Ep 104: The Upstander Responsibility with Molly Deblinger and Ella Ben-Hamo and guest Avery Davidson on hmTv

Episode 104: The Upstander Responsibility
Guests: Avery Davidson | Hosts: Molly Deblinger & Ella Ben Hamo

In this inspiring episode of The Upstander Responsibility on hmTv, hosts Molly Deblinger and Ella Ben Hamo sit down with 12-year-old Avery Davidson—an extraordinary young upstander whose Bat Mitzvah project is making waves in her community and beyond.

Avery shares how she's raising funds through sweatshirt sales featuring a powerful line from the Hashkiveinu prayer: “Let there be love and understanding among us.” All proceeds go toward preserving artifacts at the Irving Roth Holocaust Center, connecting her Jewish identity with action and advocacy.

Together, they explore what it means to be proud of one’s heritage in today’s world, how mitzvot (acts of kindness) can build community, and why Jewish pride and resilience matter now more than ever. Avery’s story of activism—ranging from fundraising for victims to donating her hair for charity—demonstrates that age is no barrier to impact.

Whether you're a young listener looking for inspiration or an adult seeking hope in the next generation, this episode will move and motivate you to be a force for good.

Listen now and learn how small acts of kindness can lead to powerful change.

Transcript

Episode 104 – The Upstander Responsibility
Hosts: Molly Deblinger & Ella Ben Hamo
Guest: Avery Davidson
Platform: hmTv

Molly:
Hello and thanks for joining us today. I’m your co-host, Molly Deblinger.

Ella:
And I’m your other co-host, Ella Ben Hamo. On today’s episode of The Upstander Responsibility, we’re here with our special guest Avery Davidson to talk about her Bat Mitzvah project and how she’s been an upstander in her community.

Molly:
So first, Avery, tell us a little bit about yourself. What school do you go to? How old are you?

Avery:
Hi! I’m Avery Davidson, I’m 12 years old, and I go to Roslyn Middle School. For my Bat Mitzvah project, I’m selling sweatshirts with a line from the Hashkiveinu prayer. The sweatshirts come in blue too, and all the money goes toward the Irving Roth Holocaust Center. I noticed that they needed help preserving artifacts, and I thought—everyone loves sweatshirts—so I wanted to combine that with my favorite prayer and raise money for something meaningful.

Ella:
Do you want to hold one up so our audience can see it? And can you tell us what the line from the prayer is and why you chose it?

Avery:
The line I chose is: “Let there be love and understanding among us.” I think it’s a really important message to spread—especially now. We all need more kindness in the world.

Molly:
What makes that particular prayer so special to you?

Avery:
It just has a beautiful message. It’s something everyone can relate to—spreading love, understanding, and unity. It’s different from other prayers because it really speaks to people in a personal way.

Ella:
Have you had your Bat Mitzvah yet? If not, what are you most looking forward to?

Avery:
It’s actually in exactly a week! I’ll be having it in Curaçao, which is home to the oldest continuously operating synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. It’s really meaningful—there’s even sand on the floor to muffle footsteps, which dates back to when Jews had to hide their practices.

Molly:
Wow! That’s so unique. What inspired you to have it there?

Avery:
My brothers had theirs at the second-oldest, so I just had to go with the first! But seriously, it’s not just the place—it’s about being Jewish every day. That’s what’s meaningful to me.

Ella:
How do you express your pride in being Jewish?

Avery:
I go to Hebrew school, attend Shabbat services almost every Friday, and I usually wear my Jewish star necklace. I let people know I’m Jewish, and I’m proud of it.

Molly:
We get that. Being open can be scary sometimes. Have you ever experienced antisemitism or felt afraid?

Avery:
I haven’t personally been targeted, but I do think it’s scary being Jewish sometimes—especially when you see what’s happening in Israel or online. That’s why showing pride and support is so important.

Ella:
How do you plan to carry this message with you into high school?

Avery:
Even if it gets scary, I think being proud and open is the best way to deal with it. I’d love to start a Jewish Student Union if my school doesn’t have one—something like what you guys have told me about. I want to spread awareness and keep being an upstander.

Molly:
That’s beautiful. So what does being an upstander mean to you?

Avery:
It means being proud, helping others, and showing support. In Holocaust times, people couldn’t say they were Jewish. I’m doing it for me—and for them.

Ella:
That’s so powerful. How do you keep yourself inspired to do mitzvot every day?

Avery:
Honestly, it just feels good inside. Doing something kind makes me happy, and I hope the other person keeps that kindness going. It’s like a chain of mitzvot.

Molly:
Can you tell us the line from your sweatshirt again?

Avery:
Sure—“Let there be love and understanding among us.” It’s such an important message to live by.

Ella:
How do you apply that in your daily life?

Avery:
By loving people for who they are. Doing small mitzvot—holding doors open, saying prayers—spreads kindness. It’s not just for one person; it should be something everyone takes part in.

Molly:
Especially after October 7th, we’ve seen the Jewish community come together in unity. How does that tie into your message?

Avery:
When we understand each other and stand united, we all feel safer and stronger. That’s the impact I want to make—with my sweatshirt project, with my actions, and with everything I do as a Jew.

Ella:
Have you always been this active with mitzvah projects?

Avery:
Not always. It really hit me after October 7th and learning more about the Holocaust. I realized how important it is to be proud and to help others.

Molly:
And your sweatshirt profits are going to the Holocaust Center, right?

Avery:
Yes! My goal is to raise $12,000 to help preserve the artifacts. But I’ve also done other things—when I was 10, I raised $10,000 for two boys killed by a drunk driver. At 11, I donated over 11 inches of hair for Locks of Love. Now, at 12, it’s these sweatshirts. I want to keep going every year.

Ella:
Do you have plans for next year?

Avery:
Not sure yet, but I’d love for it to connect to Judaism again. A mitzvah project shouldn’t be a one-time thing. It should be ongoing—helping people however you can.

Molly:
That’s amazing. Who’s been supporting you through all of this?

Avery:
My family’s been huge. My parents helped me with the design, my synagogue showed the sweatshirts, and my friends are wearing them too. Even people just donating without buying—every bit helps.

Ella:
Any other organizations you’re thinking about supporting in the future?

Avery:
For now, the Holocaust Center is my focus, but I’d love to do more in Curaçao. Maybe something like school supplies for kids—my brothers did that in St. Thomas. I realized not everyone is as fortunate, and I want to help change that.

Molly:
That’s so inspiring. What would you say to another young person who wants to be an upstander?

Avery:
Be proud of who you are. Look around and see who needs help. Don’t make fun—help instead. Talk to people, find out what others need, and take action. You’ll feel good, and you’ll help others feel good too.

Ella:
You’re an inspiration, Avery. Thank you so much for being on the show.

Molly:
Yes—thank you! Just one more time, how much is the sweatshirt and where can people get one?

Avery:
They’re $36, and we’ll have a link in the bio of this episode. You can buy one or just donate—anything helps. Even supporting other causes makes a difference.

Ella:
Thanks again, Avery, and thank you to everyone listening to this week’s episode of The Upstander Responsibility on hmTv.

Molly:
Be sure to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more amazing conversations. Until next time!