The Jewish Studies Research Team

Scientific and popularization activities of Dr. Tydlitátová: new publications and lectures

Dr. Tydlitátová continues to devote herself intensively to teaching, lecturing and publishing. She works as a lecturer at the University of the Third Age and regularly lectures for the general public - among others at the Jewish Community in Pilsen, the French Institute in Prague, the Raphael Institute, the Metropolitan Chapter of St. Vitus, Mladot House and Prague Castle.

Her popular articles are published in the magazine Forum24. Her new book Jeremiah is currently in print and will be published by Biblion. The English version of the monograph The Symbolism of Town Walls and Gates in the Hebrew Bible has also been completed and a suitable publisher is now being sought.

He is currently preparing a new scholarly publication entitled Woman and Family in the Hebrew Bible and Jewish Tradition, which will focus on the status of women and family life in biblical and traditional Jewish contexts.

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Dr. Tarant's research and lecturing activities: from contemporary anti-Semitism to Jewish emigration

Dr. Zbyněk Tarant is actively engaged in research on contemporary anti-Semitism. He continuously publishes on this topic in professional journals and monographs with an international scope (Tarant 2022, Tarant 2023). He is currently researching the longer-term impact of the events of 7 October 2023 and the Gaza War on the social and academic environment in the Czech Republic. On the topic of anti-Semitism, the author regularly speaks at international conferences (Israel, Germany, Portugal, UK), public lectures and in the national media, and also consults for lawmakers, police and community organizations as needed.
In addition to his current work, Zbyněk Tarant also deals with the issue of Czechoslovak-Jewish emigration to Palestine during World War II, especially with regard to the rescue activities of Leo Herrmann, a native of Lanckroun and a member of the Prague Circle. A book chapter on this topic was published, a panel exhibition was prepared and a series of lectures was organized (Lanškroun, Prague, Pilsen, Klatovy).

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Contemporary Anti-Semitism

The Department of Middle Eastern Studies at the Faculty of Arts of the University of ZČU in Pilsen has been engaged in research and monitoring of anti-Semitic manifestations since 2006, when it convened the inaugural expert colloquium on this topic. The primary focus of our research is the phenomenon of "cyberhate," or the expression of hatred on the Internet. Our objective is to identify emerging trends and potential risks associated with this phenomenon. Our research methodology combines traditional humanities and social sciences approaches with contemporary digital humanities methods. The objective of this project is to provide a basis for the development of strategies for the defence and prevention of extremist manifestations through the contribution of concrete facts and knowledge. Our researchers are engaged in collaborative research with international networks, including the European Network for Monitoring Antisemitism (ESA RN31), the Ethnic Relations Network, and the Contemporary Racism and Antisemitism Network. The results of our research are presented at international forums in Western Europe, the United States and Israel. We maintain active contact with research teams from Indiana University, Tel Aviv University and other academic institutions. Our staff are engaged in research projects, for instance in collaboration with the Institute of Art History of the CAS. We provide data and consultation to state and non-state institutions, journalists, and Jewish and other community organisations in the Czech Republic. By participating in media appearances and delivering popularisation lectures, we facilitate the formation of public discourse on the issue of anti-Semitism.

Contact our researchers

Mgr. Zbyněk Tarant, Ph.D.

ztarant@ff.zcu.cz