Light The Path: A Jewish American Heritage Journey to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games
Honoring Identity. Celebrating Heroic Legacy. Activating Public Space and Transit.
Presented by: Jewish American Heritage Month Los Angeles (JAHM-LA) & Jewish Historical Society
Winner of the Combat Antisemitism Movement's National Contest — Plan for Change
About the Program
"Light The Path" is a multi-year civic engagement and cultural education initiative leading up to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
It celebrates Jewish contributions to American and Los Angeles civic life through sports, urban innovation, and cultural resilience—while promoting understanding, inclusion, and pride. Through citywide collaborations, storytelling, and public activations, Light The Path uses heritage and public space to combat antisemitism and elevate shared values of justice, courage, and community.
The Path to 2028
May 2026 – Jewish Champions: Celebrating Jewish Athleticism and Heroism
Programming, exhibits, and public ceremonies will honor Jewish Olympic legends and local heroes who overcame discrimination in sports.
May 2027 – Builders & Bridge Builders: Highlighting Jewish Contributions to Urban Planning and Transit Equity
This theme explores Jewish leadership in designing equitable cities and advancing transportation justice. Through exhibitions, walking tours, and expert panels, the program will spotlight innovation, civic vision, and inclusion in LA's urban story.
May 2028 – Heritage on the Move: Guided and Self-Guided Jewish Heritage Tours of LA Using Public Transit
As the world arrives for the Games, Angelenos and visitors alike will explore Jewish LA through transit-accessible tours of exhibits, murals, cultural landmarks, and sites—embracing LA's "transit-first" approach and showcasing Jewish heritage across the city.
Community and Impact
Over 25 partner organizations are already engaged in Light The Path, creating one of the most collaborative Jewish civic heritage projects in Los Angeles history.
Together, we will:
- • Celebrate Jewish pride and resilience through storytelling and public art.
- • Educate the broader public about Jewish contributions to civic and cultural life.
- • Activate shared spaces to foster unity, understanding, and inclusion ahead of 2028.
Advisory Board In Formation
- Adeena Bleich - Light the Path Co-Founder, JAHM-LA Co-Founder
- Stephen Sass - President at Jewish Historical Society, JAHM-LA Advisory Board
- Mary Kohav - Light the Path Co-Founder, JAHM-LA Advisory Board; Social Equity, Community Relations & Leadership Development
- April Powers - Global Inclusion, Belonging, Diversity, Equity, & Intercultural Strategist
- Jordanna Gessler - Chief Impact Officer at Holocaust Museum LA
- Asher Gellis - Founder and CEO of JQ International
- Matthew Nouriel - Iranian, Jewish & Queer Director of Community Outreach at JIMENA
- Sharon Landau - The Braid Managing Director
- Rhonda Spinak - The Braid Co-Founder and Artistic Director
- Lenny Krayzelburg - Olympic Gold Medalist, President & CEO of Swimright Academy
- Jasmin Nikou - Hillel Board Member, 30 Years After
- Judi Lieb - Challah & Soul
- Shonda Wolkowitz - Jews of Color Coordinator, Challah & Soul
- Emily Bowen Cohen - Author and Illustrator, Two Tribes
- Mark Katrikh - Museum of Tolerance
- Nate Looney - Jewish Federations of North America
- Nurit Siegel - Foundation Executive, Arts and Entertainment
