IS AMERICA DIFFERENT? ANTISEMITISM IN THE UNITED STATES IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Presented by Jonathan Sarna
Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History and Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies, Brandeis University

Recently, we have witnessed an unexpected spike in antisemitic activities in the United States, including two deadly attacks on synagogues. Is this a new phenomenon? What role has antisemitism actually played in American history? Is it a pervasive phenomenon, a late and alien phenomenon, or something in between? This lecture will trace the course of antisemitism in the United States and consider the question of American exceptionalism. Has America been different from Europe with respect to antisemitism. How worried should we be about the spread of the world’s oldest hatred to America’s shores?

For questions or to request accommodations contact:

Rebecca Leavey
[email protected]