Contemporary Antisemitism Series
Antisemitism has been a threat for centuries, but it manifests in different ways in every generation. Why do attacks on Jews seem to have renewed prominence today? This series examines how the current political, cultural, and technological environment nurtures new forms of antisemitism and hate speech. Our hope is that better understanding the contemporary challenges we face will help us confront them more effectively.
Our collective thanks to Steve Weitzman and Kevin Werbach, Co-Chairs of our Lifelong Learning Committee, for organizing these vitally important sessions.
How Social Media Fans Antisemitism and What to Do About It
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Social media such as Facebook has unleashed new forms of hate speech, misinformation, and harassment. Eileen Hershenov oversees the ADL’s innovative Center for Technology and Society. It both engages with and challenges the major digital platforms, and develops tools to measure, assess, and combat anti-semitism and other forms of hate speech online. Join us for a fascinating discussion about the problems technology creates, and the solutions it can offer.
Eileen joined ADL in 2018 after serving as General Counsel (GC) for several of the nation’s leading mission-driven not-for-profits. Eileen began her legal career clerking for a NY federal district court judge, worked for the ACLU, and then spent three years at the law firm Morrison & Foerster. Eileen began her professional career as a campus and community organizer in New York State, working on environmental issues, transit reform, student and worker rights, and ultimately leading a successful access-to-justice legislative campaign. Eileen earned a BA from Yale College and a JD from Yale Law School.
Watch Ms. Hershenov’s talk below
Jews, Antisemitism and Christian Nationalism: Discussion with Dr. Anthea Butler
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Although it has receded from the headlines over the last year, Christian Nationalism remains a dangerous force in American society today, and antisemitism is often at the core of its beliefs. Please join us for a presentation and conversation about the role of Jews and antisemitism within Christian Nationalism with one of the country’s leading scholars of Evangelical Christianity, Dr. Anthea Butler, author of the recently published White Evangelical Racism.
This program is organized by Beth Am Israel’s Lifelong Learning Committee, in partnership with Bethel AME Church of Ardmore, and is one of a series of programs planned for this year focused on contemporary antisemitism.
Dr. Butler is Professor and Chair of Penn’s Religious Studies department. An historian of race and religion, she is a sought-after commentator who has appeared on or written for numerous outlets, and serves as President of the American Society for Church History. Her projects include a contribution to the 1619 Project, an initiative of the New York Times Magazine due out in the fall.