EMPIRICAL
STUDIES
2026 Symposium Photos
Welcome to the official photo gallery of the 2026 Symposium on Antisemitism. These images capture the spirit of our shared commitment to scholarly exchange, thoughtful dialogue, and building a more informed and inclusive society.
You are welcome to view and share these photos for personal or educational purposes, provided they are not altered or used in any way that promotes hatred, misinformation, or antisemitic content. All uses must align with the values of respectful discourse and academic integrity.
MEDIA & PUBLIC USE
If you wish to use any images for media coverage, promotional materials, or public platforms beyond personal sharing, please obtain prior written permission by contacting info@antisemitismsymposium.com.
Wednesday Sessions
October 14, 2026
Day One of the Symposium on Antisemitism: Empirical Studies began with a welcome from co-chairs Perla Matusof and Dr. Jonah Butovsky, followed by an opening plenary with Dr. Ayal Feinberg of Gratz College and Yael Silverstein of New York University on the importance of rigorous, measurable research.
Throughout the day, scholars explored antisemitism in universities, professional environments and healthcare, alongside its psychological consequences and impact on Jewish identity. Presenters included Dr. Graham Wright of Brandeis University, Professor Valérie Boussard of Université Paris Nanterre, Dr. Caryn Block of Columbia University's Teachers College, and Dr. Julie Ancis of the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Afternoon presentations featured Dr. Kent Harber of Rutgers University, Professor Thomas Hinz of the University of Konstanz, Katharina Soemer of Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Hildesheim, and Brock's own Perla Matusof, examining how antisemitism is recognized, measured and interpreted through psychological research and emerging technologies.
Wednesday Beyond Sessions
October 14, 2026
From the moment participants arrived at Brock University, a warm welcome and thoughtful hospitality set the tone for the second annual Symposium on Antisemitism. After checking in and reconnecting with colleagues, guests enjoyed an elaborate kosher continental breakfast before settling in for the day's presentations.
Between sessions, a beautiful high tea-inspired lunch, refreshing coffee breaks and lively conversations provided opportunities to relax, exchange ideas and build relationships with scholars from around the world.
The afternoon's poster presentations and cocktail reception brought together emerging researchers from institutions including the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto, giving participants an opportunity to explore new research over symposium-themed signature cocktails and delicious refreshments.
Beyond the presentations, these moments of warmth, camaraderie and informal collaboration helped make the symposium a welcoming academic community where new friendships and research partnerships could flourish.
Kosher Wine Tasting at Tzafona
October 14, 2026
Wednesday evening brought symposium participants together at Tzafona Cellars in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake for a luxurious evening of kosher wine, delicious food and warm conversation in a majestic vineyard.
Brock University's Vice-Provost of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Rajiv Jhangiani, welcomed guests and spoke about the shared responsibility of confronting antisemitism, while internationally recognized scholar Professor David Hirsh of Goldsmiths, University of London and the London Centre for the study of Contemporary Antisemitism, delivered an address on CASA and the future of empirical antisemitism studies.
The relaxed setting offered a wonderful opportunity for scholars, students and guests to unwind, strengthen friendships and continue conversations sparked throughout the day. It was an evening celebrating both the importance of the research and the growing international academic community behind it.
Thursday Sessions
October 15, 2026
Day Two continued with thought-provoking presentations examining how antisemitism develops, spreads and is addressed, and how researchers can strengthen the methods used to understand it.
Presenters included Joanne Strasser and Dr. Sharon Shahaf of Gratz College, Daniel Miehling of Indiana University and Karen Gould, whose work explored emerging research frameworks, artificial intelligence, interdisciplinary methodologies and university governance.
A major highlight was internationally renowned researcher Dr. Leonard Saxe of Brandeis University, whose presentation, What Works? Assessing Efforts to Combat Campus Antisemitism, challenged participants to examine whether educational programs and institutional initiatives achieve measurable results. Drawing on decades of evaluation research, he emphasized the importance of moving beyond good intentions to understand which approaches produce meaningful and lasting outcomes.
Thursday Beyond Sessions
October 15, 2026
Between Thursday's presentations, symposium participants once again gathered over meals, coffee and informal conversations, making the most of their time together at Brock University.
With two days of shared learning and lively discussion behind them, new acquaintances were becoming colleagues and friendships were growing stronger. Researchers from different countries and academic disciplines exchanged ideas, explored common interests and considered opportunities to work together beyond the symposium.
These moments of connection reflected one of the event's most important goals: building a supportive international community of scholars whose relationships and collaborations can continue long after the conference ends.
Thursday
Roundtables & Wrap-up
October 15, 2026
The symposium concluded with collaborative roundtable discussions facilitated by Professor David Hirsh, Dr. Vera Romano and Dr. Michael Ashton, exploring international academic networks, psychological well-being, responses to antisemitism and the research methods needed to advance the field.
Brock University President Lesley Rigg offered closing greetings, reaffirming the important role universities play in fostering scholarship, education and meaningful dialogue. Professor Yair Listokin of Yale Law School also introduced plans for making empirical antisemitism research more accessible to scholars and the wider public.
After two days of stimulating presentations, meaningful conversations and new friendships, participants departed with fresh ideas and renewed connections. The symposium's success reflected the efforts of co-chairs Perla Matusof and Dr. Jonah Butovsky, Brock University's leadership and the growing international academic community brought together through CASA.