The Stories We Carry | A Reflection from the 2025 JDC Entwine Ralph I. Goldman (RIG) Fellow

Eryn Sarkin has been a global citizen her entire life. From South Africa to Portugal, and Indonesia to the United States, Sarkin has dedicated her life to serving the most vulnerable — all while being firmly rooted in her Jewish identity. Today, she brings this sense of service to the JDC Entwine Ralph I. Goldman (RIG) Fellowship, JDC’s premier leadership opportunity, awarded to one person annually, for rising professionals or lay leaders in the Jewish community. 

In this reflection, Sarkin opens up about the stories and experiences that have shaped her, her hopes for the coming year, and what inspired her to become the 2025 JDC Entwine RIG Fellow.  

Growing up in South Africa, I was part of a community deeply intertwined with resilience and responsibility. History wasn’t just something we learned about — it was something we lived. The legacy of apartheid and its aftermath shaped the society around me, leaving scars but also demonstrating the transformative power of justice and reconciliation. At the same time, my family’s history of fleeing pogroms in the early 1900s underscored another truth: Displacement, persecution, and the courage to rebuild are deeply woven into the Jewish experience.

Having moved between countries throughout my life — spending nearly a decade in Portugal — I learned the importance of adapting to new environments while holding onto a strong Jewish identity. Speaking multiple languages allowed me to engage with diverse communities and gain a unique perspective on how identity, history, and belonging intersect.

A Commitment to Global Jewish Responsibility

These diverse experiences  have profoundly shaped me. They’ve given me an innate drive to pursue humanitarian work — not just as a reaction to crises, but as a lifelong commitment to creating solutions that address systemic injustices. This drive eventually led me to earn a Master’s degree in Religion, Culture, and Peace Studies at the United Nations University for Peace, where I deepened my understanding of identity, conflict, and the complexities of healing fractured societies.

Yet what fuels my work isn’t only theory; it’s the belief that every action, no matter how small, has the potential to empower others and foster lasting resilience. This philosophy has guided me in developing leadership programs, engaging in global Jewish initiatives, and designing platforms that elevate underrepresented voices.

Stories That Build Bridges

Throughout my life, I’ve been drawn to storytelling — not just as a way to share information, but as a tool to create understanding, build connections, and inspire action. I believe that stories transcend borders, break down barriers, and remind us of our shared humanity.

My passion for storytelling has taken many forms. I’ve worked in digital media and strategic communications, crafting narratives that amplify the voices of those often overlooked. Through content creation, videography, and social media campaigns, I’ve sought to elevate the stories of underrepresented communities and spark meaningful dialogue. Whether it’s highlighting Jewish youth leadership in Europe, advocating for human rights in Southeast Asia, or sharing the resilience of communities rebuilding after crisis, my work has always centred on using media to create impact.

I’m also deeply committed to amplifying Sephardic and Mizrahi communities, ensuring their unique traditions and histories are integrated into the broader Jewish narrative.

Beyond storytelling, I have designed programs that empower young leaders and grassroots organizations with the tools and skills they need to shape their own narratives and drive meaningful change. By equipping people with media literacy, strategic communication techniques, and digital tools, I aim to inspire them to tell their own stories — ensuring their voices are heard and their communities are seen.

But my passion for storytelling isn’t just about crafting narratives — it’s about listening. It’s about sitting with people and hearing their truths, understanding their challenges, and collaborating on solutions. The most powerful stories come not from imposing perspectives but from amplifying the voices of those on the ground.

Empowering the Next Generation

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that the strength of a community lies in its ability to nurture and empower its future leaders. Over the past few years, I’ve worked with Jewish youth and non-profit organisations to build leadership programs and peacebuilding initiatives that inspire young people to take ownership of their communities.

Starting with co-founding the Jewish Youth of Portugal, I was drawn into pan-European leadership and, ultimately, leadership on a global scale. At the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS), I developed initiatives like the Union Accelerator, which fostered collaboration among Jewish youth leaders across 36 countries. These programs didn’t just train leaders — they created networks, built confidence, and empowered young people to take bold steps in shaping their futures.

Yet, leadership cannot thrive if the spaces we create are not accessible and inclusive. I am particularly passionate about expanding opportunities for women and individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring they have the resources, training, and mentorship necessary to lead. Too often, financial barriers or societal expectations prevent people from stepping into leadership roles. By designing programs that provide not just skills but also tangible support — scholarships, professional mentorship, and access to networks — I hope to break down these barriers and cultivate a more representative and diverse leadership landscape.

The Legacy of Responsibility

The legacy of South Africa’s apartheid system and my family’s experience of fleeing pogroms have shaped my passion for humanitarian work and resilience. Growing up, I was acutely aware of the deep scars left by systemic injustice and the importance of long-term peacebuilding to heal a society. My family’s history instilled in me an unshakeable desire to engage in international development — not just as a response to immediate crises but as a commitment to building long-term solutions that address the root causes of suffering.

As Jews, our values push us not only to strengthen our own communities but also to take responsibility for broader global challenges. Issues such as climate change, global poverty, and the lack of access to affordable healthcare are not just abstract concerns — they impact the world our communities live in and the future we are building.

Jewish history has taught us the dangers of indifference, and I believe that our commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world) and arevut (Jewish mutual responsibility) calls on us to engage in global humanitarian efforts. Whether through disaster relief, sustainable development, or advocating for better access to healthcare, I hope to explore how we can continue to play a meaningful role in tackling these challenges and use our Jewish values for the betterment of all.

Jewish history has taught us the dangers of indifference — and I believe our commitment to tikkun olam and arevut calls on us to engage in global humanitarian efforts.

A Vision for the Future

The challenges facing Jewish communities today are complex and multifaceted. Some are rebuilding after years of isolation, others are grappling with issues of identity, visibility, and sustainability. At the same time, Jewish values call on us to engage with broader global challenges, from humanitarian crises to social justice.

In the next five years, I envision myself continuing to work in international development and global Jewish leadership, focusing on initiatives that strengthen communities and foster intercultural dialogue. Through the RIG Fellowship, I want to explore how JDC can continue to bridge these worlds — supporting Jewish communities while engaging in broader global efforts. I hope to take these lessons forward, ensuring that, wherever those in need may be, they have the support, visibility, and resources they need.

I’m eager to learn from JDC’s expertise in fostering resilience and self-sufficiency. I hope to explore how we can better engage young people and minorities in our communities — not just as participants in Jewish life, but as its architects. In addition, I am excited to work with JDC’s global programs to support vulnerable populations, including those facing financial insecurity, social isolation, and a lack of access to medical services.

Honoring the Legacy of Ralph Goldman

The Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship represents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global Jewish community. Ralph Goldman’s unwavering dedication to Jewish peoplehood and humanitarian work resonates deeply with my values. His vision of a united, resilient Jewish world inspires both my daily efforts and long-term aspirations.

I’m honored to be part of this legacy. And I’m ready to get to work.

Eryn Sarkin is the 2025 JDC Entwine Ralph I. Goldman (RIG) Fellow. Previously, she served as Head of Communications and Outreach at the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS), where she led efforts to connect and empower Jewish leaders across 36 countries through programming, communications, and leadership development. 

With a background spanning policy analysis, human rights advocacy, and interfaith engagement, Sarkin is passionate about inspiring the next generation of leaders, women’s empowerment, and supporting the most vulnerable members of society. Through the RIG Fellowship, she aims to expand her expertise in communications, strategy, and global Jewish responsibility, helping to build a more resilient and connected world.

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