Across the United States and throughout Michigan, in communities and on campuses, Jewish people are experiencing a ‘new normal’ of elevated antisemitism. Historically, hatred focusing on the Jewish community spreads throughout society. This presentation will define traditional antisemitism and its modern manifestations; the campus situation; and work currently being done to counter these worrisome trends. Participants will learn tangible responses and ways to create allyship as a collective response to this communal threat.
Elyssa Schmier recently joined the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as the Michigan Regional Director. She is a seasoned professional with a history of advancing justice, equity, and combating hate. Before joining ADL, she served as Vice President of Government Relations and National Budget for MomsRising, a national advocacy organization dedicated to achieving economic security for moms, women, and families.
Laura Rosenberg is the ADL Michigan Associate Director. Her focus includes university partnerships to improve campus policies, law enforcement relationships and advocacy to make communities safer and more inclusive. Laura previously taught middle school English for 12 years.
Judy Cohen has been a community activist and held leadership roles in many organizations in Ann Arbor since 1968. Her two major careers were owning a Kosher catering service after which she was one of this area’s top producing Realtors for almost 20 years.
Rabbi Davey Rosen is the Chief Executive Officer of the University of Michigan Hillel. Davey served as Associate Director of U-M Hillel from 2011-2018. He received Rabbinic Ordination from the Academy for Jewish Religion and holds a master’s degree in education from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He has served as Assistant Director of Camp Ramah New England, Regional Supervisor with Young Judaea, Family Educator at Congregation Jeshurun in New York, and provided spiritual care as a hospice chaplain.
