Jewish Identities and the Question of Zionism: Israelism Film Screening and Discussion

The relationship between Jewish identity and Zionism has always been fluid, but it has seen a significant shift in recent years. Growing numbers of Jewish people are disavowing Zionism and joining the broad movement for Palestinian liberation. Far from a rejection of Jewish identity, many Jewish non-Zionists and anti-Zionists understand this stance to be an embrace of Jewish identity, values, and histories. Still, Jewish people who reject Zionism often face exclusion from established Jewish organizations, including on college campuses.

“Jewish Identities and the Question of Zionism: Israelism Film Screening and Discussion” hosted by the UConn Jewish Collective and Jewish Voice for Peace - UConn, will offer a space for critical examination of the contemporary relationship between US Jewish identities and the state of Israel. The event will consist of a screening of the documentary film Israelism followed by a discussion with filmmaker Erin Axelman, Hartford Jewish Organizing Collective (HJOC), and Dr. Michael Young. The audience will be invited to engage with the content of the film and reflect on Jewish identities, their relationship with both Zionism and the movement for Palestinian liberation, and the future of non-Zionist Jewish identities and communities in Connecticut and here at UConn.

Event Schedule:

4:30 - 5:00p.m. Light refreshments served in the Dodd Center Lobby.

5:00 - 6:30p.m. Israelism Screening in the Konover Auditorium.

6:30 - 7:00p.m. Light refreshments served in the Dodd Center Lobby.

7:00 - 8:00p.m. Panel Discussion in the Konover Auditorium.

This event is open and accessible to all undergraduate students. This event is funded by USG, Department of Social and Critical Inquiry, and the Department of Journalism. If you require an accommodation to participate in this event please contact UConn Jewish Collective at uconnjewishcollective@gmail.com by 4/1/25

This is an Honors Event - Multiculturalism & Global Citizenship or Social Change, Service, & Sustainability. #UHLevent11147