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About
Evan Kleinman is a documentary filmmaker who directed the 2012 short documentary 'Punk Jews,' which premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) and received over 2 million online views for its portrayal of punk rockers reinterpreting Jewish rituals and identity in Los Angeles. Produced in collaboration with Reboot, the film challenged mainstream Jewish cultural norms and earned praise from outlets like The Forward and Tablet Magazine for its innovative approach to Jewish expression. Kleinman has continued advocating for diverse voices in Jewish communities through media and public commentary. As a fellow in the ROI Community, a program fostering Jewish social entrepreneurs, he has navigated complex dynamics within organized Jewish philanthropy, including publicly criticizing Schusterman's funding of the Israel on Campus Coalition. His activism underscores broader debates on Israel-related advocacy and progressive values in Jewish spaces, positioning him as a provocative figure in North American Jewish networks.