“Why Am I Living In America?"

In September 2025, I sat down with Aryeh Schwartz, a professional photographer based in Washington, DC. Aryeh was working at the Capital Jewish Museum on the night that Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Leschinsky were murdered. 

Aryeh is also the founder of Winsidr.com, a leading outlet for in-depth WNBA coverage.

In this conversation, Aryeh reflects on the night Sarah and Yaron were killed and its aftermath. He also reflects on the unexpected ways his work in WNBA journalism has shifted since October 7th. Aryeh speaks candidly about the many roles he holds beyond his professional life: as a father striving to protect his children while teaching them to cherish their Jewish identity; as a partner navigating difficult conversations with his wife about the balance between safety and Jewish pride; and as the proud brother of a combat soldier serving in th Israel Defense Forces.

This is a conversation about identity, responsibility and what it means to live as a Jew in America today. 

 

Credits:

Host and Creator: Manya Marcus

Managing Producer: Eli Akselrod

Editor and Producer: Ben Wallick

Editor 2: Eli Akselrod

Logo Design: Samuel Vilemar

Outro Music: “שִׁירַת הָעֲשָׂבִים” - Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and Naomi Shemer

Listen on Spotify or Apple Music