Testimonials From Our Students
"An excellent experience with an outstanding teacher! One would think that taking a course on Holocaust literature would be only depressing but much of the writing was uplifting despite the difficulty of the material. Reading the words of people who had undergone unspeakable experiences but who could still express their humanity was inspiring. It was a privilege to experience and study these works in a small group with Deborah."
"I have been waiting for a course like this for the past thirty years. The factual message that Dr. Chatterley brings to the classroom cannot be over-estimated. The history of anti-semitism, in all of its ugly forms, is very difficult to learn about. However, when one like myself, a non-Jewish person, is dedicated to pushing back on anti-semitism, it is extremely important to have this knowledge. A course like this MUST be made available to all who want to learn about it, and perhaps more importantly, those who don't. I cannot thank Dr. Chatterley enough for dedicating her professional career to deliver this important message to the world." -Christine Melnick, MLA Riel, Manitoba's Minister of Multiculturalism and Immigration
"I am thoroughly enjoying the course you are presenting. I am learning so much. In fact, today, I thought my hand was going to fall off from note taking! Every class I am getting more insight, which only strengthens me as a teacher. I sincerely thank you for that."
"I was aware of antisemitism but your classes have really highlighted how systemic and endemic it is in our society. It is generally well hidden and not too obvious. It is so "natural" that we don't even notice it, much like homophobia. Please do not change your approach to engagement and sharing your knowledge and passion. The classes are incredible."
"Thank you so much, Dr. Chatterley. I am so impressed with your knowledge and manner of delivery to our class. Thank you especially for the gift of your time and energy for the benefit of all of us."
"You are doing a superb job educating the public. The message you are trying to deliver must reach many more people, Jews and non-Jews alike. We have to find a way to have this course promoted to the public at large."
"One of the nice things about this class is that it is not-for-credit. We are motivated to attend and learn based on the interest we have in the subject and the class itself."
"This is the first class I've been in where the professor brings cookies."
"As a non-Jew, who is secular, it is most interesting to me to learn how some of my Jewish classmates perceive their own identity and how antisemitism has impacted their lives. The course is really valuable--I hope more and more non-Jews participate."
"Experiencing antisemitism firsthand as a Jew doesn't mean you understand the history of it or why it exists in the first place. Jews and non-Jews, alike, have little idea about the Christian roots of antisemitism. While I think this is a difficult history for Christians, they need to hear it. How can there ever be any true understanding without it, and how will antisemitism ever be eradicated without this understanding--if that's at all possible."
"Thank you, Catherine, for all the good work you are doing for our community, and for the Jewish people."
"Professor Chatterley was extremely knowledgeable, well prepared, honest, interesting, responsive to and non-judgmental of students."
"I had lunch with two friends last week--one Jewish and the other a non-practicing Christian. I was relating some of the details I learned in your class and both were extremely interested. I am hoping at least one will join me for the next course offering in February."
"Thanks again for the course, it was truly enlightening and extremely important! I think the course should be more widely offered, including to Church groups willing to listen."
"I benefited tremendously from this class. It has stimulated my interest in Jewish history and European history and has inspired me to continue to read about these subjects and to discuss them with my friends and family."
"I have been waiting for a course like this for the past thirty years. The factual message that Dr. Chatterley brings to the classroom cannot be over-estimated. The history of anti-semitism, in all of its ugly forms, is very difficult to learn about. However, when one like myself, a non-Jewish person, is dedicated to pushing back on anti-semitism, it is extremely important to have this knowledge. A course like this MUST be made available to all who want to learn about it, and perhaps more importantly, those who don't. I cannot thank Dr. Chatterley enough for dedicating her professional career to deliver this important message to the world." -Christine Melnick, MLA Riel, Manitoba's Minister of Multiculturalism and Immigration
"I am thoroughly enjoying the course you are presenting. I am learning so much. In fact, today, I thought my hand was going to fall off from note taking! Every class I am getting more insight, which only strengthens me as a teacher. I sincerely thank you for that."
"I was aware of antisemitism but your classes have really highlighted how systemic and endemic it is in our society. It is generally well hidden and not too obvious. It is so "natural" that we don't even notice it, much like homophobia. Please do not change your approach to engagement and sharing your knowledge and passion. The classes are incredible."
"Thank you so much, Dr. Chatterley. I am so impressed with your knowledge and manner of delivery to our class. Thank you especially for the gift of your time and energy for the benefit of all of us."
"You are doing a superb job educating the public. The message you are trying to deliver must reach many more people, Jews and non-Jews alike. We have to find a way to have this course promoted to the public at large."
"One of the nice things about this class is that it is not-for-credit. We are motivated to attend and learn based on the interest we have in the subject and the class itself."
"This is the first class I've been in where the professor brings cookies."
"As a non-Jew, who is secular, it is most interesting to me to learn how some of my Jewish classmates perceive their own identity and how antisemitism has impacted their lives. The course is really valuable--I hope more and more non-Jews participate."
"Experiencing antisemitism firsthand as a Jew doesn't mean you understand the history of it or why it exists in the first place. Jews and non-Jews, alike, have little idea about the Christian roots of antisemitism. While I think this is a difficult history for Christians, they need to hear it. How can there ever be any true understanding without it, and how will antisemitism ever be eradicated without this understanding--if that's at all possible."
"Thank you, Catherine, for all the good work you are doing for our community, and for the Jewish people."
"Professor Chatterley was extremely knowledgeable, well prepared, honest, interesting, responsive to and non-judgmental of students."
"I had lunch with two friends last week--one Jewish and the other a non-practicing Christian. I was relating some of the details I learned in your class and both were extremely interested. I am hoping at least one will join me for the next course offering in February."
"Thanks again for the course, it was truly enlightening and extremely important! I think the course should be more widely offered, including to Church groups willing to listen."
"I benefited tremendously from this class. It has stimulated my interest in Jewish history and European history and has inspired me to continue to read about these subjects and to discuss them with my friends and family."