In a time when hate speech and misinformation spread easily, it’s more important than ever to have honest conversations about antisemitism, history, and the role of higher education. In this powerful discussion, John A. Perez, Regent Emeritus of the University of California, sits down with Robert Williams, Ph.D., CEO of the USC Shoah Foundation, to talk about how we confront antisemitism on college campuses and beyond.

Williams brings his experience as a Holocaust historian to the table, reminding us that antisemitism is not new–it adapts and resurfaces in different forms. He points out that today’s challenges, like online echo chambers and algorithm-driven media, make it harder to have thoughtful conversations or even agree on basic facts. As Perez notes, when people only hear what they already believe, learning stops.

The two also talk about how Holocaust education is fading as fewer survivors remain with us. Williams stresses that the Holocaust is not just a lesson in morality–it’s a historical event with global consequences. After the Holocaust, the world created institutions like the United Nations and developed international human rights laws to prevent such horrors from happening again.

Yet, as knowledge of the Holocaust declines, antisemitic incidents rise–even in academic spaces meant for critical thinking and learning. That’s why both speakers stress the need for courage: the courage to speak out, to challenge your own assumptions, and to step outside of your comfort zone. They agree that education isn’t just about knowledge–it’s about action.

Watch the full conversation: Addressing Antisemitism on Campus: Lessons from History, Challenges for Today

Learn more about the Tritons Belong initiative: Tritons Belong