Entries by Pamela Nadell

August 3-7, 2025 “America’s Jewish Women” and “Antisemitism, an American Tradition” Guest Speaker at the Everett Jewish Life Center, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY

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Pamela S. Nadell will be a guest speaker at the Everett Jewish Life Center at the Chautauqua Institution from August 3–7, 2025, where she will discuss her acclaimed book America’s Jewish Women and her forthcoming work Antisemitism, an American Tradition. The program will explore the contributions of Jewish women to American history and examine the persistence of antisemitism in American society.

Inside the powerful task force spearheading Trump’s assault on colleges, DEI

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In Inside the powerful task force spearheading Trump’s assault on colleges, DEI, The Washington Post quotes Pamela Nadell.  The story reported how the federal government’s Antisemitism Task Force was overreaching its aim of rooting out antisemitism on college campuses to advance a long-standing conservative demand to reform higher education.  Nadell said: “Ultimately, I am deeply worried that under the pretext of ending hatred of Jewish people — an historic, worldwide problem — the antisemitism task force’s demands to dismantle DEI as the root of antisemitism will further isolate Jews in American colleges and univerities.  Jews will be blamed for its abolition.  But antisemitism will not disappear from the campus.”

Interest in Alfred Dreyfus is surging. His antisemitic affair has vital lessons for Jews today.

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In a recent article for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, historians Rebecca Kobrin and Pamela Nadell reflect on the resurgence of interest in the Alfred Dreyfus affair. Writing in connection with the Paris exhibit “Alfred Dreyfus: Vérité et Justice,” they explore how this pivotal case of antisemitism in 19th-century France continues to hold urgent lessons for today’s world.

The Rise of Antisemitism and Political Violence in the U.S.

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“Antisemitism and political violence are both part of the same problem,” said Pamela Nadell, a historian and director of the Jewish Studies program at American University, who is quoted in an article in Time. “There are so many moments where legitimate criticism of Israel crosses into antisemitism—opening the path for someone to shoot two people simply because he believes they are Jews.”

A Turning Point for Antisemitism?

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In her June 2025 Hadassah Magazine article, historian Pamela Nadell reflects on the rising tide of antisemitic violence in the U.S., from the murder of two young professionals outside Washington, D.C.’s Capital Jewish Museum to attacks on Jewish homes and demonstrators. These alarming incidents, she asks, may signal a turning point for American Jews.

May 18, 2025 “Columbia and Harvard” Jews and Elite Universities Symposium at Center for Jewish History, New York City

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As part of the symposium The End of an Era? Jews and Elite Universities on May 18th at the Center for Jewish History, historian Pamela S. Nadell will lead a key session, “Columbia and Harvard: The Exception or the Rule?” Drawing on her expertise in American Jewish history, Nadell will explore how these institutions have shaped Jewish academic life and whether today’s crises reflect new challenges or enduring patterns.

May 18, 2025 “Understanding Contemporary Antisemitism” Hosted by Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, Evanston, IL – Zoom Conference

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In this upcoming virtual conversation taking place on May 18, 2025, Pamela S. Nadell, Director of the Jewish Studies Program at American University, will join JRC member Daniel Greene to explore the persistence of antisemitism in American society. Drawing from her forthcoming book, Antisemitism, an American Tradition, Professor Nadell will trace the historical roots of antisemitic rhetoric and discrimination, connecting past patterns to the present-day rise in incidents across the country.

May 4, 2025 “Celebrating Professor Jonathan Sarna’s Scholarship” at Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

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Pamela Nadell will be at Brandeis University on May 4, 2025 for the Celebration of Professor Jonathan Sarna’s Scholarship. Jonathan D. Sarna is University Professor and the Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University. Author or editor of more than thirty books on American Jewish history and life, his American Judaism: A History – recently published in a second edition — won six awards including the 2004 “Everett Jewish Book of the Year Award” from the Jewish Book Council.

Senate Education Panel Hearing to Address ‘Antisemitic Disruptions on Campus’

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In a recent Jewish News Syndicate article, Pamela S. Nadell addressed the Senate’s hearing on antisemitism in higher education and expressed concern over cuts to the Department of Education. Without adequate resources, she argued, the government cannot meaningfully respond to Title VI complaints or ensure Jewish students’ safety on campus.