SUNDERLAND — In an effort to raise awareness about antisemitism in the Pioneer Valley and the United States, several groups in town are coming together to host two community programs.

On Sunday, Sept. 8, and Thursday, Sept. 26, the Sunderland Human Rights Task Force, the First Congregational Church of Sunderland, the Sunderland Public Library and the Sunderland-based Committee on Understanding Antisemitism are hosting free community-building events to raise awareness.

Sunderland Human Rights Task Force and Committee on Understanding Antisemitism member Kim Audette said the objective is to raise awareness of antisemitism, while also welcoming all members of the community to participate.

“I think, as is the goal of any our programs with the Human Rights Task Force, we want people to come away with a better understanding of the issues involved,” Audette said. “We want to know our neighbors and community, and we want to support them. We don’t want hate to take over.”

Audette said the programs have come together amid a rising tide of antisemitism in the U.S. and world in recent years. She emphasized that the two events are not a direct result of the war in Israel. Though the events of Oct. 7, 2023, “definitely had an impact,” she said, antisemitism “was here beforehand.”

“The Israel-Hamas war is making it so much more important to recognize,” Audette said, noting that “American Jews are not citizens of Israel and what’s happening in Israel is a government state issue, not a religious issue.”

The Sept. 8 event, “Understanding and Counteracting Antisemitism,” will be an interactive discussion facilitated by Amy Leos-Urbel and Betsy Ames, who have taught classes on the subject at the Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership in Springfield. The discussion will be held at the First Congregational Church of Sunderland from 3 to 5 p.m.

Leos-Urbel said antisemitism has long been an issue and addressing it can result in positive outcomes for all.

“Antisemitism is a long-time issue. … This year in particular, we’ve seen so much going on with it that we expect people will be coming in with a lot on their minds,” she said. “Antisemitism actually hurts everyone and we’ll try to unpack some of that and explain that perspective, and also look at the ways that being an ally can be beneficial to both Jews and other people.”

In particular, she said the discussion will help folks recognize the signs of antisemitism and the most effective methods for speaking up about it, adding that allowing one form of hate to fester can encourage racism, homophobia or other forms of hate.

“If you let one group be targeted, then everyone else becomes less safe,” Leos-Urbel said.

The Sept. 26 program, “Only in America: A Brief History of Antisemitism in the United States,” will be held at 6 p.m. at the Sunderland Public Library.

Fitchburg State University professor of English studies Michael Hoberman will discuss how antisemitism in America is distinct from antisemitism in Europe, as he maintains that the cultural and economic landscape here has changed antisemitism’s form and expression. Alongside his discussion, an exhibit, including artwork and photos, as well as a timeline of the history of antisemitism, will be on display at the library for a week following the program.

Financial support for these programs has been provided by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, with additional support from Temple Israel in Greenfield. Advance registration is encouraged, but not required for both these events at sunderlandpubliclibrary.org. Both programs are free and open to all members of the Pioneer Valley community. Refreshments will be provided.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.