In 2022, the basketball world was rocked when former Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving shared links to antisemitic content on social media. The controversy led to his suspension from the team without pay, sparking conversations about the impact of such actions on young fans like CNN global affairs analyst Bianna Golodryga’s son.
Golodryga, a mother of two, was prompted to take action after her son expressed confusion and concern about the situation. She discovered a lack of resources for addressing antisemitism in children aged 8-12 and decided to fill the void by co-writing a novel with Israeli journalist Yonit Levi. The book, titled “Don’t Feed the Lion,” follows the story of a soccer pro making an antisemitic comment that goes viral, leading to a swastika appearing at a school and forcing the protagonist, Theo Kaplan, to speak out against hate.
The collaboration between Golodryga and Levi was inspired by a rise in antisemitism following terror attacks in southern Israel, providing them with an outlet to address a difficult and timely topic. Despite facing rejections from traditional publishers, the project found a home with Michael Lynton, co-owner of a boutique publishing house, who recognized the importance of the book’s message.
In a world where divisive opinions can overshadow important conversations, “Don’t Feed the Lion” aims to educate young readers about the impact of hate speech and the importance of speaking out against discrimination. Lynton believes that the book should be readily available in schools and homes, regardless of potential controversy surrounding the authors’ backgrounds.
As the novel prepares to hit shelves, Golodryga, Levi, and Lynton hope to spark meaningful dialogue and empower young readers to stand up against hatred and bigotry. Through storytelling and education, they aim to make a positive impact on future generations and promote a message of unity and understanding.
