Originally from Highland Park, Ill., Linzy Upton-Spatz, 29, grew up spending school breaks in Colorado at her family’s second home. She moved to Colorado full time to attend CSU, where she earned a BS in business administration, a BA in journalism and media communication, and a minor in entrepreneurship.

She is director of JEWISHcolorado’s Israel and Overseas Center.

You graduated college shortly after the Covid pandemic started.

One of the hardest parts was suddenly missing out on all the “lasts” I had been looking forward to and losing that sense of closure on my college experience as a whole.

I was heavily involved on campus, particularly at Hillel. I had no idea the last Shabbat I spent in the Hillel house would actually be my last.

My board continued to meet regularly over Zoom, but nothing compares to sitting around a table together.

Closing my laptop after my last final didn’t compare to the feeling of walking out of a classroom knowing I’d finished my years as a student.

I had worked incredibly hard to graduate with distinction, so missing the opportunity to walk across the stage in my gold gown was disappointing. My family made the best of the situation and threw me a graduation ceremony in our backyard with just the four of us, even cutting a makeshift gold gown out of fabric for me to wear.

I finally got to walk at CSU two years later, in the spring of 2022.

Why Israel work?

I’ve always felt a deep connection to Israel, its people and the sense of belonging I experience there. There’s something about Israeli culture, warmth, hospitality and collective sense of responsibility that makes it feel like home in a way no other country outside the US ever could.

After generations of persecution, having a Jewish state and the ability to defend ourselves is something I will never take for granted.

Oct. 7 changed the way I see the world. Watching people I loved and respected turn their backs on the Jewish community, and seeing how quickly misinformation and anti-Semitism spread, made me feel an even greater responsibility to act.

What initially drew me to this work was a desire to combat anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, but I’ve come to recognize that strengthening our own community is just as important. Personal relationships are one of the most powerful ways to challenge misconceptions about Israel. It’s much harder to reduce people to a political narrative when you’ve actually gotten to know them.

The past few years have been incredibly difficult for Jewish communities around the world, and I’ve found myself seeking out Jewish spaces and connections more than ever. Other Jews are like extended family, and that feeling has only deepened.

I want to help create more of those connections and opportunities for Jewish joy, because even in the midst of grief and uncertainty, we have so much worth celebrating and preserving.

Were you surprised by the explosion of anti-Israel activity on college campuses just three years after you graduated?

Anti-Semitism on college campuses was nothing new to me. I witnessed and experienced numerous incidents during my time at CSU, but some of the most eye-opening moments came from university leadership, like having to explain to the university president why a swastika was a hate symbol, or hearing our VP of Diversity tell me, “At least you can hide your identity.”

Still, nothing could have prepared me for the scale and intensity of what followed Oct. 7. Watching so many young people mobilize against Israel in the immediate aftermath of the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust was both shocking and devastating.

There’s a difference between advocating for Palestinian rights and perpetuating anti-Semitism, and I found it deeply concerning how frequently that distinction seemed to be lost.

How can you share the Israel story with a younger generation that is more anti-Israel than previous?

Information alone can only go so far. One of the challenges I’ve observed is how quickly Jewish perspectives on Israel and anti-Semitism can be dismissed. It’s easy to form opinions about people you’ve never met, especially when so much of what we consume comes through social media.

When you build genuine relationships with Israelis, hear their stories and experience their culture firsthand, those preconceived notions become much harder to maintain. That’s one of the reasons I believe so strongly in programs like our Shinshinim, which bring young Israeli emissaries into Colorado communities to build meaningful relationships, particularly with younger generations.

What overseas community are you excited about working with or visiting?

JEWISHcolorado has an upcoming young adult trip to Mexico City. While I won’t be joining this trip, I’m looking forward to helping facilitate more opportunities like it that connect Jewish communities across the diaspora.

There’s something special about discovering the different ways Jewish life and culture are expressed around the world while recognizing the shared identity that connects us.

How do you nurture your entrepreneurial side while doing Israel work?

I still run my Etsy business, where I design and make handmade jewelry and accessories for concerts and music festivals.

Creativity and entrepreneurship naturally carry over into my work at Jco. I’m always looking for new ways to connect with people, bring ideas to life and make things more engaging.

Are you active with any Jewish organizations outside Jco?

I occasionally attend services at Aspen Jewish Congregation with my family.

Why be Jewish?

Being Jewish means belonging to something so much bigger than myself. I find it incredibly meaningful to carry on the traditions and practices of my ancestors, especially knowing how much our people have endured to preserve them.

Despite thousands of years of persecution and attempts to destroy us, we’re still here, connected to our ancestral homeland, speaking Hebrew, studying the same Torah and carrying on traditions passed down through generations.

Judaism is at the core of who I am, and I couldn’t be prouder of that.

Who has been an inspiring figure in your life?

My big brother, Skippy. With 10 years between us, I grew up idolizing him. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that we’re alike in some ways and complete opposites in others, but I’ve never stopped looking up to him. He’s the smartest, funniest and most fiercely loving person I know. I admire his incredible work ethic, his ability to connect with just about anyone, and the way he gives 110% to the people and things he cares about.

What book are you reading?

The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk.

TV series?

“The Paper,” which features one of my favorite comedians, Alex Edelman, and “Fauda.”

What do you do in your free time?

You’ll often find me at a concert or music festival, especially if there’s good bass music involved. I also love skiing, exploring Colorado, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with my cat, Munchie. I’m always down for a good TV binge, too.

Guilty pleasure?

Gummy bears and reality TV. Preferably at the same time.

Favorite spot in Colorado?

Red Rocks! Nothing beats dancing to live music with people I love in such a beautiful place.

© IJN 2026