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​For as long as Jewish communities have endured, they have faced the challenge of antisemitism. As technology plays an increasingly larger role in everyday society, this historic prejudice has only grown to take on new and more complex forms. Inspired by the poignant Jewish religious poem on life and mortality, Unetaneh Tokef, which sparked Leonard Cohen's "Who by Fire," this course unravels the insidious rise of contemporary injustice and antisemitism within the digital age and examines ways to address it.

 

From the industrial revolution to artificial intelligence, explore technology’s multifaceted history and its role in perpetuating discrimination. Discover how modern innovation, particularly in Silicon Valley as well as even among Jewish and Israeli tech founders, can inadvertently harbor harmful practices that transcend antisemitic content. Uncover the systemic biases currently infiltrating the tech sector and discuss strategies for how Jews and Gentiles alike can build a more inclusive world in the face of these evolving global challenges.

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Classes will be taught in English, however students may participate in English, Spanish, Catalan and Ladino.

 

SYLLABUS

Class 1: A History of Antisemitic Systems and Tools

Wednesday, March 27 | 18:00–20:00 (GMT+1)

An overview of the evolution of antisemitism and technology, from modern industrialization and machines to the Cold War. Topics include transportation, computers, robotics, nuclear warfare, and more.

 

Class 2: Antisemitism in an Anti-Establishment World

Wednesday, April 3 | 18:00–20:00 (GMT+1)*

*Note that clocks “spring forward” in Europe on Sunday, March 31, 2024.

A continuation of antisemitism and technology, from liberal democracy and free-market capitalism to the present day. Topics include globalization and antiglobalization, the internet, social media and memes, and more.

 

Class 3: The Antisemitic Digital Worlds and Civilizations

Wednesday, April 10 | 18:00–20:00 (GMT+1)

A deep dive into the antisemitic roots of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR). Topics include machine learning (ML), large language models (LLMs), the Metaverse and more.

 

Class 4: The Antisemitic Marketplace

Wednesday, April 17 | 18:00–20:00 (GMT+1)

A deep dive into the antisemitic roots of cryptocurrencies, cybersecurity and other technologies. Topics include Bitcoin, NFTs, the greater Web3 sector and more.

 

Class 5: An Inclusive Tech Future

Wednesday, April 24 | 18:00–20:00 (GMT+1)

Overall conclusions and how to engage with technology moving forward to make our world, both physical and digital, more inclusive. Topics include conspiracy cultures, policy reform and more.

 

FACILITATORS

Evan Kapros lives in Barcelona, where he teaches Design & AI Ethics and is a volunteer at the Jewish cultural platform, Mozaika. He was born in Greece, while later he moved to Ireland. When in Greece, Evan was involved with groups for refugee rights and against antisemitism, and in Ireland he was a member of the Education Committee of the Irish Jewish Museum and a Researcher at Trinity College, the University of Dublin.

 

Adina Levin is a freelance creative strategist and writer who focuses on culture, media, tech and cities. Originally from Chicago, she attended religious school at Anshe Emet Synagogue and later moved to New York City, where she graduated from Columbia University and then worked in advertising and marketing. She has lived in Barcelona since 2018 and is on the board at Bet Shalom Comunitat Jueva, part of the World Union for Progressive Judaism.

 

Questions? Please message: info.ejbarcelona@gmail.com