Educational Programming

NWCCU Webinar: Jewish Identity and Antisemitism on Campus

January 28, 2022; 12:00 PM Pacific Time (Free)

This introductory training will provide an overview of Jewish identity, the diversity of Jewish experience, historical and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, and how to address antisemitism within the context of free speech and academic freedom. It will delve into themes such as Jews, race, and whiteness; the intersection between racism and antisemitism; understanding the relationship between anti-Zionism and antisemitism; and how antisemitism plays out on college campuses today. Participants will come away with increased knowledge and awareness of antisemitism and their role as campus professionals in creating an inclusive campus environment.

Featured Speakers:

Miriam F. Elman is Executive Director of the Academic Engagement Network and an Associate Professor of Political Science at Syracuse University where she holds the title of Robert D. McClure Professor of Teaching Excellence at the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs. An award-winning scholar and teacher, Elman has edited and co-edited six books and a number of special issues for academic journals, including Israel Studies. She is the author of over 65 journal articles and book chapters on topics related to contemporary antisemitism, the anti-Israel movement on college campuses, academic freedom and campus free expression, peace and conflict resolution, and religion and politics in Israel and the Middle East. Elman has delivered hundreds of guest lectures on these topics and has been frequently featured in Haaretz, The Jerusalem Post, The New York Times, The Times of Israel, Washington Post, Inside Higher Ed, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Legal Insurrection, JNS, Jewish Journal, JWeekly and The Forward, among other media outlets. In recognition of her work, in 2018 The Algemeiner listed her among the top 100 people worldwide who are positively influencing Jewish life.

Naomi Greenspan is Director of the Academic Engagement Network’s Improving the Campus Climate Initiative. In this role, Naomi partners with universities to establish and implement antisemitism awareness education and training programs in order to help create a healthier campus environment. Prior to joining AEN, Naomi designed and developed educational programs and resources on antisemitism, its intersection with racism, and the relationship between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. She has extensive experience facilitating workshops to address bias and bigotry and promote interfaith dialogue and understanding on college campuses, in schools and communities. Naomi earned her B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis where she studied Psychology and Jewish, Islamic and Near Eastern Studies, and an M.A. from Teachers College at Columbia University in International Educational Development and Peace Education.

Register HERE