How do we make sense of a history marred by atrocities? And more importantly, how do we combat prejudice and hate today?
International Holocaust Remembrance Day was on January 27 and Yom HaShoah -- Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day in Israel -- begins at sundown on April 17th to sundown on April 18th. Sadly, antisemitism is on the rise in the United States. One way that we can defend ourselves and our Jewish neighbors is by educating ourselves. According to recent data, 1 in 4 Jews in America have experienced antisemitism, and 2021 saw more incidents than any other year on record since 1979. These incidents are on the rise and have turned some synagogues into a place of fear for our Jewish neighbors.
In a recent interview reflecting on the attack at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, Jeff Cohen implores people to speak out against antisemitism and all hate when they see it, as that is the only way we can reduce the amount of hate in our society. “‘When you hear things, you know they're not true, you close your eyes, you grimace, you roll your eyes, you look the other way, but you don't say anything,’ Jeff said. ‘And I'm not being accusatory, because, before this time last year, I would do the same thing. But we can't. We need to challenge it when we hear these things.’”
Before we can speak into these areas, we must first educate ourselves so we can be faithful witnesses.
These lectures from CMJ Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day event on Antisemitism Education are now available on YouTube and linked below with information on each topic.
Martin Luther & The Judensau
Dr. Richard Harvey joined us on Holocaust Remembrance Day, for a thought-provoking lecture, taking us back to medieval Europe, and exploring the deeply-ingrained antisemitism that gave rise to anti-Jewish art like the notorious Judensau (Jew-pig) image in Germany. Learn how religious leaders in Europe throughout history, including Martin Luther himself, were influenced by these depictions of Jewry and fueled rabid antisemitism. Dr. Harvey's lecture aims to spark awareness and invite dialogue through his personal experiences as a Jewish Believer, by striving to work together towards reconciliation and the combating of antisemitism today.
The Lives of David & Esther
In his talk, M. Weberman presents the incredibly personal story of his family's journey through the complexities and horrors of the Holocaust. Drawing on diaries, memoirs, and first-hand accounts, the talk sheds light on the tragedies that befell the Weberman family. Follow along with M. Weberman as he uncovers the tale of his ancestors, from their settling in Europe and flourishing in Germany, to the destruction of their lives, culture, and presence in the Holocaust. In tribute to David and Esther, M,'s parents who both survived the Holocaust and the camps, we can gain a better understanding of what so many families endured during these dark times — both for commemoration and for the combating of anti-semitism and genocide in our times.
It Is NOT Enough to be an Anti Antisemite
In this thought-provoking talk, Rev. David Pileggi from @ChristChurchJerusalem tackles the complex issue of antisemitism and offers insights on why it's not enough to simply be against it. Drawing from his extensive experience as a pastor and scholar in Israel, he delves into the historical and cultural roots of antisemitism and explains why it's important to actively work towards building systems of proactivity that will make sure that we will not be bystanders in the next genocide.
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