Alvin Rosenfeld’s latest book “Deciphering the New Antisemitism”, is due for release early next year. The book is comprised of 18 essays written by an international group of scholars, including LDB President Kenneth L. Marcus, that discuss a wide-range of topics about the increasing occurrences of anti-Semitism around the world. This analyzes the various forms of anti-Semitism across the globe, its roots, and its relationship to other bodies of society. Rosenfeld is the director of the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism at the University of Indiana and professor of Jewish and English studies, as well as a member of LDB’s Academic Advisory board. In 2014, he hosted a conference in which LDB President Kenneth L. cheapcarrent Marcus and numerous other scholars presented their research and ideas on the rise of contemporary anti-Semitism. The following are reviews by Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly about the forthcoming book: “An old, noxious contagion of prejudice is on a rapid, virulent rise. These scholarly essays, collected by Rosenfeld (English and Jewish Studies/Indiana Univ.; The End of the Holocaust, 2011, etc.), review the epidemiology of anti-Semitism and seek to determine the etiology, roots, and history of this special form of bigotry. Throughout history, many of the world’s problems have been blamed on the Jews. As this anthology’s contributors report, renewed Holocaust denial, naked prejudice in sectors of England, France, and the rest of Europe, calls for boycott, divestment, and sanctions, the rise of militant jihad, and the unique standards applied only to Israel since the start of the 21st century all attest to what has come to be know! n as “the New anti-Semitism.” Zionism and the establishment and achievements of the Jewish state in the Muslim heart of the Middle East are central to the rise of hatred of all things Jewish. Notions that were once limited to the lunatic right are now, frequently, proud badges of the left. Certain precincts of academe accommodate the myths and misanthropy of anti-Semitism, supported by spurious public intellectuals. Ignorant entertainers, as well, have their say, and the notorious forgery The Protocols of the Elders of Zion sells quite well everywhere. International organizations and national governments allied with Hamas and Hezbollah threaten a minuscule spot on the planet, Israel, as well as Jews worldwide. These various essays, fully footnoted, consider each of these matters and others in detail in an effort to parse and tease out the history and historiography of today’s anti-Semitism. Some are stunningly perceptive, some explore new dimensions, and while not all offer! lapidary prose (they are written by academics, after all), each offers new insights about the thoughts and activities of current anti-Semites and the evil they purvey. A source book that will be of special value to those who see and are concerned about the new anti-Semitism.” -Kirkus Reviews (more…)
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is holding two seminars in early January, applications are due in October: Seminar for Advanced Undergraduate, MA, and Early PhD Students A Research Introduction to the Holocaust in the Soviet Union January 4–8, 2016 Applications due October 11 The Mandel Center invites applications for a seminar designed to acquaint advanced undergraduate, MA, and early PhD students with the central topics, issues, and sources related to the study of the Holocaust in the Soviet Union, including evacuation, mass shootings, rescue, forced labor, and issues of commemoration and memory. Mandel Center scholars will lead discussions, and the seminar will include group analysis of many of the types of primary-source material available in the Museum’s collections. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to explore the Museum’s extensive library, archival, and other collections. Please address inquiries and applications to Elana Jakel, program manager of the Initiative for the Study of Ukrainian Jewry, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies, at ejakel@ushmm.org. For further information about this program and to view the full Call for Applications, please visit ushmm.org/soviet-union-seminar. 2016 Jack and Anita Hess Faculty Seminar After the Holocaust: Teaching the Postwar World January 4–8, 2016 Applications due October 30 Most courses in Holocaust studies end with liberation in 1945, making only passing reference to the long shadow thrown by the Holocaust on the postwar world. Faculty and students are very interested in the aftermath, however, including problems of survival; political wrangling over displaced persons; integration of the experience of soldiers and evacuees into the history; issues of postwar justice and restitution; and the challenge of representation for future generations. This seminar will explore how these issues were confronted (and not confronted) in postwar Europe, the United States, and Palestine/Israel, based on the growing literature in these fields. office for rent In addition to lecture and discussion, the seminar will devote time to specific pedagogical strategies concerning these issues. The seminar will be led by Michael Berkowitz, Professor of Modern Jewish History at University College London, and Norman J. W. Goda, the Norman and Irma Braman Professor of Holocaust Studies at the University of Florida. Applications can be sent to university_programs@ushmm.org. For complete competition guidelines and eligibility requirements please visit ushmm.org/hessseminar. Decisions will be announced in mid-November 2015. Please direct inquiries to Leah Wolfson, senior program officer, University Programs, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies, at lwolfson@ushmm.org. (more…)