The Mainstreaming of Antisemitism

Presented by: Bob Horenstein
Host: Dawn Schuldenfrei

A recent survey of American adults revealed that over one-third did not know what antisemitism is, and one out of six said they had never heard of the word. This at a time when we are seeing an alarming rise in antisemitic incidents and hate crimes in the U.S. Education about antisemitism is therefore essential. This workshop will explore what antisemitism is (and what it is not), how it has evolved over time, and how it is being normalized in America. It will dispel misconceptions about Jewish identity and also delve into the reasons why antisemitism is often overlooked or even dismissed by those working in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). 

Bob Horenstein has served as Director of Community Relations of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland since 1994. In this role, Horenstein has directed the Federation’s efforts to safeguard the social safety net, promote civil rights, and combat hate and bigotry. He is also a freelance writer, having been published in the Oregonian, Jerusalem Post and The Forward, and is a regular contributor to the Jerusalem Report, an English-language bimonthly Israeli magazine. Horenstein has been awarded the American Jewish Press Association Louis Rapoport Award for Excellence in Commentary, and he was recognized by the Oregon Society of Professional Journalists for Excellence in Journalism. He speaks frequently before government organizations, grassroots human rights groups, and schools and has lectured, among other places, in Juneau, Alaska, Springfield, Illinois, Vancouver, B.C., and at the University of Oregon.

Opinions in this video are the speaker's, and not necessarily those of the Northwest Editors Guild or its representatives.