Need to Know

The Zivan family

Karen Zivan/Democrat and Chronicle

Former Brighton residents Karen and Bruce Zivan and their five sons moved to Israel six months ago to live out a “lifelong” dream. They found beautiful scenery, scrumptious food, friendly neighbors, and deadly rocket attacks. Through a video call, WXXI’s Managing Editor Julie Philipp talks with Karen Zivan from her home in Israel. On a special Need to Know segment, airing Friday, January 23 at 8:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV 21 (cable 11) and WXX-HD (DT21.1/cable 1011), Karen Zivan shares what life is like for her and her family living about an hour from the Gaza Strip.

The Zivans moved to Hashmonaim, Israel in July 2008 because they believed Israel could offer their family deeper spirituality, where Jewish traditions and customs are the rule. Karen Zivan, who worked as a psychologist in Rochester, teaches yoga and relaxation methods to Israelis. She also blogs about her experiences.

Need to Know, WXXI’s weekly, in-depth news program, airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. and rebroadcasts Sundays at 12:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV 21 (cable 11) and WXXI-HD (DT 21.1/cable 1011), and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. on AM1370/HD91.5-2.

Podcasts of Need to Know episodes, including the Karen Zivan interview, are also available.
The full length interview is available on the Need to Know website.