Social Work and Antisemitism: Issues and Interventions

This timely book on social work and antisemitism fills an important gap in social work education and in the profession. The ethics and framework of the social work profession demand that it confronts oppression and prejudice while working for a socially just society. However, education on antisemitism is seldom included in social work curriculum or in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This text addresses this need for education and intervention, and includes a teaching guide for use in social work curriculum as well as social work practice. 

Antisemitism, hatred and discrimination against Jewish people and Jewish institutions, is perhaps the oldest form of oppression. Throughout history, as with other oppressions, myths and stereotypes to substantiate antisemitism were developed. More recently, however, antisemitism has been increasing steadily across the globe. Combatting and dismantling it is critical for both Jewish people and institutions, the social work profession, and for society. 

In the book, the authors discuss antisemitism's history, the role of the Holocaust, contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, and its impact on individuals and societies. Among the topics covered are:

• Introduction: Human Rights, Social Justice, and Social Work
• Palestine, Israel, and Zionism
• Contemporary Antisemitism
• Antisemitism and Mental Health
• Antisemitism: A Guide for Teaching and Social Work Practice

Social Work and Antisemitism: Issues and Interventions offers a foundation for combatting antisemitism and addresses the need for social work involvement. The book can be used as a primary or secondary text for courses that cover diversity, human rights, human development, ethnicity, oppression, and mental health in Bachelor- or Masters-level programs in schools of social work. In addition, the book can be used in other programs, such as DEI, or by other disciplines interested in learning about and educating about antisemitism.

Carole B. Cox, MSW, PhD, is a Professor at the Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, where she teaches in the Policy sequence.  She is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, a Fulbright scholar, and a representative of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) to the United Nations. In 2023 she was appointed to the Advisory Council on Family Caregiving of the Administration on Community Living, focusing on Kinship Families and Grandfamilies. Dr. Cox is the author of 10 books and more than 75 journal articles dealing with aging, human rights, caregiving, human trafficking, and social policy. In 2022 she received the CURA Award for Kincare Champion from the NY State Kincare Coalition. Since 2020, she has focused on antisemitism and social work education and practice and has done research, presentations, and articles on the subject. Her 2021 article on antisemitism and social work led to the development of the NASW/NYS Jewish Social Workers Interest Group which she continues to co-chair.

Dana B. Marlowe, PhD, LCSW, is a Clinical Professor and the Director of Academic Excellence and Teaching Innovation at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Dr. Marlowe teaches across the curriculum, teaching classes in clinical social work and social policy. She specializes in innovative pedagogy and works with faculty and adjunct instructors to enhance their teaching skills. She has published several book chapters on active learning strategies and articles on teaching evidence-based practice. She also specializes in trauma treatment, with a focus on EMDR. In 2021, she became involved in researching antisemitism and social work, resulting in presentations at national conferences, workshops, and publications. She also co-chairs the NASW/NYS Jewish Social Workers Interest Group.