The Project on Allyship to Combat Antisemitism is funded by The Schechter/Levine Program in Public Ethics and the Sid B. Levine Service Learning Program
American Jewish University (AJU) recognizes the evolving challenges facing North American Jewry. To address these challenges, AJU is pioneering a new kind of research institution for the twenty-first century. Instead of investing in physical infrastructure, the focus is on creating a dynamic space for intellectual discourse, leveraging technology, and fostering flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Traditional research institutions excelled in academic brilliance but often lacked efficient exploration of societal problems for public dissemination. AJU aims to change this by establishing a workshop model devoid of fixed facilities, encouraging dynamic scholar interactions, and focusing on real-time issues without duplicating existing efforts.
The Project: Allyship Against Antisemitism
The first issue being researched is the role of allyship in combating rising antisemitism. Recent reports from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the University of Tel Aviv highlight a concerning surge in antisemitic incidents. This reinforces the urgent need for allies in the fight against prejudice, especially now, following the events of October 7. However, skepticism exists regarding the effectiveness of allyship. Voices from within the Jewish community express frustration at the lack of reciprocal support despite efforts to ally with other groups facing similar challenges.
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The Scholars
Each scholar in the Study of Allyship and Antisemitism will look at the prospects of allyship while focusing on a particular group. The scholars, whose work and, for some, identity, align with the communities they study, are: Professor Corinne Blackmer, studying the LGBTQIA+ community; Professor Anthea Butler, studying the African American community; Professor Bridget Kevane, studying the Hispanic/Latino community; Dean Helen Kim, studying the Asian American and Pacific Islander community; Professor David Koffman, studying the Native American community; Author Sabeeha Rehman and Journalist Walter Ruby, studying the Muslim American community; Dr. Joel Lohr studying Jewish-Christian relations, and Professor Robbie Totten, studying the Jewish community and Immigrant groups.
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Project Goals and Outcomes
The ultimate goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of allyship's practical implications for the Jewish community in contemporary America. By shifting the focus to potential allies, this project aims to unveil opportunities and hurdles in forging coalitions to combat deep-rooted prejudices.
By centering the analysis on prospective allies, this initiative seeks to provide insightful perspectives on the effectiveness of allyship in addressing the resurgence of age-old prejudices.
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Understanding Allyship: Exploring Perspectives
To delve deeper into the promise and limitations of allyship, AJU created a comprehensive project. This initiative aims to:
- Enlist Diverse Scholars: Gathering experts closely connected to the issues at hand, ensuring a diverse perspective.
- Inclusive Dialogue: Hosting initial meetings to foster discussions, establish common ground, and lay the groundwork for research papers.
- Analytical Rigor: Scholars will craft papers exploring the future of alliances against bigotry, emphasizing non-Jewish agency in building coalitions.
