On May 18, Congregation Ashei Israel volunteers scrambled to bring in extra chairs for Professor David Graizbord’s workshop, “Is Anti-Zionism Antisemitism?” The interest from the 100-plus attendees prompted a second workshop, scheduled for June 22 from 3-4:30 p.m., also at Anshei Israel.
“The first part of the presentation evidently stimulated the attendees. It is a rare privilege to be able to shift, in Part 2, to an interactive format that relies less on my explications and much more on the active participation of the audience,” says Graizbord, director of the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Arizona.
Volunteer organizer and part-time Anshei Israel employee Marty Johnston noted, “We were thrilled when we reached 50 RSVPs, and at that point, we switched rooms and began to figure out how to make the ‘interactive workshop’ a bit less interactive, in order that many voices could be heard.”
As the number of registrations began to creep higher, he said, “We realized that it was going to be less workshop and more lecture, that a second part might be needed, and that the case studies that Dr. Graizbord had prepared for discussion would probably need to be moved to part two. And most importantly, we realized that people really, really want to discuss this topic.”
After the May 18 event, “I got emails from non-Jewish participants who attended to support a Jewish friend saying, ‘Thank you for helping me understand what the Jewish people in my life are going through,’” Johnston said.
Kala Weinstein-Phelps, who brought her two middle-school-age children to the workshop, said, “My kids now have words for things that we had discussed at the dinner table, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Jewish family.”
Eva Kvaloesund, who related Graizbord’s analysis of anti-nationalism arguments to her native Norway, said, “It was lovely to be invited in for a thoughtful and thought-provoking conversation in a safe, inquisitive environment. Anshei Israel staff and clergy were welcoming, Professor Graizbord was engaging — the overall experience was great.”
Caila Lipovsky said, “Dr. Graizbord delivered the most thorough and coherent explanation I’ve encountered on the topic. He carefully unpacked the nuances of both Zionist and anti-Zionist positions, offering historical context and ideological distinctions without reducing the complexity. While mostly evenhanded, he did let a sharp moral edge show when he pointed out the hypocrisy of those who scold Jews for living in Israel while posting land acknowledgements, suggesting they cut the virtue signaling and give their own land back. It was refreshing. His clarity, depth, and steady tone made the session unusually grounding. I’ve been obsessed with this subject for months, and I still walked away with new insights and a sense that I’d finally heard someone speak from both knowledge and integrity.”
There is no charge to attend the June 22 workshop. For security purposes, RSVPs are 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.
