A recent summit organized by Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work brought together Jewish academics from across the United States to address rising antisemitism within social work academia. The event, held in early July, gathered more than 60 participants from institutions such as Rutgers, the University of Maryland, the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois, UCLA, and the University of Southern California.
Shelley Horwitz, assistant dean at Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare, described a shift in her professional environment following the events of October 7. “It became extraordinarily ugly—like a switch had flipped,” she said. “People I’d worked with for years felt emboldened to lash out, and there was no accountability.” Horwitz recounted being called a terrorist and accused of supporting genocide by a colleague before Israel began its military response to Hamas’s attack.
Jewish faculty members nationwide have reported increased hostility in their departments. These experiences include harassment, obstacles to publishing, and exclusion based on expressing pro-Israel views. Many are concerned about possible professional consequences if they speak out.
Dr. Randy Magen, Dean of Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, helped launch the Summit for Jews in Social Work Academia and Allies to offer support and foster solidarity among Jewish faculty. “Our field is built on dignity and the defense of the vulnerable,” said Dr. Magen. “When social work leaders stay silent in the face of antisemitism, it’s not just painful—it’s a betrayal of everything we stand for.”
The summit originated from a grassroots WhatsApp group formed after October 7 and marked an initial step toward creating a national response to these issues. Participants discussed patterns of exclusion and retaliation while developing strategies for long-term change. Workshops addressed navigating faculty hostility, supporting students facing similar challenges, and building alliances within the profession.
“We’re laying the foundation for a long-term effort,” said Dr. Magen. “We’re not going to allow bias to define who belongs in social work.”
Horwitz shared that students have also sought her support amid growing concerns about expressing their identity or beliefs openly on campus. She noted that while Stony Brook is not as hostile as some other schools regarding this issue, she tells prospective students that Yeshiva University is currently seen as a safe environment for Jewish students.
Naomi Farber, Ph.D., professor at the University of South Carolina, spoke about her experience co-authoring a commentary criticizing professional organizations’ lack of condemnation following terrorist attacks on October 7. Although her article was published without issue by her field’s main journal, she faced threats and public pressure afterward: “excoriating aggression”—threats, harassment and public pressure to retract the article. The attacks targeted not only her but also those involved with publishing it. “It exposed the depth of anti-Israel sentiment within the profession,” said Farber.
While some colleagues defended open discourse on these topics—including Dr. Magen—the backlash has left lasting effects on professional relationships throughout academia.
Organizers plan future gatherings aimed at forming a coalition among Jewish social work faculty nationwide and launching joint research projects addressing antisemitism related to hiring practices, curriculum content, and career advancement opportunities within academic institutions.
“I’m proud and grateful to be at Wurzweiler where Jewish identity isn’t something you have to hide or defend,” said Dr. Magen. “We live our values—justice, service, human dignity—and we model what it means to lead with integrity. That’s the future we’re building.”
