Anti-Semitism in the 21st century

The term “anti-Semitism” was coined in 1879 to describe the anti-Jewish campaigns under way in central Europe. But what does “anti-Semitism” mean in the 21st century, 68 years after the founding of Israel? Sociologist David Hirsh will speak on the topic at Ithaca College on Nov. 15, 7 pm in Textor Hall, Room 101. Hirsh is the founder of Engage, a left wing campaign of Jews and non-Jews against anti-Semitism. As its website explains, the group supports neither Israel nor Palestine but rather advocates for “a cosmopolitan or internationalist politics that supports those who fight for peace and against racism within both nations…[we speak] as socialists, liberals, trade unionists or academics.” A Lecturer in Sociology at Goldsmiths College, University of London, Hirsh wrote his PhD dissertation on “Crimes Against Humanity and International Law.” He is the author of “Law against Genocide: Cosmopolitan Trials,” which was awarded the British Sociological Association Philip Abrams Prize for the best first book in sociology in 2004. He is also the author of a major Working Paper published by the Yale Initiative for the Interdisciplinary Study of Antisemitism, entitled “Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism: Cosmopolitan Reflections.” Hirsh’s talk is sponsored by the Ithaca Coalition for Unity and Cooperation in the Middle East (ICUCME) and co-sponsored by Hillel at Ithaca College. ICUCME is a grass-roots anti-racist community organization working to bring a constructive approach into dialogue about Israel and the Greater Middle East. As a non-partisan organization, ICUCME embraces fact-based, respectful dialogue, mutual recognition, and cooperation to promote understanding and support peace in the region. For more information, see https://www.facebook.com/IthacaCoalition.