January 2024 — July 2024
Hatred is perhaps the oldest of human emotions, forming the basis of much of our recorded history since the biblical story of Cain and Abel. One particularly virulent form of hatred stands out for its uncanny ability to adapt to varying cultures and historical conditions: antisemitism, the hatred of the Jews. Sadly, despite the tremendous, unprecedented freedoms enjoyed by Jews in America, antisemitism has been preserved, and even nurtured among certain circles in American society.
Florida’s constitution, written in 1838, protected its citizens’ freedom of religion. However, no constitution can protect people from individual bias, group bigotry or the arrogance of ignorant minds. As numbers of Jews increased in Florida, so did the discriminatory acts against them, especially during times of economic or social crises. The Hate Around Us takes the viewer through over 100 years of antisemitism in Florida through artifacts, photographs, and historical documents, culled from collection of The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU and various private lenders.
