ODU Institute for Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding

Thank you to the Academic Engagement Network and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for hosting today’s powerful event, “The Dangers of Unchecked Antisemitism: A Conversation with a Holocaust Survivor.” The program featured Holocaust survivor Dora Klayman, whose testimony illustrates how antisemitism can escalate when left unchallenged and underscored why these conversations remain urgently relevant.

Dr. Milligan was honored to be invited to speak at the end of the webinar, offering practical educational strategies and action steps for translating the lessons of Holocaust remembrance into meaningful work on college and university campuses, including strategies for confronting contemporary antisemitism and anti-Zionism.

Thank you to AEN and USHMM for creating space for these important conversations and for helping participants move from remembrance to action—and a profound thank you to Ms. Klayman for allowing us to bear witness to her family’s incredible history.

Honoring those who gave their lives in service and reflecting on the weight of memory, responsibility, and gratitude--may their sacrifice be a blessing, and may we carry it forward with care.

Shavuot, which begins tonight, marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, a moment of revelation, responsibility, and collective becoming. Traditionally celebrated with learning, community, and by eating dairy, it invites us to reflect on what it means to receive, and to carry forward, tradition and knowledge. Chag sameach!

We celebrate our graduates and all they have accomplished. As they carry their learning forward, may they continue to ask meaningful questions, build thoughtful communities, and pursue lives of purpose. Mazel tov, Class of 2026!

Last night Dr. Milligan got to walk the “blue carpet” as a special guest of Ambassador Yechiel Leiter at the Embassy of Israel’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration in Washington DC. This bipartisan event was a powerful reminder of the ways we can come together as a community across differences.

Thinking of all who nurture, guide, and care for others in so many ways. We honor every form of mothering and caregiving today and hold those for whom this day causes pain or grief in our hearts.

See you tomorrow for coffee!
12:30, Webb Starbucks, May 7

Lag B’Omer falls on the 33rd day of the Omer, a period of counting between Passover and Shavuot. Traditionally, it marks a break in a time of mourning and is associated with themes of resilience, learning, and community. Many celebrate with time outdoors, gatherings, and bonfires. Wishing you a joyful Lag B’Omer!

Good luck on final exams and finishing up your projects and papers. You’ve put in the work—now is your time to show it. We’re cheering you on!

Dr. Milligan has spent the last few days at the AEN signature seminar series for higher education administrators, where she was invited to speak and run an interactive workshop about understanding and leveraging partnerships to address antisemitism and anti-Zionism at universities in the United States.