On August 25, the Jewish Committee’s meeting featured the discussion Unpacking Antisemitism with guest speaker Dr. Saba Soomekh, the Director of Training and Education at the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

In a conversation moderated by DGA Jewish Committee Co-Chair, Director Nora Gerard, Dr. Soomekh spoke about the AJC’s work in expanding the public’s awareness and understanding of Jewish people and the diversity of Jewish people. Dr. Soomekh noted harmful tropes, words and symbols, sometimes hidden in plain sight, that contribute to the proliferation of both antisemitism and philosemitism. Members engaged in a discussion of what to do when encountering antisemitism on set and in their personal lives, while keeping their safety the priority at all times.

DGA Anti-Harassment Hotline:

If you have been harassed in the workplace, or if you would like to have a discussion about your situation, please call DGA Executive in charge of DEI Breannah Oppenhuizen at (310) 289-5326 or via email at baoppenhuizen@dga.org.

About the Jewish Committee:

In February 2024, the DGA National Board granted provisional status to a new committee to address various issues of concern to the DGA’s Jewish members, including issues related to employment and rising anti-Semitism in the workplace and its impact on film and television. Members wishing to join the Jewish Committee will need to self-identify via their account settings.  They may also opt to receive email about the events and meetings for any of the Guild’s Diversity Committees by updating their email addresses and subscription preferences as part of the email settings link in their personal accounts.

For more information about the Jewish Committee, contact DGA DEI Executive, Breannah Oppenhuizen at (310) 289-5377 or email baoppenhuizen@dga.org.