In this episode of Here I Am with Shai Davidai, Shai sits down with Ilana Ybgi, a doula, life coach, and founder of the Crown Heights Birth Justice Project. Ilana describes herself as a “social justice Jew” and explains what social justice means to her: seeing what is broken, taking responsibility, and becoming part of the solution, even through small but real actions.
Their conversation explores Ilana’s work supporting women during birth, and why she views birth as a deeply vulnerable, sacred space where dignity and advocacy matter. Ilana and Shai discuss the wider maternal health crisis in the U.S., including how bias in medical settings can impact care, especially for Black women and Orthodox-presenting women. Ilana speaks about the fear and tension that can come with identity, particularly after October 7, and the personal realities of navigating antisemitism while raising a family.
Ilana also shares the mission behind the Crown Heights Birth Justice Project, which brings together women from different communities, including Jewish and Black women, to build trust and connection through honest conversations about birth, support, and shared vulnerability. The episode closes with Shai’s rapid-fire “Here I Am” questions, touching on safety, hope, and why the birth of a baby can be a powerful reminder of resilience and optimism.
Guest: Ilana Ybgi
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Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Allison Fuller, Josh Tepper, Bonnie Berkovits
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman
