Education
Gratz College Launches America’s First Master’s Degree in Antisemitism Studies
PHILADELPHIA, February 22, 2024 (Newswire.com) - Gratz College is launching the first Master of Arts degree program in Antisemitism Studies in the United States in Fall 2024. This ground-breaking program will help fill the vacuum of knowledge about antisemitism across Jewish, non-Jewish, and governmental organizations responsible for generating policy to combat prejudice at a time of unprecedented Jew hatred.
It will:
• Provide an academic home for those seeking to develop both a deep theoretical and practical understanding of antisemitism;
• Help generate new and impactful research on the factors that contribute to growing antisemitism and test interventions that can successfully combat it; and
• Arm educators and practitioners with the most effective antisemitism pedagogy and programming.
Through degree concentrations in teaching, advocacy and research, graduates of this program will be uniquely qualified for prominent careers in education, think tanks, government relations, public policy, and community organizations (Jewish and non-Jewish).
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is eager to see this program take shape:
“We’re seeing a dangerous rise in antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry across our country – and it’s more important than ever that Pennsylvanians be equipped with a thorough knowledge of our shared history and the skills to discern fact from fiction. Gratz College is already renowned for its Holocaust and Genocide Studies programs, and I am encouraged the College is expanding upon that work with a new Master’s degree in Antisemitism Studies. I wish the faculty, staff, and especially the inaugural class of Antisemitism Studies students, great success in their work.”
The program is directed by Dr. Ayal Feinberg, antisemitism studies expert and Director of the Center for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights at Gratz College. The program boasts a distinguished interdisciplinary faculty from academia and leading public advocacy organizations. Despite its infancy, the degree has been endorsed by nearly one hundred scholars and public policy experts from around the world. Professor of Political Science at Kalamazoo College R. Amy Elman asserts, “With an emphasis on operationalizing knowledge, informed teaching and ethical advocacy, Gratz’s innovative graduate program fulfills a deep need in countering antisemitism.”
Gratz’s Antisemitism Studies program is also establishing ground-breaking partnerships with the world’s most prominent Jewish organizations and programs to combat antisemitism in the classroom, on campus, and in professional workspaces. In the first such partnership, Gratz and The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History have joined forces to launch the National Education Fellowship on Antisemitism. The aim of this fellowship is to generate and assess paradigm-shifting middle and high school curriculum to reduce Jew-hatred and prejudice more broadly.
As an early adopter of online education, a 128-year history of Jewish learning, and home to the world’s largest graduate program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Gratz is uniquely qualified to take on this necessary and overdue program.
On March 4, 2024, the master’s degree program will kick-off with a series of public lectures, including by scholars serving as affiliate faculty for the program. On April 2, 2024, Dr. Avinoam Patt, inaugural director of NYU’s Center for Study of Antisemitism and the Maurice Greenberg Professor of Holocaust Studies, will deliver a keynote lecture, titled, "Awake My People": Jewish Responses to Antisemitism in the Modern Period.” Additional talks will take place before the program officially begins in August.
Prospective students eager to start may apply now and take courses as early as March 2024 with electives in Antisemitism Studies already developed as a preview to the program.
Gratz College is grateful to the Isidore and Penny Myers Foundation for generously supporting the launch of the Antisemitism Studies program. Jay Myers, Board Chair, shared: “The Isidore and Penny Myers Foundation, a family foundation guided by Jewish American values, sees great worth in educating future generations about the roots of Antisemitism, and by doing so, working to combat it. This degree program will create scholars who can devote their talent to meet this challenge. Our Foundation is proud to support this work and by so doing, meet our obligation to help repair the world.”
Contact: lcohen@gratz.edu for more information.
Contact Information:Lori Cohen
Director of Marketing and Design
lcohen@gratz.edu
215-635-7300 x182
Original Source: Gratz College Launches America's First Master's Degree in Antisemitism Studies
Latest Fit News
Magical ‘Days of Christmas’ Celebration Illuminates Temple Hill in Oakland
OAKLAND, Calif., December 15, 2023 (Newswire.com) - “Days of Christmas” is back at Temple Hill for 2023! The Days of Christmas events are taking place at Temple Hill in Oakland, California. This cherished annual celebration is a winter wonderland of lights, festivities, and holiday spirit, perfect for families and friends to create lasting memories.
You’re invited to experience the magic of the holiday season as Temple Hill in Oakland comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. The event is open to all, and it's an excellent opportunity for community members and visitors to embrace the joy and wonder of the season.
Visitors to Temple Hill will be captivated by the mesmerizing Christmas lights that adorn the landscape. The entire area is transformed into a dazzling spectacle of colors and twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere that is sure to warm the hearts of all who attend. Whether you're strolling through the radiant garden pathways or gazing up at the beautifully lit trees, you'll be immersed in the spirit of the season.
But the "Days of Christmas" celebration is more than just a visual delight. It's a time for families and friends to come together and share in the joy of the holidays. The event features a range of festive activities, including concerts, tours, nativity displays and more.
"This event is a beloved tradition in the Oakland community," says Wyatt Ernst. "It's a chance for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the magic of Christmas."
In addition to the "Days of Christmas" festivities, Temple Hill offers various other events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community and unity. The Temple Hill Events page (https://templehill.org/events) provides information about upcoming activities, ensuring there's always something to look forward to.
Temple Hill Events continues to show the importance of community and coming together to celebrate special moments. Everyone should visit Temple Hill during the "Days of Christmas" and experience the joy and warmth of this cherished tradition.
For more information about the "Days of Christmas" event and other Temple Hill activities, please visit https://templehill.org/christmas. Let's embrace the holiday season with open hearts and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact Information:Scott Harward
CEO, JX Strategy
templehillmedia@jxstrategy.com
8012100551
Original Source: Magical 'Days of Christmas' Celebration Illuminates Temple Hill in Oakland
