JIAAC Kicks Off Book Celebration Series

By Ivette Merced

The Jewish Identity and Antisemitism Collective (JIAAC) began 2025 with its inaugural series of Book Celebrations, the official start of its public programming.  Three recently published books, addressing hate speech and academic freedom, antisemitism in social work education, and a general and comprehensive history of antisemitism were discussed in each of the Book Celebration events.

The first event, held in January, honored Hate Speech and Academic Freedom, a recent book by Cary Nelson, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois and former president of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). In this work, Prof. Nelson explores the intricate balance between free speech and the responsibility of academic institutions to address hate speech. The discussion was both insightful and timely, addressing contemporary debates surrounding campus speech policies and the challenges of fostering open dialogue while also maintaining inclusivity. Attendees appreciated Cary’s nuanced approach, as he expertly navigated the complexities of protecting free expression while acknowledging the impact of harmful rhetoric on marginalized communities (including the Jewish community – which is too often excluded from these discussions). His deep understanding of literature, philosophy, and the history of antisemitism added richness to the discussion, leaving participants with a greater appreciation for the ongoing discourse about academic freedom on college and university campuses.

The second event celebrated the work of Carole Cox and Dana Marlow, professors at Fordham University, whose very recently published book, Social Work and Antisemitism, examines the all too often ignored place of antisemitism within social work and social work education. Their discussion provided crucial insights into how social workers can recognize, confront, and mitigate discrimination in their professional practice. Carole and Dana’s expertise resonated with attendees, especially those in the social work and mental health professions. Their ability to contextualize antisemitism within the framework of clinical practice and community outreach made this event particularly valuable.

The third event, which occurred in March, honored Israel Bitton’s A Brief and Visual History of Antisemitism, a compelling and accessible exploration of antisemitism throughout history. The book provides a chronological overview, examining how antisemitic attitudes have evolved from ancient civilizations to the present day. With a focus on education, the book is designed to be engaging for students and general readers alike, incorporating clear explanations, historical context, and interactive elements. One of the standout features of this book is its use of visual storytelling and Augmented Reality (AR) technology, both of which allow readers to access multimedia content by scanning sections of the book with a smartphone. This innovative approach enhances the learning experience by bringing historical events to life for the reader through archival footage, animations, and additional insights. Participants reacted strongly and positively to a brief demonstration of the book’s AR feature.

Israel’s book consists of nine chapters, each beginning with an overview and concluding with exercises that encourage reflection and discussion. His analysis is thorough yet digestible, making complex historical patterns easy to understand. Additionally, the book does not just dwell on the past — it also connects historical antisemitism to modern-day challenges, including social media and political rhetoric.  Attendees seemed to agree that this well-researched and visually engaging book is an important resource for anyone seeking to understand the roots and continued impact of antisemitism in society today.

The Book Celebration series provides a valuable forum for the exploration of critical societal issues. The series is designed to foster meaningful dialogue among scholars, professionals, students and the general public. In each of the three Book Celebrations held so far, participants were able to engage in lively discussion of historical and contemporary challenges related to free speech, discrimination, antisemitism and professional ethics. The events underscored the role of education in addressing systemic biases and equipping individuals with the tools to engage in informed conversations about these pressing issues. By bringing together experts from fields related to antisemitism and the Jewish experience, the series has, so far, demonstrated the importance of ongoing discourse and proactive efforts to thoughtfully combat antisemitism and related social ills with information and expertise. Overall, the first three Book Celebrations not only highlighted important scholarly contributions but also encouraged participants to reflect on how the issues addressed in the books impact society and their personal and professional lives.

The fourth and final event in JIAAC’s inaugural Book Celebration series will be on Sunday, May 18, when Ben Freeman will discuss Reclaiming Our Story: The Pursuit of Jewish Pride, the final book in his Jewish pride trilogy. We expect this one to be as interesting and edifying as the first three.