Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment

This special issue seeks to publish manuscripts on the topic of addressing antisemitism in social work. As guest editors of this special issue, we are concerned about the lack of inclusion surrounding antisemitism in social work education. Antisemitism is a social justice issue. Social work as a social justice profession must examine the history and social-geo-political context of the Jewish people, as they would study the history and social environment of any other marginalized group. This includes listening to the lived experience of Jewish people today, and yesterday. Jewish people are not typically included for consideration under anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) when facing marginalization, hate speech, violence, de-legitimacy, etc.

In social work, we carefully create safe and brave spaces, avoid micro-aggressions, and work to acknowledge our own biases. This special issue presents an opportunity to discuss inclusion and exclusion of the Jewish experience in social work.

The guest editors are seeking manuscripts on the following topics (but not limited to):

• Social Justice: Recognizing social work as a social justice profession that must take a stand in the face of injustice, including antisemitism and issues of intersectionality of race, gender, and faith.
• Political/Historical Context: Discussing the dearth of political/historical knowledge in social work that makes us vulnerable to reactionary social justice positions.
• Ethics: Linking the discussion of social justice in general and antisemitism in particular to the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Historic Trauma: Looking at the trauma/historic and intergenerational trauma that impacts the international and national Jewish community.
• Policy and Action: Engaging in policy and activism at micro, mezzo, and macro levels that address antisemitism as an oppressive societal structure.

Prospective authors should submit their abstracts to Eugenia L. Weiss ([email protected]) and Lori Sousa-Meixell ([email protected]) for consideration by June 15, 2024.

Upon review and tentative approval of the abstracts, the guest editors will invite authors to submit their full manuscripts for consideration by September 15, 2024.

Instructions for AuthorsSubmit an Article