NATIONAL STRATEGY ON ANTISEMITISM
In March 2024, CAJM partnered with the Institute of Museum and Library Services for a two-day Summit, “Museums Respond: Strategies for Countering Antisemitism and Hate,” part of the White House’s U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. Read about new resources available!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT
Museum leader, author, and Holocaust education scholar Dr. Christine Beresniova joined CAJM as our new Executive Director in December 2024. Read more about her in this statement .
NEW REPORT
The report from a CAJM-AEJM survey on antisemitism, conducted in summer 2024, was released in December: American & European Jewish Museums Since October 7, 2023: Impressions from a Survey Conducted by Two Collegial Networks.
THE ONGOING CRISIS
As the network for American Jewish museums, we condemn the attacks on Israel by Hamas and Iran, and we mourn the loss of all civilian lives since October 7, 2023. This is an important time for museums to strengthen their educational efforts, their advocacy and realms of service, as well as their own awareness and safety in their communities.
We know that many Jewish professionals in the culture sector are facing unprecedented challenges, unfair critiques, and personal attacks. We stand in support of those caring for Jewish culture and content at this most difficult time.
CAJM also encourages a responsive museology, and is offering a trial of its oral history platform to members who want to collect stories of these times with their own communities. With antisemitism and Islamophobia rapidly spreading in the U.S. and beyond, we are here to support museum colleagues in their response efforts, in the development of new interpretive techniques for complex histories, in the protection of cultural property, and in the building of new partnerships and alliances.
SUPPORT CAJM AND THE FIELD
We hope you will consider making a contribution to CAJM, which is committed to strengthening and inspiring Jewish museums. Now more than ever, it's important to continue our work moving forward with partners and allies. Donate here to support the work ahead.
CAJM TALKING CIRCLE - March 21
The Role of Art and Culture in Uncertain Times
A conversation with Jessie Kornberg, President and CEO of the Skirball Cultural Center in LA. The Skirball is home to one of the world's largest collections of Jewish ceremonial art, ritual objects, and material culture, and yet “Jewish” is not in its name. What influenced the founding mission and vision? What guides staff members as they engage with visitors and communities? How do cultural institutions determine when/if it is time to change? - Find out about previous Talking Circles, and let us know if you would like to receive notices and links to these Zoom meetings.
Read about CAJM's 2024 conference, on Museums & Democracy, which took place in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD in MAY 2024.
