Professor David Graizbord, director of the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Arizona, will lead an interactive workshop on a question that has been at the center of controversy within Jewish communities in the United States and elsewhere: “Is anti-Zionism antisemitism?” The workshop will be held Sunday, May 18, from 3-4:30 p.m. at Congregation Anshei Israel.
“It’s vital for our Tucson community to engage in honest conversation about anti-Zionism and antisemitism — so we can stand together in support of the Jewish community and all those in Israel and Gaza working toward peace,” says Rabbi Sara Metz of Anshei Israel.
Graizbord notes, “Antisemitism and anti-Zionism often trigger strong emotions. For that and other reasons, I think it is important to devote some time to think out loud about the two phenomena and to cultivate an informed perspective that, unlike social media, does not rely on dopamine and therefore on inflammatory and dogmatic slogans. My own perspective is a matter of public record, and I share it here and there, but I am more interested in how one may transform emotions into two constructive practices: analysis and understanding.”
Graizbord will help workshop participants analyze the relevant historical and ideological phenomena and think through this pressing question. The author of “The New Zionists: Young American Jews, Jewish National Identity, and Israel,” he will encourage participants to think in constructive terms while grappling with an issue that often leaves Jews feeling ostracized and alone.
“When I found out that I wasn’t the only one to lose friends post-October 7, I was blown away by the similarities in stories,” says Marty Johnston, who is helping organize the lecture. “I now know a few dozen Jews who, like me, were told we’re colonizers, genocide sympathizers, or that as Zionists, our presence wasn’t wanted.”
“For over a decade, when faced with complex Jewish concepts, my practice has been to invite David [Graizbord] to coffee and ask his opinion,” Johnston explains. “From ‘Are Jews white?’ to ‘Is the Jewish experience a religious one, or more ethnic or cultural?’ he’s challenged me in my thinking on hot topics in the Jewish world.”
Metz adds, “We are thrilled to partner with the Judaic Studies department at The University of Arizona. We are so proud that Judaic Studies began with a vision of commitment to history and collaboration, in part, by Anshei Israel’s [first] Rabbi, who served as a professor of Judaic Studies from 1971-1975. We are honored to continue in that important legacy.”
There is no charge to attend the workshop. For security purposes, RSVP is required. Registration is available here or by calling Anshei Israel at (520) 745-5550.
Sponsors and community partners for the event include the Center for Jewish Resilience at Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona, Congregation Bet Shalom, Congregation Chaverim, Congregation M’kor Hayim, Handmaker, Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, Kol Ami, Tucson Hebrew Academy, the Tucson Jewish Community Center, and the Weintraub Israel Center.
