Resources on Antisemitism
Welcome to Middlebury’s resource page for issues of antisemitism. It will share the work we are doing on campus, how you can get help if you have experienced antisemitism, and a number of educational resources to help everyone understand and combat antisemitism.
At Middlebury, we formed a Coaltion for Dismantling antisemitism in 2022 to address concerns on our campus. At that time they wrote this statement about their work. The Coalition met regularly through Fall 2024. It currently exists as an advisory group which convenes when necessary. Its members, listed below, always welcome you to reach out directly with concerns.
- Khuram Hussain, Vice President Equity and Inclusion
- Mark Orten, Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life
- Ted Sasson, Professor of Jewish Studies
- Danielle Stillman, Rabbi and Associate Chaplain
- Sarah Stroup, Executive Director, Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation
This initiative is underway with student researchers and faculty mentors progressing in this work. We also continue to offer trainings on antisemitism to new students through Unlearning at Midd (an orientation program) and to new employees of the College.
Resources If You Have Experienced Antisemitism
If you believe you have experienced antisemitism on campus, here are some avenues to report it if you wish to. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Rabbi Danielle Stillman or another chaplain from the Scott Center for Spiritual and Religious Life for confidential support, or to counseling through the Center for Health and Wellness.
Definitions
As with all systemic biases, recognizing when something is antisemitic can be hard. Definitions are helpful in this regard but have their own complexities. Here are a few current definitions of antisemitism that share many components with each other but contain some important variations.
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International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance
Created as a working definition, this one is considered a standard by many.
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The Nexus Document
This definition focuses on the places where antisemitism and Israel intersect.
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The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism
A response to the IHRA and Nexus documents by many scholars of Jewish studies, attempting to nuance the definition.
Guides
There are many guides and resources that provide more context on antisemitism by sharing the history as well as current iterations of this bias. While each of these resources shares a lot in common, their length and the medium in which they are offered is different. Please feel free to browse through them and download any one that catches your eye from their site.
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T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
A Very Brief Guide to Antisemitism
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Jews for Racial and Economic Justice
Understanding Antisemitism: An Offering to Our Movement
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April Rosenblum
The Past Didn't Go Anywhere
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Anti-Defamation League
Web-based resources on antisemitism and actions to address it.
More about Antisemitism
Below you will find articles, videos, and lectures that address the overlap between white supremacy and antisemitism, historically and in our day; more about the history of antisemitism and how it became an accepted bias; and a website that addresses the affects of generational trauma for those who have experienced antisemitism.
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Eric Ward
Skin in the Game: How Antisemitism Animates White Nationalism
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James Loeffler
Charlottesville Was Only a Preview
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Ancestral Trauma Map
Tools and Resources for Transcending Jewish Trauma
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The Lived Experiences of anti-Semitism Encountered by Jewish Students on a Univ…
by C.M. Abrams & K. Armeni
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Gatecrashers Podcast
Mark Oppenheimer's podcast closely examines the history of Jews in the Ivy League, perhaps shedding some light on Middlebury.
Antisemitism in Our Midst: Past and Present
This video is part of the Antisemitism Education Initiative on the Berkeley campus. This video charts the history of antisemitism from its origins until today. Written by Adam Naftalin-Kelman, Ethan Katz, Steven Davidoff Solomon; Produced by Sarah Lefton; Animated by Jenny Anderson.
The Vibrant Jewish Community at Middlebury
We believe that a key component of dismantling antisemitism here is to continue to create a warm, dynamic, and creative Jewish life on Middlebury’s campus, open and welcoming to all Jewish and non-Jewish members of the campus community. The College provides many avenues for engaging with Judaism, from student organizations to academic programs.
Middlebury College Hillel
Hillel is a student organization at Middlebury that creates Jewish community for other students through holiday celebrations, weekly Shabbat services and dinners, and social and learning opportunities. To learn more about this aspect of Jewish life on campus, please visit the Middlebury College Hillel’s website, Instagram and Facebook pages.
Hillel Hayom
Hillel Hayom Newsletter: Reflecting on Jewish Life at Middlebury Today
Academic Opportunities
Middlebury offers a minor in Jewish studies and in Modern Hebrew and Israeli society. The classes offered are a wonderful way to learn more about Judaism, Israel, and related topics.
Past Events: Spring 2024
Understanding and Tackling Antisemitism on College Campuses
Thursday, May 2, 2024 5-6:15 pm Wilson Hall, McCullough Student Center
The rise of antisemitism in the 21st century cannot be ignored or marginalized. For when antisemitism emerges, we begin to witness the fraying of democratic values and the unraveling of the American tapestry. Dr. Rachel Fish will present on how we can best understand and respond to rising antisemitism on college campuses today.
Open to Middlebury card holders only.
Katz Center for Advanced Jewish Studies virtual lecture series
Jews and the University: Antisemitism, Admissions, Academic Freedom
The Katz Center for Advanced Jewish Studies at UPenn is hosting a series of public webinars this February and March that address different topics on university and college campuses that have been especially under the spotlight since October 7th.
Visit their website for full information on topics, dates, times and how to register.
Workshop on Responding to Antisemitism
(if you missed this workshop but are interested in these skills, please be in touch with Rabbi Danielle (dastillman@middlebury.edu)
January 25, 2024 5-7:30 pm Jewish Center, FIC
This workshop with Noah Hochfelder ‘22.5 will offer hands on skills for how to respond to personal antisemitism based on the approaches of the National Coalition Building Institute.
This workshop is open to any students who feel they have been or worried they might be impacted by antisemitism or anti-Jewish oppression. Please register here to let us know you are attending so we can plan the food accordingly.
Sponsored by Middlebury College Hillel
Past Events: Fall 2023
Workshops for Faculty and Staff
Supporting Religious Observance: Understanding Religious Holidays and What they Mean for When and How Students and Employees Participate on Campus
Tuesday, September 26 from 1:00-2:00 PM (ET)
This 60-minute workshop will explore major religious holidays, how they are observed, and what faculty, staff, and supervisors should be mindful of in terms of participation in the classroom and workplace. Part of Middlebury’s Education for Equity and Inclusion’s “Engaging and Supporting Diverse Communities” series.
REGISTER HERE
Engaging Harms We Might Be Hesitant to Name: Responding to Antisemitism
Monday, November 13 from 2:00-3:30 PM (ET)
This 90-minute workshop will explore common manifestations of antisemitism on college campuses, the discomfort and uncertainty faculty and staff often feel about naming and engaging with it, and strategies for responding to it when it happens. Part of Middlebury’s Education for Equity and Inclusion’s “Engaging and Supporting Diverse Communities” series.
REGISTER HERE
Anti-Oppression Reading group for faculty and staff
Thursday, October 19, 1-2 PM
contact Renee Wells: rwells@middlebury.edu for location information.
This monthly discussion group will be focused on antisemitism this month. Here is a link to the article they will be discussing: “The Lived Experiences of anti-Semitism encountered by Jewish students on a university campus”
MOSAIC Interfaith House
The MOSAIC Interfaith House is a residential space for students who are interested in deepening their knowledge and experience of various religions, spiritualities, and secular traditions.
