Focus Events on Antisemitism
Antisemitism in the US and around the world is increasing. Manifestations on campus and elsewhere are more strident and virulent, making it harder to be visibly Jewish and even worse if pro-Israel.
As was revealed in our JIAC survey, Antisemitism and related Ethnic Studies were top issues of concern for our community.
We have launched a series of events to illuminate the issues and foster discussion.
(See also: Ethnic Studies page)
August 8, 2021
Title: Contemporary Antisemitism: A Moderated Etz Conversation
Date: Sunday, August 8, 11am-12.30pm
Where: Moved to Zoom, announcement to follow
You are invited to join us in a moderated group conversation on contemporary antisemitism where each person will have the opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns free of personal judgment. We are witnessing rising antisemitism manifested in bigotry against Jews across the United States and the world, including anti-Israel activism. Harassment incidents of our kids on school and college campuses are increasing. It is critical that we support each other as Jews, regardless of political affiliation.
Rabbi Chaim will introduce the topic and frame the conversation. Ted Schachter and Martin Griss will offer commentary on source material that is attached below. Mark Balch will moderate the conversation to facilitate inclusivity and provide everyone with an equal voice
We look forward to mutual support throughout the Etz community during trying times.
Resource Material:
Rabbi Sacks 5 min video - The Mutation of Antisemitism
Slides for discussion - Definitions of Antisemitism
Jerusalem Definition on Antisemitism (2020): refines/replaces the IHRA definition
3, A Jerusalem Post opinion piece on antisemitism by Samuel Hyde, echoes the Rabbi Sacks video
August 11, 2021
Title: Staying Strong When Antisemitism Arrives on Campus
Date: Wednesday, August 11, 7PM
Where: Zoom
Young adults and teens heading back to school are confronting the possibility of aggressively antisemitic activism on college and high school campuses impacting their mental health and physical well being. This Zoom seminar, with concurrent sessions for students and their parents, explains antisemitism in contemporary and historical contexts, addresses the intersection with anti-Zionism, and reviews tools to process and navigate complex social pressures and relationships unique to student life.
Join Rabbi Serena Eisenberg, the Northern California Director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and former Hillel director at Stanford and Brown Universities, and Zev Hurwitz, the AJC Director for Campus Affairs and formerly of the Anti-Defamation League, in exploring antisemitism on campus. Rabbi Eisenberg and Mr. Hurwitz have worked with countless young adults and teens, along with broader communities to provide education and support to help give each person confidence and knowledge. This seminar is non-partisan and all of the Etz community is welcome to participate.
Resource Material:
Antisemites lexicon, how words are used to bismirch Israel.
Oct 17: An update on the California Ethnic Studies controversy: Is it good for the Jews?
Speaker: Rabbi Serena Eisenberg, Northern California Director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC)
Join Rabbi Serena Eisenberg for an important and impactful discussion.
Ethnic Studies courses will soon be required in every California high school and Cal State University. It seems like an important educational movement to combat racism and counter discrimination. So why is this controversial? What does this have to do with Critical Race Theory? And how concerned should you be?
This year - after a five-year process, four drafts, and tens of thousands of community complaints- the California State Board of Education approved a final version of an Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum. And now, a California bill is close to final passage (AB101) and will require students to take an Ethnic Studies course for high school graduation. But the annual cost to the State taxpayers to implement AB101 is a quarter of a billion dollars a year. (Yes, you read that right.) Moreover, school districts are free to develop or adopt alternative ethnic studies courses, not only teach from the state approved curriculum. Many schools are adopting materials and training teachers with consultants from an activist organization, called “Liberated Ethnic Studies,” which promote a more radical curriculum, with a focus on teaching about Palestinian liberation. How can parents learn more and get involved?
Rabbi Eisenberg will address these issues and concerns and suggest how parents and the Jewish community can advocate for safeguards in our children’s education. How might we stay vigilant against antisemitism and anti-Israel bias in classrooms and on campuses, while promoting understanding about California’s ethnic, racial and religious diversity?
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the leading global Jewish advocacy organization. From city halls to Capitol Hill, at the UN and in world capitals, AJC works to impact policy and opinion on some of the most important issues facing the Jewish people: fighting antisemitism and all forms of hate, strengthening Israel’s place in the world, and defending democratic values.
For more info on the American Jewish Committee (AJC), click here.