Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center kicks off the 2026 Lakin Lecture Series on Antisemitism on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. The series, now in its third year, is dedicated to exploring the nature of antisemitism, fostering dialogue, and promoting social justice and human rights. The series educates both Jewish and non-Jewish communities about the dangers of antisemitism and offers practical strategies for combating hatred and bigotry through awareness, advocacy, and coalition-building.
Each year, the series tackles a range of complex and timely subjects that help encourage personal and communal reflection and growth. This year’s speakers will explore what it means to be Jewish today in the face of so many contemporary challenges.
Here are this year’s speakers:
Prof. Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, DSc (hon), FAAP, FASTMH, is professor of pediatrics and molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, where he is also co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine. Dr. Hotez is a vaccine scientist, biochemist, and pediatrician who has led or co-led the development of vaccines that have been administered to more than 100 million adults and children. He is an ardent vaccine advocate and science explainer who combats antiscience and antisemitism in America and around the world.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 · 5:30 p.m. · Tucson J Ballroom, 3800 E. River Road
Ilana Kaufman is the chief executive officer of the Jews of Color Initiative. Guided by contemporary research and the experiences of Jews of Color, and leveraging strategies such as grantmaking, research, and community education, Kaufman is a prominent thought leader advancing the communal field for Jews of Color and, by extension, the U.S. Jewish community. A recognized voice on issues of race and Jewish identity, she has been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered”
and”Code Switch,” and her writing has been published in eJewishPhilanthropy and The Foundation Review. Kaufman’s ELI Talk, “Who Counts: Race and the Jewish Future,” has garnered over 50,000 views. Across all her work, Kaufman is dedicated to advancing conversations on Jewish community, community relations, and philanthropy.
Thursday, February 5, 2026 · 6:00 p.m. · Tucson J Ballroom, 3800 E. River Road
Ariel Burger is the author of “Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom.” He is the founding director and senior scholar of The Witness Institute, whose mission is to empower emerging leaders, inspired by the life and legacy of Elie Wiesel. He is an author, teacher, and artist whose work integrates spirituality, the arts, and strategies for social change. An Orthodox-trained rabbi, Burger received his PhD in Jewish Studies and Conflict Resolution under Wiesel. Burger served as Wiesel’s teaching fellow from 2003-2008, after which he directed education initiatives at Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston. As a Covenant Foundation grantee, Burger develops cutting-edge arts and educational programs for adults, facilitates workshops for educators, consults for non-profits, and serves as scholar/artist-in-residence for institutions around the U.S.
Thursday, May 7, 2026 · 6:00 p.m. · Tucson J Ballroom, 3800 E. River Road
The Lakin Lecture Series on Antisemitism is made possible by a grant from the Alma and Ed Lakin Education Fund. This fund was established at the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona by their daughter to honor Alma and Eddie’s lifelong commitment to Holocaust education, the people of Israel, Jewish life, combating antisemitism, and advocating for social justice.
The Lakin Lecture Series is presented in partnership with Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona and the Tucson J.
Tickets for the Lakin Lecture Series are free of charge, in keeping with TJMHC’s mission, but pre-registration is required. Visit www.tjmhc.org/programs-and-events to learn more.
