IN COMMEMORATION OF YOM HASHOAH
Roots & Resilience
Honoring Anne Frank, Facing Antisemitism, and Cultivating Hope
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Join Gratz College for an impactful evening dedicated to transforming historical trauma into pathways for resilience, dialogue, and peace. The program will include dedication of a sapling descended from the tree Anne Frank admired, the announcement of the world's first PhD program in Antisemitism Studies, and a transformative presentation by renowned experts on healing, reconciliation, and community-building in the aftermath of trauma.
anne frank sapling dedication
6:30 - 7:00 pm
327 Levering Mill Road, Bala Cynwyd
Join us in dedicating a sapling descended from the very tree Anne Frank admired, symbolizing hope and resilience amid tragedy. This sapling is one of a limited number in the U.S. gifted to Gratz as part of the Anne Frank Center USA's Sapling Project.
Remarks will be given by Dr. Lauren Bairnsfather, CEO of the Anne Frank Center USA and other special guests. There is limited standing room only for this outside event taking place on Earth Day, 2025.
BRIDGE building IN THE SHADOW OF TRAUMA
7:15 - 9:00 pm
Opening Remarks: President Zev Eleff, Dr. Ayal Feinberg, Liz Berger, and Stacey-Aviva Flint highlight Gratz College’s leading role in combating contemporary antisemitism.
Historic Announcement: Celebrate the official launch of the world's first Ph.D. in Antisemitism Studies, a groundbreaking step toward defining global expertise in combating Jew-hatred and institutionalizing the scholarly paradigm-shift Gratz initiated following the horrors of 10-7.
Expert Panel: Engage with renowned experts including Arno Michaelis, Robert Katz, Stacey-Aviva Flint, and Rev. Johnny Shelton in a powerful dialogue about the diverse approaches used in healing, reconciliation, and community-building in the aftermath of trauma.
Dessert Reception: Continue meaningful conversations over refreshments and desserts, connecting with fellow community members, students, faculty, and special guests.
Our Expert Panel
Stacey-Aviva Flint
Director of Education and Community Engagement, Jewish Federations of North America. Learn more.
Robert Katz
Prof. of Law, Mckinney Law, IU Indianapolis, Affiliate Faculty, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Learn more.
Arno Michaelis
Speaker, filmmaker, author of My Life After Hate, and co-author of The Gift of Our Wounds. Learn more.
Reverend Johnny Shelton
Husband, Father, Minister, Mentor, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker. Learn more.
Gratz College is proud to lead the world in innovative education programs, including our esteemed Holocaust and Genocide Studies graduate degrees, the nation’s first M.A. in Antisemitism Studies, and now, the world's only doctoral program dedicated to addressing and combating antisemitism.
Join us on April 22nd to commemorate Yom HaShoah and affirm our commitment to resilience, remembrance, and peace.
Contact Mindy Cohen at 215-635-7300 x155 or mcohen@gratz.edu for more information.
