Jeffrey Veidlinger
Director, Raoul Wallenberg Institute
It is an honor and privilege to be serving as the inaugural director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute at the University of Michigan. Named in honor of Raoul Wallenberg, a Michigan graduate (class of 1935) whose courage and compassion saved the lives of thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust, our institute seeks to embody the values he championed: empathy, tolerance, and leadership.
This mission is very personal to me, not only as a scholar and teacher of ethnic and religious violence, but also as the son of a Hungarian Jewish Holocaust survivor. Although my father was not personally saved by Raoul Wallenberg, I grew up among people who were. They spoke of Wallenberg with reverence, respect, and the deepest gratitude imaginable. When I came to the University of Michigan and began teaching a large lecture class on the Holocaust, I always devoted a special session to Wallenberg, taking students on a field trip to the Wallenberg memorial on campus and using it as an opportunity to talk about the values he embodied. I felt it was important for my students to see potential in themselves by reflecting on how another student on this very campus went on to make a genuine difference.
Our mission is not merely academic; it is a call to action. We aim not only to understand the root causes of discrimination, but also to devise effective strategies to combat it. Through comprehensive research, innovative teaching, and active public engagement, we will explore the nuances of prejudice and work toward fostering cross-cultural understanding. In doing so, we aspire to elevate civic discourse and promote a culture of empathy in our society.
The impact of hatred can be seen across the globe, affecting countless lives and eroding the very fabric of our communities. The institute was established in the wake of Hamas’ hateful attack on southern Israel of October 7, 2023 and came into being as war engulfed the region, dividing campus and making constructive dialogue more difficult. As a scholar of Ukraine, I was also deeply affected by Russia’s large-scale invasion of February 24, 2022, and could not help but draw connections between these two conflicts, both of which were fueled by ethnic and religious hatred. As a specialist on Jewish history, I was specifically attuned to the ways in which antisemitic rhetoric was used to demonize the citizens of Israel and the leader of Ukraine. I also saw how the violence and destructive language vilified my Russian, Ukrainian, Muslim, Arab and Jewish friends, and many others harmed by war. It was a lesson in the compounding power of all forms of hatred.
As part of a public university, we are committed to equipping future leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to challenge hatred in all its forms. Our programs will emphasize critical thinking, empathy, and active citizenship, encouraging students to become informed advocates for justice and inclusivity. Through workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects, we will empower individuals to engage with their communities and promote a more inclusive culture.
Research is another cornerstone of our mission. Our dedicated scholars will delve into the historical and contemporary contexts of religious and ethnic hatred, exploring the factors that fuel it and the strategies that effectively counter it. By sharing our findings with policymakers, educators, and the public, we hope to influence meaningful change and inspire action on both local and global scales.
Moreover, we believe in the power of public engagement to transform our society. Through community outreach, lectures, and collaborative events, we aim to connect with individuals and organizations committed to fostering understanding and acceptance. Our institute will serve as a hub for dialogue, where diverse voices can come together to share experiences, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges across divides.
Together, we can honor the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg by fostering a world rooted in empathy, tolerance, and leadership.
It is an honor and privilege to be serving as the inaugural director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute at the University of Michigan. Named in honor of Raoul Wallenberg, a Michigan graduate (class of 1935) whose courage and compassion saved the lives of thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust, our institute seeks to embody the values he championed: empathy, tolerance, and leadership.
This mission is very personal to me, not only as a scholar and teacher of ethnic and religious violence, but also as the son of a Hungarian Jewish Holocaust survivor. Although my father was not personally saved by Raoul Wallenberg, I grew up among people who were. They spoke of Wallenberg with reverence, respect, and the deepest gratitude imaginable. When I came to the University of Michigan and began teaching a large lecture class on the Holocaust, I always devoted a special session to Wallenberg, taking students on a field trip to the Wallenberg memorial on campus and using it as an opportunity to talk about the values he embodied. I felt it was important for my students to see potential in themselves by reflecting on how another student on this very campus went on to make a genuine difference.
Our mission is not merely academic; it is a call to action. We aim not only to understand the root causes of discrimination, but also to devise effective strategies to combat it. Through comprehensive research, innovative teaching, and active public engagement, we will explore the nuances of prejudice and work toward fostering cross-cultural understanding. In doing so, we aspire to elevate civic discourse and promote a culture of empathy in our society.
The impact of hatred can be seen across the globe, affecting countless lives and eroding the very fabric of our communities. The institute was established in the wake of Hamas’ hateful attack on southern Israel of October 7, 2023 and came into being as war engulfed the region, dividing campus and making constructive dialogue more difficult. As a scholar of Ukraine, I was also deeply affected by Russia’s large-scale invasion of February 24, 2022, and could not help but draw connections between these two conflicts, both of which were fueled by ethnic and religious hatred. As a specialist on Jewish history, I was specifically attuned to the ways in which antisemitic rhetoric was used to demonize the citizens of Israel and the leader of Ukraine. I also saw how the violence and destructive language vilified my Russian, Ukrainian, Muslim, Arab and Jewish friends, and many others harmed by war. It was a lesson in the compounding power of all forms of hatred.
As part of a public university, we are committed to equipping future leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to challenge hatred in all its forms. Our programs will emphasize critical thinking, empathy, and active citizenship, encouraging students to become informed advocates for justice and inclusivity. Through workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects, we will empower individuals to engage with their communities and promote a more inclusive culture.
Research is another cornerstone of our mission. Our dedicated scholars will delve into the historical and contemporary contexts of religious and ethnic hatred, exploring the factors that fuel it and the strategies that effectively counter it. By sharing our findings with policymakers, educators, and the public, we hope to influence meaningful change and inspire action on both local and global scales.
Moreover, we believe in the power of public engagement to transform our society. Through community outreach, lectures, and collaborative events, we aim to connect with individuals and organizations committed to fostering understanding and acceptance. Our institute will serve as a hub for dialogue, where diverse voices can come together to share experiences, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges across divides.
Together, we can honor the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg by fostering a world rooted in empathy, tolerance, and leadership.