Claudia Mendoza shares the story of growing up in northwest London with a Jewish identity shaped by both Ashkenazi and Adeni (Mizrahi/Sephardi) roots. From Shabbat tables filled with tamarind, fenugreek, and Arabic-inflected Hebrew, to vivid family memories of escape from Aden, Claudia reflects on what it means to carry multiple Jewish histories at once.
Our Guest
Claudia Mendoza is Chief Executive of the Jewish Leadership Council, and has worked for various think tanks as a Research Analyst, focusing on the Middle East with a special interest in Iran and the transitioning Arab states. She has a BSc in Biochemistry from University College London and an MA in Middle East Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. She is an alumna of the Adam Science Foundation Leadership Programme.
Key Topics
Heritage & Memory: Growing up between Ashkenazi and Adeni influences
Food & Identity: Tamarind, fenugreek, and overnight breads as cultural markers
Family Histories: Stories of escape from Aden and the importance of oral histories
Representation: Why Mizrahi and Sephardi voices matter in education and leadership
Your Guide
Short definitions and terms referenced in this episode:
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