Full Breakdown
Aryeh Tuchman Joins Nexus Project to Lead New Antisemitism Research Center
1/29/2026, 11:53:00 PM
Leadership Transition in Antisemitism Research
Aryeh Tuchman, a prominent researcher with nearly two decades of experience at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), has been appointed as the inaugural director of the Nexus Center for Antisemitism Research. This new center, part of the Nexus Project, aims to enhance the quality and nuance of antisemitism research, diverging from the ADL's established methodologies. Tuchman’s move has sparked discussions about the evolving landscape of antisemitism research, particularly regarding the definitions and responses to antisemitism in contemporary society.
Nexus Project's Mission and Approach
Founded in 2019, the Nexus Project positions itself as an antisemitism watchdog that also advocates for democratic norms and free speech. The organization is fiscally sponsored by the New Israel Fund and is often associated with liberal or progressive Jewish politics. However, it refrains from labeling itself in these terms, asserting that its views reflect those of the broader American Jewish community. The Nexus Center will not replicate the ADL's annual audits of antisemitic incidents but will instead focus on public opinion research, analysis of existing studies, and original scholarship addressing unresolved questions in the field.
Divergence from ADL's Methodology
Nexus leaders, including board chair Alan Solow, have emphasized that Tuchman's appointment should not be interpreted as a repudiation of the ADL. Solow stated, “If we really wanted to repudiate the ADL, it would be hard to argue that the best way to do that was to hire one of their senior researchers.” Tuchman himself expressed respect for the ADL’s work, noting that his transition is an opportunity to explore different questions and focus exclusively on research. He aims to disentangle the complex language surrounding antisemitism, which often leads to misunderstandings within communities.
Research Goals and Community Engagement
Tuchman highlighted the challenges posed by varying interpretations of terms like "antisemitism" and "anti-Zionism," which complicate discussions and responses to antisemitism. He intends to conduct research that reflects the perspectives of individuals involved in anti-Israel protests, seeking to understand the meanings behind their slogans and activism. This approach underscores the center's commitment to independent research, with Tuchman asserting that findings will take precedence over the organization's advocacy agenda.
Coalition-Building and Broader Implications
The Nexus Project aims to foster coalition-building with other marginalized groups, including those combating racism and Islamophobia, a strategy that Solow noted the ADL has moved away from in recent years. This focus on collaboration is seen as essential to effectively combat antisemitism in a polarized society, marking a significant point of departure between Nexus and the ADL.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a chance to take everything I’ve learned and apply it in a new setting, with the hope of contributing something constructive to a very difficult moment.” — Aryeh Tuchman, Director of Nexus Center for Antisemitism Research
- “One of the challenges that we face in understanding antisemitism is the fact that people use words and terms where different people mean things that are completely different, and yet we’re all using those same words,” — Aryeh Tuchman
- “I have a commitment from Nexus that if the research contradicts its assumptions, it’s the research that wins,” — Aryeh Tuchman
The establishment of the Nexus Center for Antisemitism Research represents a significant development in the discourse surrounding antisemitism, aiming to provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue while fostering collaboration across various communities.
