The Nordic Network for Research on Antisemitism and Jews in School is pleased to announce an international conference, on antisemitism and Jewish life, focusing on youth. In the aftermath of significant global events, including those following October 7, 2023, it is more crucial than ever to address growing divisions in society. Together, we must strive to move beyond the current state of division, build bridges, and foster unity.

Focusing on youth is therefore central to our mission. Antisemitism continues to grow, both within and outside educational environments, in digital spaces, and across youth culture. Addressing and combatting this problem is imperative for democracy at large.

In parallel, this conference seeks to highlight the multifaceted nature of young Jewish life, which encompasses far more than experiences of antisemitism. As such, the conference is structured around two interconnected tracks: antisemitism and Jewish life.

While tensions and divisions continue to rise, so too do new forms of solidarity and community. We aim to highlight and encourage these emerging cross-border connections, which are critical for shaping a more inclusive future.

Conference Objectives

• To increase and spread knowledge of antisemitism and Jewish life, with a focus on youth.

• To foster dialogue between researchers across disciplines and theoretical perspectives.

• To bridge the gap between studies on antisemitism and broader research on racism and discrimination.

• To provide a critical space for inquiry and collaboration during these divisive times.

We invite papers on (but not limited to) the following topics:

Education, Youth, and Antisemitism

• Education about and against antisemitism, strategies for prevention

• Historical and transnational perspectives on antisemitism and education

• Manifestations and dynamics of antisemitism in schools, online platforms, and youth culture

• Images and perceptions of Jews in school

• Holocaust education and survivor stories

• Conspiracy theories and controversial topics in classrooms

• Educators’ attitudes and teaching materials 

• Fascism/neo-nazism in educational settings

• Religion and minority education

Young Jewish Life

• The everyday experiences of young Jews

• Issues of Jewish religion, culture, and languages for young people

• Historical and contemporary perspectives on Jewish education and Jews in school

• New (digital) communities, solidarity movements, and youth organizing

• Minority-majority relations and demographic challenges

• Young descendants of Holocaust survivors

• Navigating Jewish identities in liquid modernity

• Importance of intergenerational and cultural trauma for young Jews

Theoretical and Methodological Considerations

• Weaponization of antisemitism

• Antisemitism and its relation to crises

• The relationship between studies of antisemitism, racism and other forms of discrimination

Submission Guidelines

We invite scholars, educators, and civil society representatives to submit abstracts of no more than 300 words by June 9th. Please include a short bio, including name, institutional/organizational affiliation, and contact information. Submissions should be sent to email address ajl2025@gu.se.

Selected contributors will be notified by June 16th. 

Final date for presenters to confirm their participation and register: Aug 1st.

If you have a proposal for an entire panel, stream, or other kinds of active participation (such as poster presentations), kindly send it to the email address above.

Conference Details

• Date: Oct 22nd-24th, 2025

• Location: Central Gothenburg (place will be confirmed to participants) 

• Contact: For inquiries, please contact ajl2025@gu.se

• Costs: Participation in the conference is free of charge. However, a no-show fee of 1 000 SEK will apply if you do not cancel your registration at least one week before the event.

• Travel and Accommodation: Selected presenters will have their accommodation covered, but are responsible for their own travel expenses. Other participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. Discounted rates are available at the conference hotel for attendees who book using the designated conference code (TBA).

• Conference Organizers: The Nordic Network for Research on Antisemitism and Jews in School, steering committee: Mirjam Katzin, Christer Mattsson (Gothenburg University), Lars M. Andersson, Claes Tängh Wrangel (Uppsala University), Malin Thor Tureby (Malmö University), Oscar Österberg (Living History Forum).

We look forward to your contributions and to an engaging exchange of ideas at this important event.