ON VIEW

Although the term "antisemitism" was coined in the 19th century, antisemitic ideas and violence occurred for thousands of years. Throughout history, time and again Jews served as a scapegoat, routinely being blamed for social, economic, and political problems. This pattern of persecution contributed to significant upheavals in Jewish history, shaping the trajectory of Jewish life and identity across centuries.

The Jewish people lost their political independence in the Land of Israel in 70 CE, when the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem, ending Jewish autonomy and forcing them into the diaspora across the globe. Over the last 2,000 years, Jews maintained their religious and national singularity and created a rich culture wherever they lived, fusing with and shaping the customs around them. However, Jewish communities often faced waves of targeted violence known as pogroms—organized attacks that led to devastation, displacement, and loss. These violent episodes, often ignored or even sanctioned by the authorities, shaped Jewish life, migration patterns, and cultural identity.
 
While these events reflect periods of profound suffering, they also highlight the resilience, adaptation, and perseverance of Jewish communities in the face of adversity.

The exhibit includes testimony from our partner USC Shoah Foundation’s new collection of October 7th survivor accounts link. These powerful voices are presented alongside reflections from Holocaust survivors on the resurgence of antisemitism. Their words, grounded in the memory of past atrocities, offer both a warning and a vision of hope, reminding us of the urgency of remembrance and the enduring strength of those who choose to rebuild in the face of hatred.