Natalie Posner L&S Arts & Humanities
Strength in Diaspora: The Jewish Press in Montréal and New York
How did Jewish newspapers allow immigrants in New York City and Montréal to forge a community in the diaspora? Specifically, how did the Jewish press compare in these two hubs for Jewish immigration? My research sets out to answer these questions by examining newspapers published by and for Jewish people in these regions from the late 19th-century to the mid 20th-century. By establishing an organ of Jewish thought and opinion, New York and Montréal Jews alike sought to counteract the antisemitism echoed in mainstream press and forge a stronger community in diaspora. This comparative, transnational lens is critical in adding to the narrative of Jewish migration to North America. It seeks to both challenge the idea that the Jewish diaspora played out homogeneously in North America by highlighting differences between New York and Montréal Jewry, while also highlighting the cross-border cultural similarities between the two communities. I believe that this approach can contribute new knowledge to how migrant communities build strength in the diaspora.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to conduct research on the Jewish press in Montréal and New York. This is a topic I am incredibly passionate about, and your contribution will help me further explore this area of history. I am grateful for your generous donation, which will allow me to prepare for my yearlong thesis on the topic. I appreciate the support in this endeavor!