I’m Ceki* (Jacob),
a Turkish Jew and Italian citizen
currently living in Stockholm, Sweden.

(*Ceki is pronounced like Jacky.
In Turkish, the letter C is pronounced as J in English.)

About My Personal Journey

I was born on 23 November 1986 in Izmir, Turkey. Since childhood, I have always felt a deep curiosity about the world, a desire to explore that has shaped who I am. Some people say it is a typical Sagittarius trait, but as I do not know much about astrology, I cannot really argue with that.

My curiosity has taken me far beyond my hometown, to places like Hong Kong, Istanbul (Turkey), Kigali (Rwanda), London (UK), Mardin (Turkey), Middelburg & Utrecht (Netherlands), New York (US), Oxford (UK), Stockholm (Sweden), Tel Aviv (Israel), and Toronto (Canada), listed here in alphabetical order. Each of these cities has left an imprint on me, adding new perspectives and layers to how I understand people, cultures, and communities.

My family background is Sephardic Jewish, and I grew up surrounded by different languages and cultural influences. Turkish was my first language, but in our family history, the dominant languages used to be Ladino and French, and now English has become our common language, helping us connect across borders. My family has expanded across Israel, the US, Brazil, and elsewhere. This multicultural heritage sparked my passion for language, culture, and the stories people carry. These experiences have been my foundation for working with communities, especially through education and technology, to support meaningful change.

For the past 15 years, I have been committed to civil society, youth programmes, and non-formal education. These days, my remote work focuses on digital transformation consultancy, training, and digital coaching. I collaborate with non-profits to help them navigate the digital world, designing programmes such as digital literacy workshops and community engagement initiatives that make technology feel approachable and empowering.

Through my one-on-one digital coaching, I guide people to use AI tools to enhance their soft skills, develop their confidence, and make more informed decisions. My goal is to make technology work for people, simplifying their challenges and helping them take meaningful steps forward.

My passion for community work is deeply personal. For the past six years, I have been closely involved in my local community, the Izmir Jewish community. I have led an EU-funded development project, managed our digital presence, and worked to preserve our cultural heritage, focusing on honouring our history while preparing for the future. Currently, I am in Stockholm to deepen my knowledge in Jewish studies and continue exploring community and cultural dynamics.

As a researcher, I focus on contemporary small Jewish communities in the diaspora, particularly Izmir. My work examines how identities and institutions evolve in ageing communities, with a focus on the role of the elderly in shaping welfare, intergenerational connections, and collective memory.

I also explore how technology can bridge gaps in these communities, providing inclusion and accessibility while preserving a human touch. Through digital literacy and participatory tools, I aim to create spaces where everyone can contribute meaningfully.

I am always open to connecting with others who value meaningful change.