CJHPS Statement on Recent Antisemitic Events, Feb. 17 2023
Over the last ten days, a series of antisemitic acts have occurred on and off campus and on social media. It culminated with the draping of a Nazi flag on the Temple of the High Country sign. In response, Appstate's Chief Diversity Officer Jamie Parsons responded yesterday by writing that "such an expression of hatred and antisemitism impacts the wellbeing and sense of safety and belonging that all members of our campus community deserve." We at the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Peace Studies also condemn these antisemitic acts. Acts of hatred and violence against our neighbors diminish all of us. The Center stands in solidarity with our Jewish students, faculty, staff, and the greater community, as we do with all people facing hate speech and violent action. When a community takes a stand against violent behavior, the power of hate is diminished. Take a stand!
If you want to learn how to safely and appropriately respond to antisemitic acts, you can view a wealth of resources found in Parson's February 16, “Message from the Chief Diversity Officer" below.
- If you feel unsafe, please contact App State Police.
- For students, Counseling for Students offers individual counseling as well as a broad scope of services at no charge.
- If you are aware of any student who may be affected and has not reached out for support, please encourage them to contact the Dean of Students Office in Room 324, Plemmons Student Union. They can go in person, call 828-262-8284 or email dos@appstate.edu.
- For faculty and staff, the university offers an Employee Assistance Program, and Counseling for Faculty and Staff also offers services for faculty, staff and their immediate families.
- The Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies offers open conversation weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.”
- Six Facts About Threats to the Jewish Community: A new blog from ADL’s Center on Extremism detailing threats to the Jewish community. Please note that this resource is best suited for adults.
Click here for a list of resources provided by the Anti-Defamation League or ADL, after their presentation at App State, Wednesday, February 15.
- Antisemitism Uncovered: ADL’s comprehensive guide to understanding the history of antisemitism and some of the most common myths about Jews, which was referenced at the beginning of George’s presentation. It has videos embedded and there is a toolkit for responding to antisemitism to be used as a supplement.
- Antisemitism Today: A Table Talk family conversation guide developed after the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue massacre and updated to reflect further incidents
- Antisemitic Attitude In America: The report from ADL’s Center for Antisemitism Research about Americans’ beliefs in antisemitic tropes
- 2021 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents: Report on acts of antisemitism across America (the 2022 Audit will be released within a couple months)
- 2021 Online Antisemitism Report Card: ADL’s Center for Technology and Society rated online platforms based on their policies and enforcement against antisemitism
- Misogyny and White Supremacy Report: ADL’s Center on Extremism explains the connections between these two forms of hate
- HEAT Map: interactive platform that depicts incidents of hate, extremism, antisemitism and terrorism across the country over many years
- Reporting Link: incidents can be reported directly to this link and will be filtered the appropriate regional office.
Listed below are the events the Center will be holding for Spring 2023. Links for more information will soon be provided on our website.
Workshop on Antisemitism: What It Is and How to Respond
March 8, 6-8, Library room 421
Tanya Gersh: How I Fought Antisemites and Won
March 23, 6-8, Library room 114
A Day Against Hate organized by Hillel and AEPi
On the mall, April 16, afternoon
Yom HaShoah, the Holocaust Day of Remembrance
Reading of names of the murdered in the Holocaust Outside between the library and the bookstore, 10-5. If you would like to read please contact us at the Center.
CJHPS Annual Student Awards Ceremony
April 24, 2-3, Center room 102 Edwin Duncan Hall, refreshments provided
Picnic with our AppState Police
Location TBA, 12-3 pm, join us for games and lunch
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