“The Jewish Experience During the Civil War”

A panel discussion was held on the experiences of Jewish men and women during the U.S. Civil War. Professor Zola, who was a member of the academic advisory council of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, talked about Jewish perceptions of President Lincoln. 

Topics included General Ulysses S. Grant’s Order 11, which called for the expulsion of all Jews in his military districts. Eli Evans talked about his book Judah P. Benjamin: The Jewish Confederate. Pamela Nadell, co-editor of Women and American Judaism: Historical Perspectives, talked about the involvement of women. 

The panelists showed some pictures during their presentations and afterward responded to questions from members of the audience. Professor Zola moderated.

Representative Wasserman-Schultz spoke about commemorating Jewish heritage.

This panel to commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month,

“The Jewish Experience During the Civil War,” was held in the McGowan Theater in conjunction with the National Archives exhibition, “Discovering the Civil War,” marking the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.