How has antisemitism shaped American life, and what makes this moment different? Join historian James Loeffler and The New Yorker staff writer Emma Green for a conversation about antisemitism, free speech, and the challenges facing American democracy. Drawing on Loeffler’s new book, they will explore why Jews and Israel so often stand at the center of debates over free expression — and how we can confront hatred while protecting fundamental freedoms. Together, they will consider what history reveals about the fragility and resilience of liberal democracy, and where we might go from here.

James Loeffler is the Felix Posen Professor in Modern Jewish History at Johns Hopkins University, where he also directs the Jewish Studies Program. His research explores Jewish history, antisemitism, free speech, and human rights. His books include Exceptional Hatred: Antisemitism and the Fight over Free Speech in Modern America and the award-winning Rooted Cosmopolitans: Jews and Human Rights in the Twentieth Century.

Emma Green covers education and academia as a staff writer for The New Yorker. Previously, she reported on religion and politics for The Atlantic, where she also served as managing editor. Her honors include the George W. Hunt, S.J., Prize and the Religion News Association’s Supple Award for feature writing.

This event is cosponsored by the American Jewish Historical Society, the Center for Jewish History, and the Shalom Hartman Institute.