AAIC presents:
Anti Semitism: In Akron, in America, a Three Part Series Oct 27, Nov 3, Nov 17, 7 – 8:30 pm
In January of 2022, the Rabbi and several members of a synagogue in Houston, Texas, were taken hostage by a gun-wielding British Pakistani, during sabbath services. In the end, the hostages were safely released. But, the incident itself could be seen as 2022 picking up right where 2021 ended, which was as the year with the highest annual number of antisemitic incidents ever recorded by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
In 2021, ADL tabulated 2,717 anti-Semitic incidents across the United States. This represents a 34% increase from the 2,026 incidents recorded in 2020 and is the highest number on record since ADL began tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979. There is a significant upswing in such acts of hate in the United States.
What explains this terrifying present trend? How does it fit into the historical picture of hate directed at Jews? What can we do, as a multifaith community, to assist our Jewish neighbors right here in Akron? Those are questions that the Akron Area Interfaith Council aims to take up in a proposed three-part series on anti-semitism, both nationwide and here in Akron.
Evening one: Thursday, October 27, 7-8:30 pm
“We’ve Seen This Before: The Historical Path of Anti-Semitism” with Dr. Christopher Seeman, Professor of Theology, Walsh University, will do precisely what the title suggests, examine the historical phenomenon of anti-Semitism, in order to help us see what has always been there and pick out new venues and sources of hate.
Location: First Congregational Church, 292 E Market St, Akron
Evening two: Thursday, November 3, 7-8:30 pm
“Rising Numbers: Anti-Semitism in America Today” with Jim Pasch, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), will be an exploration of the factors that might help us to understand the striking rise in hate crimes directed at Jews, right now, and in our country today.
Location: Temple Israel, 91 Springside Dr, Akron
Evening three: Thursday, November 17, 7-8:30 pm
“Strength in Numbers: What Our Interfaith Community Can Do” will be a panel discussion of how all of Akron can stand with our Jewish neighbors to help assuage their fears of facing these trends alone, to let them know that they are not alone. Local religious leaders will offer their understanding of Akron’s needs and resources.
Location: St. Hilary’s Catholic Church, 2750 W Market St, Fairlawn
Attend these events in person at the given locations or online at: https://bit.ly/akron-aaic-youtube
For more information, contact us at akronaaic@gmail.com
To learn more about us, visit our website https://www.akroninterfaith.org/
Sincerely,
Rev. Thomas Bodie, Committee Chair
AAIC Educational Forums
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, from 12:00pm – 1:15pm. Meetings are presently hybrid, members and guests may attend either on Zoom or in person (masks are currently required for all in-person attendees), hosted by a local member organization.
If you are a guest and/or if you require either the physical address or zoom link for an upcoming meeting, please email us at akronaaic@gmail.com.