Draft:Bonita Nathan Sussman

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Bonita Nathan Sussman

Bonita Nathan Sussman is a Jewish activist, author, and advocate for emerging Jewish communities worldwide. She serves as the president of Kulanu, a non-profit organization that supports isolated and developing Jewish communities across the globe. Her work spans academic research, humanitarian outreach, political engagement, and religious advocacy, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Early Life and Education

Bonita Nathan Sussman is a graduate of Ramaz High School. She earned a B.A. from Yeshiva University, Stern College, a Master's degree from Columbia University in the study of Religion, and a Master's degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary in Jewish Education, along with a certificate in School Administration and Supervision. Additionally, she has studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies (Yeshiva University), and Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Career

Kulanu and Jewish Outreach

As the president of Kulanu, an organization that supports Jewish communities in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Through Kulanu, she has helped document and assist groups rediscovering or affirming their Jewish identity, including the Lemba in Zimbabwe, Abayudaya in Uganda, the Igbo Jews of Nigeria, and emerging communities in Madagascar and Côte d'Ivoire. Her work includes visiting these communities helping to organize educational initiatives, distribute religious materials, and advocate for international recognition of these communities.

Sub-Saharan African Jewish Alliance

At the South African Jewish Congress (SAJC), Bonita Nathan Sussman played a leading role in the creation of the Sub-Saharan African Jewish Alliance (SAJA). This alliance was established to foster connections among Jewish communities across the region, provide educational and religious resources, and advocate for recognition of Jewish groups in Africa. The SAJA serves as a network for Jewish leaders and activists, encouraging collaboration and support among the diverse Jewish populations in sub-Saharan Africa. By partnering with Jewish organizations worldwide, SAJA aims to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between these emerging communities and the broader Jewish world.

Academic and Literary Contributions

[edit] Sussman has written extensively on global Jewish communities and their histories. She has contributed to Kulanu Magazine and other Jewish publications. She has also been featured in scholarly works and research related to Jewish diasporic history.

Sussman is recognized for her significant contributions to the study and support of emerging Jewish communities around the world, particularly in Africa and South America. As president of Kulanu, a non-profit organization dedicated to isolated and developing Jewish communities, Sussman has played a pivotal role in documenting and advocating for Jewish groups in sub-Saharan Africa, such as the Abayudaya in Uganda and the Igbo Jews of Nigeria. Her work has been acknowledged in various academic texts including New Children of Israel (2017) by Nathan P. Devir, In the Shadow of Moses, New Jewish Movements in Africa and the Diaspora (2016) by Daniel Lis, William Miles, and Tudor Parfitt (pp. 120-124, 160-162), The Jewish Phenomenon in Sub-Saharan Africa (2015) by Marla Brettschneider, and The Jews of Andhra Pradesh (2013) by Yulia Egorova and Shahid Perwez (pp. 97-105)

She is an Associate Research Fellow at FIU Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs Global Jewish Studies Program.

She has published several books of her own focusing on Jewish communities in Africa and Asia, including:

• "Jewish Africans Describe Their Lives: Evidence of an Unrecognized Indigenous People" – A compilation of testimonies from Jewish individuals across Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe (Edwin Mellen Press).
• "Shema, Jewish Voices Across Africa:" Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
• "Chronicles: Documenting Sub-Saharan Jewry"
• "7 October 2023: Jewish Reflections from Around the Globe" – A collection of perspectives on the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel and subsequent events, reflecting a historical moment from various Jewish voices (Edwin Mellen Press).

Political Involvement

[edit] Sussman has been involved in American politics, both within Republican and Democrat circles. She was featured in a Jewish Telegraphic Agency article discussing Jewish Republicans who backed Donald Trump during the 2020 U.S. presidential election (JTA).

Public Speaking and Media Appearances

[edit] Sussman frequently lectures at synagogues, universities, and Jewish conferences. She has spoken at the Sixth Street Community Synagogue (Sixth Street Synagogue) and events organized by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis (Jewish Federation of St. Louis). Her work has also been covered by major media outlets such as Al Jazeera (Al Jazeera), Jewish Telegraphic Agency, and Sun-Sentinel (Sun-Sentinel).

She has also participated in television interviews, such as on CTV (CTV Interview).

Recognition and Awards

[edit] Sussman has received several notable awards, including:

• Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement Award
• Chai Mitzvah Award from Wagner College (Wagner College).
• COJO Lifetime Achievement Award (August 2018) for her 25 years of service as editor of the Jewish Voice of Staten Island, the newspaper of the Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO).

Community Leadership

In addition to her work with Kulanu and political advocacy, Sussman serves on the Board of Governors of the New York Board of Rabbis and on the board of Staten Island Hebrew Public Charter School.

Sussman has served as the Rebbetzin of Temple Emanu-El, Staten Island, for 41 years.

Personal Life

Bonita Nathan Sussman is married to Rabbi Gerald Sussman, and together they have traveled extensively to support Jewish communities worldwide. She has 4 kids and 17 grandkids.

References

This page will be placed in the following categories if it is moved to the article namespace.

Categories:

• Women
• Staten Island
• African Jews