David Brodsky - Brooklyn College
Florette Cohen - College of Staten Island
Jonathan Epstein - John Jay College
This panel places antisemitism in its historical and cultural context, explores its psychological roots, and discusses ways the offices of DEI can engage to support civility on campus. The first talk discusses the ways Jews have historically been used as a foil for that which society anathematizes, which adds context to viewing the actions of the Jewish state in a global perspective. Through a history of antisemitism, the presenter will describe a lens with which we may view criticisms of Israel. The second talk presents several studies which show a new theoretical model of antisemitism. The results suggest a new way to view the positionality of Jews in the global context. The last two talks will focus on the campus climate for students and faculty at CUNY, and upon actions by the PSC-CUNY. Finally, we will suggest how to improve the climate and combat antisemitism.