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
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Groundbreaking Adorable Children’s Book Celebrates Adoption, Acceptance, & Animal Advocacy
NEW YORK, October 11, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Renowned NYC media personality, entrepreneur, and fashionista Lara Eurdolian introduces her latest project this November—an enchanting children's book that celebrates the magic of adoption and blended families through the endearing lens of animals. Simultaneously, it serves a noble mission, aiding animals in their quest to find their forever homes.
Charlie at the Pom Springs Hotel is a captivating journey inspired by a true story, chronicling the heartwarming adventure of Lara and her husband during a trip to Palm Springs, where they serendipitously meet and rescue Charlie—a senior Pomeranian who had made the hotel lobby his home.
Within the charming pages of this book, Charlie assumes the role of a tour guide at the Pom Springs Hotel. He introduces families to his unique animal friends, each living harmoniously within their blended families. While Charlie revels in his job and the companionship of his animal buddies, he nurtures the dream of finding his forever family. The book's poignant conclusion witnesses Charlie's heartwarming journey to a loving home in bustling NYC.
In a pioneering move, the hotel partnered with a local animal shelter to establish a pet adoption program. Here, dogs like Charlie found temporary refuge in the lobby, where guests could engage with and walk them until they found their forever homes. Charlie marked the 42nd success story of this partnership. Eurdolian aspires to inspire other hotels to follow suit and embrace foster and adoption programs.
Eurdolian, fueled by her passion for animal welfare, aims to be a beacon of hope. "1.5 million adoptable animals face the tragic fate of euthanasia each year. We're determined to make a difference," Eurdolian declares. "With shelters overwhelmed, we're on a mission to rally people and hotels to champion foster and adoption programs. Imagine if every pet-friendly hotel fostered a dog."
Eurdolian and Charlie have long been dedicated animal advocates, volunteering and collaborating with local shelters. Now, as authors, they're expanding their reach. "We pledge to donate $1 from every first edition book sold, and we're forging partnerships with various organizations," Eurdolian reveals. "Our agenda includes not just financial support but also organizing adoption events with hotels and enhancing the visibility of shelter animals."
When asked about the core lessons she hopes young readers glean from Charlie's tale, Eurdolian emphasizes, "Kindness and acceptance of different types of blended families—plus, it's okay to ask questions. Questions lead to understanding and learning. This story carries a special message about blended families, particularly resonating with adopted children and families with rescued animals."
For more information about the animal organizations, Eurdolian is collaborating with prettyconnected.com/charlie. Follow Charlie's real-life adventures on Instagram @pompomcharlie and @prettyconnected.
Charlie at the Pom Springs Hotel is available for pre-order now at Pretty Connected and Blue Balloon Bookstore and major retailers, including Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble, starting November 11th.
Original Source: Groundbreaking Adorable Children's Book Celebrates Adoption, Acceptance, & Animal Advocacy
