Daily Inspiration: Meet Tanya Tsikanovsky

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Tsikanovsky.

Hi Tanya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a first generation American whose parents immigrated from the USSR with the help of the Jewish Federation. I grew up in Los Angeles, having attended Stephen S Wise Elementary and Brentwood Middle & High School. I’ve always been an activist; I came out as a lesbian publicly at a high school assembly when I was 14 and founded the Gay, Straight Alliance that just celebrated its 24th year. I’ve also also been a proud Jew and Zionist. After October 7th, I felt compelled to commit my advocacy to supporting Israel and combating antisemitism. Aside from having a longstanding history of being an advocate for Israel, having attended graduate school there, leading Birthright trips, and serving as a Hillel Director, what’s happening now in our world and in this country will shape the way my life and the life of my future kids will look like for Jews. And I’m doing everything I can to be visible and outspoken for our people. There is nothing more important than preserving the Israeli/American alliance. We must do that with the way we vote. We have to get anti Israel members of congress and all areas of our government out of office.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My Zionism seems to be in direct conflict with the queer community. The queer community has been hijacked by the pro terror movement. Pride parades blatantly ban Zionists from attending. This is antisemitism. So no, it has absolutely not been a smooth road. But as Jews, we inherently know nothing in life is easy and that’s why we always persevere. We survive, we thrive, we win. We always will.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Head of Business Development & Operations at my family’s home health care agency.

I lead a Queer Zionists panel event last summer where we had incredible queer Zionists speak on what it’s been life for us since October 7th. Matthew Nouriel, Shayna Chalom, & Brit and Sydney Sharon. Special thanks to Shana Glassman and Gina Raphael of The Golda Project.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Support organizations that support Jews & Israel. Like Maman Non Profit and The Golda Project. FIDF, Magen AM, and Bulletproof Israel. Attend events like Mazal Market. And most importantly, actively follow, endorse, and donate to AIPAC. There is absolutely nothing more important than keeping our government pro Israel and there isn’t a single organization out there that is more effective or more vital to that mission than AIPAC.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.highlyjewish.com
• Instagram: @highlyjewish

Image Credits
Eve Barlow
Sheila Nazarian
Sharona Nazarian
Shana Glassman / The Golda Project
Maman Non Profit
Matthew Nouriel
Sam Yebri
Leah Yebri