Tamar Schwarzbard, 35, recently relocated to Denver from Jerusalem. Originally from New York, Schwarzbard has a BA in history from Yeshiva University. After making aliyah, she studied at The Hebrew University and has an MA in communications and journalism. She is married to Dr. Aaron Greenstein.
What do you do for work?
I’m a communications strategist who helps organizations, small businesses and individuals tell powerful stories that inspire action. I specialize in digital strategy, public diplomacy and social impact campaigns.
Are you a member of a synagogue or active in a local Jewish organization?
I’m new to Colorado and have been getting to know the different Jewish communities here. I’m amazed by their warmth and commitment to Jewish life. I’m involved with many Jewish and pro-Israel organizations across the US, Europe and Israel, and throughout my career I’ve had the honor of speaking to hundreds of Jewish groups.
In a time of rising anti-Semitism, I believe it’s more important than ever to strengthen and empower Jewish voices.
You managed some of Israel’s social media channels.
The team I led was responsible for managing the State of Israel’s official digital presence across social media platforms in seven languages.
Our flagship channel, which I personally managed, was the official State of Israel account on X (formerly Twitter), known as @Israel.
What did a typical day look like?
Israel is such a complicated and fascinating country that every day was wildly different. A day could begin one way and completely transform by the time it ended.
Before Oct. 7, our work shifted constantly depending on the news cycle.
One morning might start with a team meeting to plan content around a state visit by a major world leader, then pivot to covering an international artist performing in Israel, and later responding to a breaking security development.
I was in this role during world-shaping events like the Abraham Accords, Covid and the Russia-Ukraine war, so every day brought something entirely new.
After Oct. 7, our entire routine and workflow completely changed. The pace, the tone and the weight of what we were communicating took on an entirely different meaning.
Social media is critiqued for many things — can you share something positive about it?
Social media can absolutely be toxic, and there are many challenges that come with it. But I’ve also met incredible people on the other side of the world through these platforms and built real, meaningful relationships.
Those personal connections, across cultures, languages and backgrounds have given me hope and strength in a world that feels increasingly hostile and dangerous for Israel and Jews.
What is meaningful to you about being Jewish?
Feeling my ancestors’ heartbeat in my own, and knowing that I am part of a thousands-year chain of the strongest, most resilient community to walk the earth.
Every footstep I take, every breath I take, I feel my ancestors walking alongside me.
How did Oct. 7 impact your Jewish identity?
Oct. 7 brought up many fears rooted in the Jewish experience (all of my grandparents were Holocaust survivors), but it also made me incredibly proud to be Jewish and Israeli. It made me want to wear a Star of David everywhere I go and strengthened my Jewish identity.
People talk about the “Oct. 8 Jews,” those who became even more connected to Judaism and their communities in the wake of Oct. 7, and I feel that deeply.
Who has been an inspiring figure in your life?
My grandmother, and Holocaust survivors everywhere. They are a generation that embodies Jewish strength and human resilience. We need to embrace them and recognize the gift they are while we’re still lucky enough to have them with us.
What book are you currently reading?
Where’d You Go Bernadette, by Maria Semple.
What TV series are you in the middle of watching, or just finished?
I started re-watching “The Nanny,” one of my favorites from childhood.
What do you do in your free time?
I try to disconnect from social media as much as I can and do things that are good for my soul like reading, writing and traveling.
Guilty pleasure?
American and Israeli reality TV.
If you could bring one thing from the East Coast and one thing from Israel to Colorado, what would they be?
From the East Coast, NY bagels (even though Rosenberg bagels are delicious) and from Israel, the Israeli friends and family whom I love!
If you weren’t doing this job, what would you do?
A journalist or podcast host focusing on human interest stories.
Have discovered any special spots in Colorado yet?
Colorado is an exceptionally beautiful state! I’ve spent time in Aspen, Vail and Denver and want to make the most of my time here exploring this beautiful state!
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