anti-Semitism. Because I am not overtly religious and seldom wore Jewish symbols, my identity often went unnoticed by those around me. However, the devastating October 7th, 2023, attack in Israel was a stark turning point. Witnessing such horrifying violence against fellow Jews—and a resurgence of anti-Semitic sentiment worldwide—profoundly shifted how I present myself. Like so many others, I now proudly wear my Jewish jewelry in public, not just as an ornament but as a symbol: I refuse to be silenced or made to feel unsafe for who I am.
Yes, there are places around the world where displaying outward signs of Jewish identity can be risky. But why should anyone be forced to hide their heritage or live in fear? That question applies universally—no individual, whether Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Black, white, Asian, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, or otherwise, should be compelled to suppress who they are out of worry for their personal safety. There is an exquisite beauty in our diversity. We are all threads in the same tapestry, interconnected, each contributing a unique hue to our shared human mosaic.
Yet, it is precisely our shared humanity that is sometimes forgotten in the emotionally charged debates about Israel, Jewish identity, and Middle Eastern politics. If you find yourself harboring strong opposition to Israel or Zionism, I ask you to pause and reflect: consider the historical context of Jewish suffering over centuries—displacements, pogroms, genocides—and how, in response, the people sought sanctuary and self-rule in an ancestral homeland. Recognizing that there have been grievances on all sides of the conflict does not negate this history; it acknowledges that empathy for all does not mean erasure or invalidation of anyone’s rightful narrative or national aspirations.
I invite you, as someone reading with an open mind and heart, to at least entertain the possibility that Zionism is not a call for supremacy but for mutual respect and recognition of a people’s right to flourish. Even if we do not arrive at complete agreement, it is my sincerest hope to plant a seed of contemplation about our shared yearnings for safety, freedom, and creative expression.
Fostering Unity and Cultural Respect: Practical Steps
- Seek Understanding Through Art and Culture
Art has the power to unite us beyond labels. Explore Israeli and Jewish art—paintings, music, dance—and similarly immerse yourself in the expressions of regional artists, Arab creators, and other neighboring cultures. By experiencing these cultural artifacts, we can begin to see the common threads of hope, joy, and struggle that unite us all. - Engage in Respectful Dialogue
Instead of avoiding conversations about Israel or Judaism, lean into them with genuine curiosity. Ask questions; invite people to share personal stories. It is much harder to hate or dismiss an entire group when you’ve taken the time to understand real individuals and their lived experiences. - Educate Yourself on History
This conflict is complex. Commit to learning from reputable, nuanced sources—historical records, balanced journalism, and firsthand narratives. Simplistic accounts can perpetuate misconceptions and animosity; a well-informed perspective fosters empathy. - Stand Against All Forms of Discrimination
Recognize that anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia—any form of hate—stems from the same root of ignorance and intolerance. By taking a stand against one, you take a stand against them all. Consider supporting organizations that champion inclusivity and marginalized communities, be it through volunteer work, donations, or simply sharing their messages on social media. - Public Displays of Solidarity
If you feel safe doing so, wear symbols of your heritage and allyship. Visibility can help normalize diversity and challenge prejudice. When you show pride in your identity, you empower others to do the same.
At the end of the day, we each have more power than we imagine to shift narratives and foster understanding—one conversation, one act of kindness, one moment of thoughtful reflection at a time. We can choose to stand up for each other’s identities, honor our shared complexities, and strive for peace with a more open, artful, and enlightened view of our neighbors and ourselves.
About Jessica Gilbert
Writer and Creative Artist
Jessica Gilbert is a writer, creative artist and former publisher of Talent Spotlight Magazine (TSM). She has interviewed acclaimed artists such as Il Volo, Martin Page, Pat Hunt, Frank J. Myers, Anderson East, and Susaye Greene (The Supremes), plus Tony award-winning actress Tonya Pinkins, award-winning children’s author Timothy Bellavia, and other established and up-and-comers.
Jessica was interviewed in a book, “Dream Reachers II,” by the late author/acclaimed journalist Betty Dravis (Co-author is Chase Von, a poet/celebrity interviewer). She is in this book alongside best-selling author and world-famous founder of the Good Will Peace Treaty, Bryant McGill; actress Katherin Kovin Pacino (Al Pacino’s stepmother); actor/director Tony Tarantino; radio show hostess, Joan Baker and many more. Jessica has been on various radio programs, including “The American Perspective” with journalist Judyth Piazza. She also appeared in the third anti-bully Forbidden Tears production, “To The Top.”
Jessica is far from your average woman because she has been exposed to a broad range of experiences so far in life. She has lived in three countries (USA - Houston, TX; Canada - Montreal, QC and Marbella, Spain), and has done extensive travelling throughout much of North America, Europe and the Dominican Republic.
She has taken part in all aspects of the arts throughout her life, however, Jessica has always mainly been drawn to art and creative writing. She attended Concordia University in Montreal studying art and earned a BFA Degree in Studio Art with an emphasis on painting and drawing. Later, she did a graphic design intensive program through the Continuing Education department.
Prior to Jessica’s move back to Spain in August 2009, where she currently resides, she had been living in Canada for fourteen years. Whilst living in Canada, she had various administrative and graphic design work experiences. Late in 2008, the idea for her online Talent Spotlight Magazine (TSM) started to germinate - it launched in November 2010, and now after a successful run of the Magazine, it will be re-launching as Talent Spotlight Showcase in audio/video format in the near future! Stay tuned!
Jessica is currently working on a handmade accessory biz that will be launched soon!
Additional Highlights
Jessica Gilbert’s creative journey is multifaceted, extending well beyond her work as a writer, interviewer, and former publisher. She is also the founder of Talent Spotlight Magazine, which originally launched online in November 2010 and showcased interviews with luminaries in music, film, theater, and the literary world. After a successful run, Jessica is evolving this venture into Talent Spotlight Showcase—an audio/video platform designed to spotlight emerging and established talent across diverse artistic spheres.
An advocate for cultural unity, Jessica is additionally the creator of Jews United to Support Israel, a page dedicated to bringing Jewish people together worldwide in mutual support of one another and of Israel. This platform, guided by a mission of peace and love, complements her broader personal stance against anti-Semitism and bigotry in any form.
In her artistic life, Jessica has pursued painting and other art forms since the mid-1990s, and now under the moniker “Artley Creations.” One of her most notable works, completed in 2000, is a surrealist-inspired painting titled Pepper in Monument Valley. Influenced by Salvador Dalí’s dreamlike landscapes, this piece once graced the walls of her sister’s restaurant before finding its current home with her mother. The painting embodies many of the elements that define Jessica’s aesthetic—expansive skies, compelling desert vistas, and a touch of surrealism—all rendered in acrylic, her medium of choice.
Jessica’s creative output spans a range of themes and forms, from reflective written pieces exploring childhood memories, synchronicities, and issues like bullying and anti-Semitism, to visual projects that capture the interplay of vivid color and emotive storytelling. Across her writings, one can find an array of topics—such as diversity, growth, peace, and personal transformation—underscoring her mission to “Spread Love” and champion unity. She continues to build her repertoire through various media, including a forthcoming handmade accessory business and plans for a comprehensive video compilation of her art, offering fans and followers a window into her creative and deeply personal world.
"Pepper in Monument Valley” (2000) by Jessica Gilbert
This striking work, “Pepper in Monument Valley” (2000) by Jessica Gilbert, merges the influences of Surrealism (inspired by Salvador Dalí) with an iconic American Southwestern landscape. At first glance, it appears to be an homage to the region’s breathtaking desert vistas, yet the surrealist insertion of a large pepper and a gnarled, dreamlike tree immediately transports the viewer beyond mere realism. Gilbert situates her composition in a tangible place known for its dramatic beauty, yet her introduction of an everyday object imbued with surreal magnitude compels the audience to experience Monument Valley anew.
Though it draws aesthetic inspiration from Dalí’s dreamscapes, the painting also reflects the ethos that underpins much of Jessica’s creative output—an unspoken invitation to see the world through a lens of playful curiosity, spiritual introspection, and cross-cultural wonder. Having lived in multiple countries and pursued diverse artistic passions, she is adept at bridging the ordinary and the uncanny, the personal and the universal.
“Pepper in Monument Valley” offers a lively interplay between the serene but rugged reality of the desert and the offbeat magic of Surrealism. Its bold colors, sharp contrasts, and whimsical central image recall Dalí’s capacity to enthrall by challenging expectations. Yet for those drawn to symbolism, the painting also evokes a narrative of resilience and transformation—qualities Jessica has honed through her own life transitions. By perching a bright red pepper, symbolizing vitality, against the vastness of Monument Valley, she suggests the audacity to flourish even in adverse conditions.
Ultimately, the piece is a testament to Gilbert’s ability to blend personal inspiration, cultural references, and artistic homage into a visually arresting, conceptually layered work of art. It underscores her broader ethos: that art is both an act of personal exploration and a bridge to universal themes of endurance, creativity, and wonder. Under the open skies of Monument Valley, she celebrates imagination’s power to transform even the most timeless landscapes into vibrant canvases of possibility.
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