Rinat Abastado (they/them) has a BA in Physics and Philosophy, and MA in Women’s and Gender Studies, and a professional background in software development. They are currently a rabbinical student in the ALEPH Ordination Program. Rinat traces their roots to 'Aden in Yemen and to the old Sephardi community of Jerusalem. They were active in KLAF, organized the first lesbian demonstration in Palestine-Israel, and were a member of Woman in Black and Wahat al-Salam. Their thesis, Confiscated Children, illuminates the parallels between the Yemeni resistance to the abduction and sale of Mizrahi babies to Ashkenazi families, and the resistance of African American families to generations of White destruction of their communities. Both cases examine the criminalization of resistance, present as well in the Gaza genocide. Rinat is part of the spiritual leadership of Ner Shalom, a member of the Rabbis for Ceasefire leadership team, and a member of JVP's Rabbinic Council. Rinat leads services for Ner Shalom, Egalitarian Sefardi Mizrahi Kehilla of NYC and JSWANA Bay Area.
