Rising antisemitism, war in Israel causes 226% increase in adult Jewish learners

MARCH 22, 2024 01:49

Updated: MARCH 23, 2024 20:46

HUNDREDS GATHER for a pro-Israel rally in Philadelphia’s Independence Square, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, last month. (photo credit: Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia) — HUNDREDS GATHER for a pro-Israel rally in Philadelphia’s Independence Square, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, last month.

(photo credit: Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia)

“We recognized the heightened need for educational resources within the Jewish community right after the Hamas attacks and the global rise in antisemitism."

As the world soon marks six months since the Hamas assault on Israel and with a steady rise in antisemitic events, the Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning has witnessed a dramatic increase in enrollment for its online courses, it has announced.

The New York-based school said on Thursday that registrations have skyrocketed by over 226%.

Brandeis University Prof. Jonathan Sarna suggested that periods of heightened antisemitism often lead to a surge in Jews’ interest in their heritage and faith.

“It’s unfortunate that antisemitism drives this,” he remarked during a recent Melton session on the history of antisemitism in the United States, “but history repeats itself. We might see this as a turning point, a revival sparked by the events of October 7. Many Jews [feel] a need for solidarity and a deeper understanding of Judaism and Israel in response to the hostility.”

Melton has responded to this surge in interest by expanding its online courses and offerings through Melton International. These include classic multi-session courses alongside focused seminars on timely topics such as antisemitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Demonstrators hold antisemitic symbols and signs as they protest outside the Tampa Convention Center, where Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit was being held, in Tampa, Florida on July 23, 2022. (credit: MARCO BELLO/REUTERS)

Another such offering is the Parent Empowerment Initiative, designed to equip parents of children in high school or college with the knowledge of how to discuss the Gaza conflict and how to address this issue and other relevant Jewish-related topics – both online and on campus.

As antisemitism on campus increases, so does the need for Israel advocates

“We recognized the heightened need for educational resources within the Jewish community right after the Hamas attacks and the global rise in antisemitism,” said Rabbi Rachel Bovitz, Melton’s executive director.

“Our team immediately expanded our course offerings to meet this growing demand and provide a platform for connection and shared learning during these challenging times,” she said. “Courses range from explorations of the Middle East conflict to in-depth studies of Jewish history, practice, and culture.”