This weekend, Lauder Fellow Matty Fisher brought a unique and vital conversation to Limmud in the UK. Fisher's panel addressed the intersection of Jewish identity and living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It explored IBD's personal and communal impact within the Jewish community, shedding light on how chronic illnesses shape individuals' experiences of faith, tradition, and belonging. Attendees were moved by Fisher's candid reflections and the interactive dialogue that followed, which fostered empathy and understanding among participants.
Matty’s participation in Limmud was supported by the World Jewish Congress (WJC), underscoring their commitment to amplifying diverse voices within the Jewish community. The panel highlighted the importance of creating inclusive spaces where all Jews feel seen and valued regardless of their health challenges. By addressing an overlooked topic, Fisher empowered others with similar experiences and challenged the broader community to rethink accessibility and support systems within Jewish life.