Reflections from NCJW Digital Media Intern, Keren Peter

As I finish my Digital Media Internship with the National Council of Jewish Women, I have been reflecting on how meaningful these past few months have been. In a moment when antisemitism feels especially heavy, being part of a community rooted in both Zionism and women’s rights gave me a place where I could feel safe, supported, and proud. Surrounded by strong Jewish women who lead with strength and compassion, I learned what it looks like to turn values into action.

Much of my work focused on creating a photo archive, which became one of the most meaningful parts of my role. Sorting through and organizing these images gave me a window into the history of Jewish women who, more than a century ago, were already fighting for justice. That experience connected me to their legacy and reminded me that I am part of something much larger. Meeting with archival companies and presenting my findings  also pushed me to grow, where I learned how to advocate for my ideas and to take up space in conversations where I once might have held back.

I also had the opportunity to step into a role as a photographer at some events like the reception to welcome the Jewish Women of the 119th Congress and the Washington Institute conference. Capturing leaders such as Senator Cory Booker, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was both exciting and inspiring. Meeting Rabbi Charlie Walker, who had survived being held hostage in his Texas synagogue, was especially impactful and reminded me of our Jewish resilience. His powerful words still echo in my mind: “You can laugh at your trauma as long as it isn’t tragic.”

Experiencing Congress firsthand, from how lobbying works to how advocacy events are organized, gave me the chance to connect what I studied in diplomacy to the real world. It made me realize how photography and archives are not only about preserving history but also about shaping narratives and building bridges, which in many ways is a form of diplomacy. This internship gave me more than technical skills. It gave me confidence, a stronger voice, and the motivation to keep using art, photography, and history as tools for advocacy and impact. Most of all, it gave me a deep sense of connection to the legacy of Jewish women changemakers, and I am leaving with the determination to carry that legacy forward.