Aviad Nahum

Mr. Aviad Nahum

Research Fellow at The Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism
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Born in Jerusalem, Aviad Nahum graduated from the Hebrew University with majors in History and Geography.

In his research project, titled "The Rosenberg Case and the Jews in Fifties America," he aims to delve into the significance of the Rosenberg case and its impact on American society, particularly its contribution to the perpetuation of antisemitic sentiments during the early Cold War era. He intends to analyze the public discourse surrounding the case and the execution of the Rosenbergs in June 1953, highlighting how it contributed to the portrayal of Jews as subversive elements within American society during that period. By examining the responses to the case within the Jewish community, ranging from mainstream Jewish newspapers to the New York intellectuals, in the context of McCarthyism and anti-communism, he seeks to elucidate the complex dynamics of Jewish assimilation in 1950s America.

While contemporary historiography of the early Cold War period often discredits Senator McCarthy's claims due to false evidence and methods, the prevailing perception of the Rosenbergs as "atom spies" remains entrenched. However, by deconstructing the spectrum of Jewish responses to the trial and its aftermath, including communal self-regulation, a deeper understanding of the impact of antisemitism on Jewish assimilation can be gained. The argument posited is that the Rosenberg trial and its aftermath were pivotal in shaping the Jewish American identity during the early Cold War era, contributing to its remarkable success in various aspects of American life in the subsequent decades.

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