Academic Engagement Network Rekindles Historic Alliance Between Black and Jewish Communities to Combat Rising Anti-Semitism and Find Ways to Counter the Bigotry and Hatred Black and Jewish People Face We are partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on a new project.
“Jewish scholars fled Nazi Germany, but unfortunately there were many barriers in the American academy,” said Miriam, executive director of the Academic Engagement Network, which is funding the project.・Mr. Ellman said. “HBCUs, however, were an exception, providing visas and employment to 50 German-Jewish scholars and saving their lives. Black and Jewish communities in the United States are unique as a result of these experiences. We built a bond.”
The project builds on that history by launching this year at South Carolina State University and Voorhees College, with plans to expand to additional HBCUs in South Carolina in the coming years. Each institution will educate faculty and students about the shared history of Black and Jewish solidarity, provide a deeper understanding of Jewish identity and Israel, and prepare participants to confront anti-Semitism around the world. We plan to offer seminars for this purpose.
“Our students are prepared to become future leaders in a variety of fields, including industry, business, science, and law,” said Voorhees College President Dr. Ronnie Hopkins. “It is essential that they are equipped to fight all forms of hatred, including anti-Semitism.”
The effort will be led by University of South Carolina professors Dr. Devin Randolph and Dr. Meir Mueller, who run the only Anne Frank Center in the United States. Supported by the Academic Engagement Network's Anti-Semitism Education Initiative, Randolph and Mueller join faculty from seven other schools of higher education who recently received AEN grants to launch anti-Semitism awareness programs and resources on and off campus.
“At the heart of this approach is a focus on creating spaces that are inclusive and diverse,” Randolph said. “I think this work is truly valuable, drawing from a legacy of resilience and a desire for a future marked by understanding and progress.”
“We recognize that we are in a time of strained cooperation between communities,” Muller added. “Nonetheless, we believe that the foundations of unity exist and can be reinvigorated through educational efforts.”