#United States #Los Angeles #USC Shoah Foundation #Brian Hughes #Countering Antisemitism

USC Shoah Foundation Appoints Dr. Brian Hughes as Director of New Laboratory

On February 11, 2025, the USC Shoah Foundation announced a groundbreaking step in its mission to combat antisemitism by appointing Dr. Brian Hughes as the inaugural Director of its Countering Antisemitism Laboratory. This innovative initiative aims to expand research, education, and strategic actions to tackle hatred in all its forms, particularly as antisemitism surges worldwide.

Dr. Hughes joins the foundation with significant experience and a notable background. Previously, he co-founded the Polarization Extremism Research and Innovation Lab at American University. His expertise centers around understanding how digital platforms can amplify extremist ideologies and how prevention strategies can be systematically applied.

The Need for Action

This appointment highlights the urgency of addressing current issues surrounding antisemitism. Dr. Robert J. Williams, the Finci-Viterbi Executive Director of the USC Shoah Foundation, emphasized that Dr. Hughes embodies the innovation needed at such a crucial time. With a wealth of experience advising federal agencies like the DHS and the FBI, Hughes is poised to play a significant role in shaping the foundation's approach to contemporary antisemitism, leveraging both his academic research and practical insights.

A Focus on Empirical Data

Dr. Hughes plans to prioritize rigorous analysis of online hate speech, aiming to develop evidence-based strategies that proactively prevent the spread of antisemitism. He pointed out the lack of empirical work in this area and expressed his desire to advance applied research that could be validated through peer review. The laboratory will not only aim to understand the modalities of hate speech but also focus on devising effective interventions.

“The stories of Holocaust survivors teach us the significance of personal narratives in combating hate. Yet, as the generation of survivors dwindles, finding new ways to articulate these experiences becomes imperative,” Dr. Hughes stated during his appointment announcement.

Building a Comprehensive Program

The Countering Antisemitism Laboratory will build upon the foundation's extensive archive of testimonies, which includes over 61,000 individual accounts. Dr. Hughes aims to add approximately 10,000 new interviews with survivors of anti-Jewish violence since 1945. This rich resource will serve as a pivotal element in the laboratory's analysis and educational efforts.

Through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, including scholars, journalists, and policymakers, the lab intends to establish comprehensive training programs targeting antisemitism and discrimination. Ceci Chan, an Executive Committee member of the USC Shoah Foundation, commented on the significance of Dr. Hughes's expertise, highlighting that the laboratory will be instrumental in equipping communities with tools to foster respect and civil interaction.

A Mission of Preservation

The USC Shoah Foundation’s mission is to collect and disseminate survivor testimonies, enhancing public knowledge of the Holocaust and encouraging societies to reject hatred and violence against any group. With the establishment of the Countering Antisemitism Laboratory, the foundation solidifies its commitment to these goals while adapting to modern challenges presented by digital communication channels.

As the landscape of hate evolves, Dr. Hughes's leadership at the USC Shoah Foundation promises a dynamic approach to understanding and combating antisemitism, ensuring that the stories of survivors are preserved and remain impactful in educational settings around the world. This initiative represents a proactive response to the daunting challenges posed by contemporary hatred and serves as a hopeful note for future efforts in fostering a more equitable society.