Bridging Divides Through Dialogue
UC Davis Scholars Tackle Antisemitism and Islamophobia
When the conflict between Israel and Gaza escalated, tensions and divisions surfaced on campus, making thoughtful conversation seem almost impossible. But UC Davis Professors Sven-Erik Rose and Mairaj Syed believed that respectful, academic dialogue was not only possible—it was necessary. Drawing on their expertise in Jewish Studies and Middle East/South Asia Studies, they created a collaborative space for open discussion through a series of events and a co-taught course on antisemitism and Islamophobia. Their efforts have brought together students and experts with opposing viewpoints, encouraging critical thinking and mutual respect rather than advocacy or polarization. "UC Davis Scholars Tackle Antisemitism and Islamophobia" by Mario Sestito explores how their work reflects the goals of fostering understanding, acknowledging history, and embracing shared humanity, even when the conversation is difficult.
Media Resources
The article, "UC Davis Scholars Tackle Antisemitism and Islamophobia" was originally published in the UC Davis Letters and Science Magazine and also appears on the UC Davis Jewish Studies Program and UC Davis ME/SA news sites. Our news item includes a canonical tag that redirects traffic to the original article.