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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Rivers are Life Premieres ‘Mr. Trash Wheel’ Highlighting the Power of Baltimore Harbor’s Iconic Cleanup Invention
MIDLAND, Mich., December 1, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Today, Rivers are Life unveils its latest film highlighting the innovative cleanup efforts made by local River Hero John Kellett, his nephew, Cy Appleby-Kellett, and their partner organization, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, in Maryland’s Jones Falls River and Baltimore Harbor. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a historic seaport, tourist attraction, and landmark that historically suffered from generations of industrial pollution, extensive hardscape, and widespread littering. The film, “Mr. Trash Wheel,” tells the story of the harbor’s trash interceptor, a vessel and endearing character that has gone viral for removing trash from the Jones Falls River as it empties into the Inner Harbor.
Engineer and sailor John Kellett worked on the harbor for 20 years, where he was confronted on a daily basis with the negative impact pollution was having on Baltimore’s biggest attraction. After studying the problem, researching the systems available on the market, and finding nothing adequate, he was inspired to invent a system for tackling it. Thus, Mr. Trash Wheel was born.
“There should be a way to stop this trash before it spreads out,” John said. “So, I thought, you know, maybe I should give it a try.”
Over the past nine years, Mr. Trash Wheel and three other “trash interceptors” have gobbled up over 2,300 tons of trash in the Baltimore Harbor. The Trash Wheels use renewable energy and are placed in strategic locations within the harbor, where the water flow brings the most trash after it rains.
The beloved Mr. Trash Wheel has, against all odds, cleaned up the once-thought-to-be uncleanable Baltimore Harbor, and in doing so has rallied a community around the cause – from a local brewmaster and fishermen to the iconic Baltimore Hons and beyond.
Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore brought “Mr. Trash Wheel” to life with the addition of googly eyes and anthropomorphic social media personas, which propelled Mr. Trash Wheel to international stardom, bringing much-needed attention to plastic pollution and the innovative solution. Fans and supporters keep Mr. Trash Wheel churning through annual volunteer events, fan appreciation fundraisers, merchandise like T-shirts and plushies and more.
“Mr. Trash Wheel” highlights the power of problem-solving and innovative solutions in response to pollution, while reminding us that there is hope for many of the environmental challenges our communities face, so long as we come together for the cause.
The full “Mr. Trash Wheel” film can be viewed on Rivers are Life’s platform here.
Contact Information:Katie Horning
Head of Brand, Rivers are Life Brand Division, BeAlive Inc.
khorning@gobealive.com
989-491-1019
Original Source: Rivers are Life Premieres 'Mr. Trash Wheel' Highlighting the Power of Baltimore Harbor’s Iconic Cleanup Invention
David Anthony Rooney Unveils His Book, ‘Journey Through Anxiety: A Troubadour’s Tale’
Journey Through Anxiety book front cover
Illustration of a man with a guitar on his back walking towards the Las Vegas strip into the sunset.
LAS VEGAS, November 30, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Renowned singer/songwriter David Anthony Rooney, an Emmy Award-winning and Guinness World Record-breaking musician and filmmaker, takes readers on an intimate exploration of his three-decade-long battle with anxiety in his newly released book, "Journey Through Anxiety: A Troubadour's Tale."
In this authentic and gripping memoir, Rooney invites readers into the depths of his personal struggles with anxiety, offering a raw and honest account of his journey toward triumph. The book, now available on Amazon, has already garnered acclaim for its genuine portrayal of the human experience.
Rooney, a captivating performer who has held a nightly residency at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip for the past decade, uses his platform to shed light on mental health issues. A staunch supporter and speaker on the subject, he brings his insights and experiences to the forefront in "Journey Through Anxiety," aiming to provide positive reinforcement to those grappling with this pervasive affliction.
Readers have hailed the book as "Authentically Inspiring," "Life Changing," and a "Real Human Experience." Rooney's narrative not only chronicles his personal triumph but also serves as a call to arms for those facing similar challenges.
With a reputation for vocal prowess and songwriting excellence, Rooney brings his signature genuine, honest, and humorous touch to the written word. The book stands as a testament to his multifaceted talents, resonating with audiences around the world.
"Journey Through Anxiety: A Troubadour's Tale" is not just a book; it is a beacon of hope and understanding in a world grappling with mental health issues. Rooney's poignant storytelling and uplifting message make this a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and connection.
David Anthony Rooney, an award-winning singer/songwriter originally from Dublin, Ireland, has captivated audiences worldwide with his vocal prowess and songwriting talent since the mid-'90s. Beyond his musical achievements, Rooney is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, a Guinness World Record breaker, and a passionate advocate for mental health. "Journey Through Anxiety: A Troubadour's Tale" marks his debut as an author, bringing a powerful and much-needed message of resilience and triumph in the face of anxiety.
To purchase the book, visit Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Through-Anxiety-Troubadours-Tale/dp/B0CNH26WX2/. For additional information about the author, his speaking, and programs, go to his website at https://daverooneyspeaker.com. Follow Dave on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068690732961, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/daverooneyspeaker, and on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@daverooneyspeaker. For media inquiries, interviews or review copies, please contact Dave Rooney at connect@daverooneyspeaker.
Contact Information:Dave Rooney
Author
connect@daverooneyspeaker.com
Original Source: David Anthony Rooney Unveils His Book, 'Journey Through Anxiety: A Troubadour's Tale'
