Tell us a little about yourself.
I am an Israeli Actress and Illustrator. I draw the illustrations of The Vegan Witch, which is a witch that tries to veganize the world.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theveganwitch1
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theveganwitch1
I am also a mother of two little vegans ages 6 and 3, and married to Moran, who veganized us all . I am also an animal-rights activist and I lecture about it in schools around Israel.
What lead you to veganism? How long ago?
I was a vegetarian since I was 15. My husband who I’m with since I’m 19 was a carnist that didn’t want to hear about my vegetarian agenda. I always wanted to go vegan but thought I would have much less things to eat since I’m so picky, so I really tried to repress all I know about the animal industry. About 7 years ago, One day I woke up and saw my husband watching YouTube. He turned around to me and said “I’ve been watching videos all night. Gary Uropsky’s lecture and more. I want to be vegetarian”. I was shocked but answer him- we are going to be Vegans now! And we went straight to the refrigerator and through away all animal product to the garbage. We never looked back. Since then we had 2 children who are raised as vegans. Both of my sisters went vegan in the same week too after us. It was incredible. And to think that this guy was a meat fan. He never missed a chance to try a new meat hamburger and always claimed it’s not a meal if it doesn’t include meat.
When you first went vegan how did you phase out your non-vegan food, clothing and other items?
I threw everything away. I felt disgusted.
Do you make any exceptions for yourself or if you are married with kids – your family, when it comes to veganism?
I am a very much of a black/white kind of person. So I NEVER make an exception. For me, it’s like I’ll not make any exception about not hitting people or not raping or murdering. It’s the same, moral values aren’t to make exceptions of.
Also, since almost all my side of the family are vegans, we have no problems of that kind. My husband’s side is so respectful so every time we come over they make only vegan food. My 85 years old gramma is known to veganize any Romanian dish you want! But when it comes to social events in my 6 years old daughters kindergarten it isn’t easy. My agenda was that she can choose whether to be vegan or not, and I really educate her a lot about the aninal industry, so she is so aware of a lot of things. When she sees eggs she is disgusted, and so is my 3 year old son. When they see a fish in a bowl they get sad. When my daughter hears about someone who does something for the animals she immediately asks if they are vegans too. But when it comes to sweets it isn’t easy for her. Lately we have been to a birthday party and she told me “Mommy, I decide to not eat this cake, because it’s not vegan and I want to be vegan”. I was the proudest mother ever that moment. Since then she never ate anything non vegan as far as I know. But I’m sure challenges are yet to come. For my 3 years old, I send him food to the kindergarten so he doesn’t need to eat the meat they make there. He knows that he eats different than others because he is vegan.
Do you believe we should show children the process of how animals are turned into meats?
I try to describe it very gently but still in a way that lives no room for a doubt.
What does being vegan mean to you? For example, does it extend to not killing bugs and bees?
Being vegan means everything to me. It’s who I am. And I try to manifest it everywhere I turn, by not buying animal tested products, not killing bugs, and trying to support vegan companies.
Is it every vegan’s duty to become an activist?
Yes. We live in times of change and the animals needs every voice they can get. Its not enough to just not eat animal products anymore,
How compassionate or empathetic are you towards non-vegans?
I am not, though I should be, I was one until 7 years ago.
Any recommended Vegan books?
I wish I had time to read, I have 2 small children
Any recommended social sites, blogs or pages? Mine! .
Instagram: www.instagram.con/theveganwitch1
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theveganwitch1
What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?
What is the vegan scene like in your city?
I think it’s the best in the world, really. There’s almost not even one place without a descent vegan option. And there’s so many great vegan restaurants everywhere here in Tel Aviv.
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