Rutgers Scholar Addresses Importance of Cultural Memory at The Bristal

As a surge in hate crimes across New York is reported by state authorities, Dr. Jeffrey Shandler, Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies at Rutgers University, and the author of Homes of the Past: A Lost Jewish Museum, reminded residents of The Bristal at York Avenue that revisionists and Holocaust deniers require a deepening commitment to strengthen and protect Jewish cultural memory.

Dr. Shandler's call to action comes on the heels of a report by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli that hate crimes continued to rise in 2023 with nearly half of the hate crimes reported across New York State being rooted in religious bias, many of which being classified as anti-Jewish incidents.

“Given the fear and discrimination being felt by so many in our communities recently, it’s more important than ever to reflect on how we remember our past,” said Dr. Shandler.

He observed, “It’s always a pleasure to share what I do, especially with The Bristal residents who often have a longer memory than I do. My studies deal with how people remember personal and collective pasts which, in turn, can teach us so much about the world we live in today.”

Comptroller DiNapoli underscores the importance of The Bristal program

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli stated, “The rise in hate crimes underscores the importance of discussions like the one at The Bristal at York Avenue. Our diversity is what gives New York, and America, their strength and our diversity is under attack. The surge in antisemitism and hate crimes directed against Jews demands that we strengthen and share our cultural memory. We must never forget that intolerance and bigotry laid the foundations for the horrors of the Holocaust."

The event, part of The Bristal's monthly speaker series, focused on Dr. Shandler's latest book, Homes of the Past: A Lost Jewish Museum, where he explored a largely forgotten museum project initiated during World War II by Jewish scholars. This project was tragically abandoned as the enormity of the Holocaust was revealed. This discussion served as a poignant reminder of the power of memory in the face of ongoing challenges to cultural heritage and identity.

A Resident at The Bristal reflects

“I think it's very important to have events like this,” said Nancy Osman, a resident at The Bristal at York Avenue. “They not only bring us together but also offer meaningful opportunities for learning and reflection. It's truly wonderful to be part of such engaging conversations.”

Dr. Shandler also discussed the devastating cultural loss caused by the Holocaust and examined the importance of preserving Jewish history today. Drawing from his earlier work, Holocaust Memory in the Digital Age, Dr. Shandler also addressed how digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing how we remember and memorialize the past. The role of technology in historical preservation resonated with attendees, particularly as we move further from the era of living witnesses.

Dr. Shandler underscored the need to protect history in a digital world. Residents at The Bristal, whose personal stories further enriched the conversation, engaged with Dr. Shandler, sharing their reflections on the impact of cultural memory on their lives.

This event is part of The Bristal’s monthly speaker series which will continue it’s programming over the coming months with more guest speakers including Margaret Hall, author of "GEMIGNANI: Life and Lessons from Broadway and Beyond", Dr. Leandra Zarnow, author of "Battling Bella: The Protest Politics of Bella Abzug" and NYT bestselling author AJ Jacobs, author of "The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning."