Due to speaker time constraints, the program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m., following a 30-minute reception.
The program will last from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., and after it concludes, we invite you to stay to mingle and continue to enjoy the reception.
Join us for a powerful conversation about how extremism is becoming mainstreamed, what is luring people to hate groups, the rise of antisemitism, and why the need for Holocaust education has never been more critical. Our event will feature two distinguished speakers, Karen L. Dunn and Jason Van Tatenhove. Karen is one of the nation's top trial lawyers who prosecuted the civil rights trial against neo-Nazis and white supremacists responsible for the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. Jason is the former national media director and associate editor for the Oath Keepers, an extremist group, which he left after experiencing the groups' descent into Holocaust denial and American Nazi ideologies.
This event is hosted by the Chicago Next Generation, a dedicated group of emerging philanthropists and leaders in the Chicago area who support the Museum’s mission and learn how history can help shape a future different from the past. For questions or more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Renee Rotter at 847.271.7523 or rrotter@ushmm.org.
Speakers
Speakers
- Karen L. Dunn
Prosecutor of neo-Nazis and white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia
Karen is one of the nation’s top trial lawyers. She has successfully tried some of the largest and most high-profile cases in recent years, including Epic v. Apple, Waymo v. Uber, Malden v. Uber, and Oracle v. Rimini Street. Recently, she won a historic victory in Sines v. Kessler, the landmark civil rights trial against neo-Nazis and white supremacists responsible for the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017.
A veteran of all three branches of government and former debate adviser to President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Vice President Kamala Harris, Karen is also a skilled crisis manager helping companies and executives navigate reputation-threatening events.
Karen was recently named a “Litigator of the Year” by The American Lawyer for handling “high-stakes, high-profile and hard-fought” cases. She has also been named a “Litigator of the Week” five times; one of the National Law Journal’s “Outstanding Women Lawyers”; one of Benchmark Litigation’s “Top-10 Women in Litigation” and “Top 100 Trial Lawyers”; and one of Elle magazine’s “Most Compelling Women in Washington Now.”
Earlier in her career, Karen served as an assistant United States attorney, associate counsel to the President, and law clerk to Justice Stephen G. Breyer and Judge Merrick B. Garland.
- Jason Van Tatenhove
Author, journalist, and advocate against extremism
Jason is a distinguished author and journalist renowned for his penetrating narrative non-fiction on violent political extremism. As a former national media director and associate editor for the Oath Keepers, Jason provides an unparalleled insider's perspective on one of America's most notorious anti-government extremist groups.
Jason's personal connection to this fight is deeply rooted in his blended Jewish family. Witnessing these groups' descent into Holocaust denial and American Nazi ideologies compelled him to take a stand. This marked a critical turning point, leading him to resign and dedicate his voice to combating the spread of such dangerous ideologies.
Today, Jason is a prominent voice against extremism, featured in documentaries, national news, podcasts, and his impactful testimony on day seven of the televised proceedings of the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack. Through his work, including the influential Colorado Switchblade Substack, he educates and informs about the perils of extremist ideologies and misinformation. He draws critical parallels with historical events like the Holocaust, making his insights invaluable in discussions on political extremism and its societal impacts. His book, The Perils of Extremism, sheds light on the inner workings of a group the FBI labels a domestic terror threat. His firsthand experiences with figures such as Stewart Rhodes offer an intimate look into the world of right-wing extremism. Over the past year, Jason has also served as a consultant with Georgetown Law’s Institute for Constitutional Protection and Advocacy, furthering his commitment to safeguarding constitutional values and fighting against extremism.
Event Leadership
Leadership
- Event Chairs
Arielle and Jared Berk Alison Schaffer and Brian Bloom
- Next Generation Chairs
Katie and J.R. Berger Johanna and Brian Gutman
Host Committee
- Host Committee
As of April 5, 2024 Erin and Sam Ankin Josh and Kalli Bass Hillary and Alex Behar Alisa and Adam Bergstein Julia and Matthew Berk Carly and Scott Bernstein Barrie Bloom and Brad Levy Sydney and Ryan Bloom Carly Bloom Blake and Joey Breslow Caroline and Paul Connors Laura and Adam Docks Molly and Jared Dubnow Rachel Edelman Alex Entratter Allison and Brian Feltzin Dena and Zach Fox Jenna and Jeremy Frankenthal Marina and Morris Gershengorin Danielle Rudas Goodman and Jordan Goodman Lily Goodman Jordyn and Jordan Gross Carlee and Danny Gutman Mari and Michael Gutman Michelle and Corey Harris Ashley and Ryan Heller Amanda and Jason Hirsh Faylyn and Danny Kaufman Molly Bett Kovler Sarah and Jason Kozin Liza Kraff Amanda and Golan Mor Rebekah Parker and David Wilansky Stacey and Brian Price Sara and Tim Ravich Jennifer and Martin Rossen Jason Rotter Annie and Jared Rubenstein Dana and Craig Sanders Melissa Grund Sarnoff and David Sarnoff Daniel Schaffer Heather and Ben Sher Blair Shwachman Danielle Shwachman Dana and Seth Singerman Rachel and Stephen Sotoloff Casey and Charlie Sprayregen Stefanie and Jordan Stein Jori and Tommy Sternberg Staci and Ari Studnitzer Michelle Sweet Jessica and Larry Tarschis Lauren and Aaron Tucker Zach Sheck
Event Sponsors
Gifts as of May 15, 2024 $25,000 or More
Crown and Goodman Families Danielle Rudas Goodman and Jordan Goodman Sheila and Joseph Gutman The Malkin Family Tucker Family Foundation
$15,000–$24,999 Katie and J.R. Berger Cheryl and Carey Cooper Denise and Scott Davis Michelle and Corey Harris Hecktman Family Foundation Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. Megan Robbins and Michael Berger Dana and Craig Sanders
$10,000–$14,999
Stephanie and Michael Baum Alisa and Adam Bergstein Susan and Mitchell Berk Barbara and Larry Field Julie and Colman Kraff Stacey and Brian Price Heather and Ben Sher
$5,000–$9,999
Ali and Sam Barnett Arielle and Jared Berk Allison and Brian Feltzin Erica and Michael Fishman Jordyn and Jordan Gross Carlee and Danny Gutman Johanna and Brian Gutman Mari and Michael Gutman Faylyn and Danny Kaufman Molly Bett Kovler Amanda and Golan Mor Rebekah Parker and David Wilansky David Richter Jennifer and Martin Rossen Melissa Grund Sarnoff and David Sarnoff Alison Schaffer and Brian Bloom Becky and Ilan Shalit Blair Shwachman and Brad Neuberg Danielle Shwachman Anna and Danny Simon Staci and Ari Studnitzer Molly and Matthew Tully Franny and Michael Zucker and Family
$2,500-$4,999
Sheri and Mark Bartelstein and Family Jennifer and Eric Fried Lily Goodman Ashley and Ryan Heller Abby and Jon Reiner Renee and Jason Rotter Lauren Sandberg and Jacob Lewis Emily and Jon Schallman Casey and Charlie Sprayregen Jori and Tommy Sternberg Michelle Sweet
$1,000-$2,499 Courtney Bartelstein and Max Levine Caroline and Paul Connors Abby and Roger Daniel Allie and David Davidson Ben Davis Laura and Matthew Gray Sondra Kraff Greer and Brian Malkin Katie and Max Meyers Jessa Reisner and Ben Forgan Gloria and Les Schaffer Caitlin and Jim Siegel Tracy Sprayregen
$500-$999 Julia and Matthew Berk Sydney and Ryan Bloom Andy Dunn Zak Rudzki and Caroline Heyman Nikki and Nathan Miller Chloe Sacks Jamie and Matthew Sacks Matthew Teinowitz Patrick Trimble
Midwest Regional Office
The Midwest Regional Office serves Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York (upstate), North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Find out more about past programs and how to contact us.