The New Jersey Jewish Business Alliance will host an event at the end of May exploring the evolution of antisemitism and intolerance and what impact they have on communities and businesses.

Rabbi Abraham Cooper will speak at The Mac Mahon Student Center, Duncan Sky Room at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City May 31 from 5:30-7 p.m.

A longtime activist for Jewish and human rights, Cooper is associate dean and director of the global social action agenda for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights organization. He is also vice chair and a commissioner on The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government agency whose members are appointed by either the president or congressional leaders.

“The New Jersey Jewish Business Alliance was founded in 2015 as an organization where everyone can thrive. Antisemitism continues to be a threat to all communities that strive for tolerance and inclusion. True success cannot be achieved without a global understanding and acceptance of diverse views and cultures,” NJJBA Executive Director David Rosenberg explained in a statement. “As an organization, we take great pride in bringing communities together through advocacy, education, and networking opportunities within a collaborative culture.

“We are honored to have Rabbi Cooper share his valuable insight into what we can do to address this rise of hatred,” he added.

According to a March report from the Anti-Defamation League of New York/New Jersey, the Garden State recorded its highest number of antisemitic incidents ever in 2022, marking a 10% increase over the year prior for a total of 408 occurrences.

The figure was also the third-highest number recorded in any state for the past year, according to ADL.

On the national level, incidents hit an all-time high, as well. Representing a 36% increase over 2021 – and a 75% increase over the 2019 record in broke – the U.S. saw 3,697 reported antisemitic incidents last year.

“We have a moral imperative to act against antisemitism and bigotry in all its forms. Our survival and success as a nation rests largely on our ability to collaborate by working together to make a difference. It’s an honor to visit Jersey City, one of the nation’s most diverse cities, to share my journey representing Simon Wiesenthal Center for four and a half decades at home and abroad,” Cooper said in a statement.

Cooper is recognized as a pioneer and international authority on issues related to digital hate and the internet. As associate dean, he supervised the research and production of the Interactive Learning Center on the Holocaust and World War II for the Center’s Museum of Tolerance, which has hosted more than 7.5 million visitors.

“Stopping antisemistim starts with education, and thanks to Saint Peter’s University, we will be participating with the important educational forces here,” Cooper said. “Student experience and involvement in this event are critical to build the strongest community possible moving forward.”

Tickets are $35. More information and registration details are available here.

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