The Center for the Study of Anti-Semitism Announces Inaugural Program Series

With the backdrop of the Holocaust as the most extreme example of anti-Semitism in the modern era, the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, which serves as New York's Holocaust Museum, launches The Center for the Study of Anti-Semitism with a series of programs exploring contemporary issues of hate, hosted by The Center's director, Abraham H. Foxman, internationally renowned as a leader in the fight against anti-Semitism and bigotry.

Through scholarship, exhibitions, and programs, The Center will lead a national conversation to examine where the specific hatred of Jews comes from, why it continues to persist, and the dangers it poses to a free society.

This inaugural series of programs, titled Anti-Semitism Now: Hosted by Abraham H. Foxman, explores contemporary issues of online hate, hate groups in the United States, and anti-Semitism in Germany today, featuring thought-leaders and experts on these topics.

"The time is now to lead a conversation on anti-Semitism and start the crucial work of this new Center," said The Center's Director Abraham H. Foxman. "The Center is positioned to be an integral part of the Museum's work to address the issue of anti-Semitism today. Now more than ever, we must stay vigilant about the dangers of anti-Semitism and engaged in meaningful conversations that inform society."

"The Center, under the leadership of Abe Foxman, who has been a leading voice on the issue of anti-Semitism for more than half a century, expands the fundamental responsibility of the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust to answer ignorance with education and promote understanding," said Museum President & CEO Michael S. Glickman. "The work of The Center begins with public programs featuring thought leaders from a variety of disciplines exploring what is behind the recent surges in hate speech and hate crimes."

ANTI-SEMITISM NOW: HOSTED BY ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN

CONVERSATION

Wednesday, February 8, 3 P.M.

Haters Emboldened in US and Europe - Online, on the Political Extremes, and in the Streets

With Susan Corke, Director, Countering Antisemitism and Extremism, Human Rights First

The Internet is increasingly being used as a platform for people to openly express xenophobic and anti-Semitic views, contributing to false narratives intended to spread fear. In a democracy that ensures freedom of expression, what can concerned citizens do to counter hate speech?

Co-presented by Human Rights First

BOOK LAUNCH

Wednesday, February 8, 7 P.M.

The Lies They Tell

With author Tuvia Tenenbom

In a fearless quest that takes him across the United States, Tenenbom encounters the real America - a place you call home but don't yet know.

BOOK LAUNCH

Thursday, February 16, 7 P.M.

Inside the Anti-Semitic Mind: The Language of Jew Hatred in Contemporary Germany

With co-author Dr. Jehuda Reinharz

The violence of contemporary anti-Semitism is revealed in this profound study of language.

Co-presented by The Tauber Institute for the Study of European Jewry, Brandeis University

Tickets

Tickets are free with advance reservations recommended.

To reserve tickets, visit www.mjhnyc.org/csa, call 646.437.4202, or visit the Museum's box office.

The venue is the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Place in Lower Manhattan.

About Abraham H. Foxman

Abraham H. Foxman is an authority on the Holocaust and Jewish resistance to the Nazis. He was born in Poland in 1940, saved as an infant by his Polish Catholic nanny who baptized and raised him as a Catholic during the war years. His parents survived the war, but 14 members of his family were lost. Throughout his career, he has helped to focus worldwide attention on the heroic efforts of Christian rescuers of Jews and has been a leader in developing education programs about the Holocaust. Mr. Foxman was the National Director of the Anti-Defamation League from 1987 to 2015 and is currently National Director Emeritus. In March 2016, Mr. Foxman was named director of The Center for the Study of Anti-Semitism at the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.

About The Center for the Study of Anti-Semitism

The Center for the Study of Anti-Semitism at the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust uses scholarship, exhibitions, and programs to examine where the specific hatred of Jews comes from, why it continues to persist, and the dangers it poses to a free society. The Center was established in spring 2016 and Abraham H. Foxman is its first director.

About the Museum

The Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust has thrived for nearly two decades along the waterfront of New York Harbor, and was created as a living memorial to those who perished, as well as those who survived, 75 years ago. Established as a place of learning and reflection, a repository for artifacts and information, and a catalyst for dialogue across all age groups about vital lessons of Jewish history, the Museum serves both local and global communities and creates opportunities for diverse audiences to engage with history and to consider its relevance to the present. Since 1997, the Museum of Jewish Heritage has welcomed more than two million visitors; it maintains a collection of 25,000 artifacts, photographs, documentary films, and survivor testimonies and contains classrooms, a 400-seat theater (Edmond J. Safra Hall), special exhibition galleries, a resource center for educators, and a memorial art installation, Garden of Stones, designed by internationally acclaimed sculptor Andy Goldsworthy.

For more information, visit www.mjhnyc.org