St. Louis historian brings family history of fleeing Nazis to book festival panel

Flora Cassen will discuss her new book at the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival this Friday.

Cassen’s grandparents fled Nazi-occupied Europe for the Belgian Congo. That specific escape route forms the personal foundation for her new work. The book, titled “Stained Glass: A Reflective History of Antisemitism,” examines how prejudice and persecution have affected Jewish communities over centuries. Published by the University of Toronto Press, the text combines historical research with personal reflection. It explores topics ranging from medieval myths to contemporary fears. The title asks how previous generations influence what modern societies see.

Cassen grew up in the Jewish community of Antwerp. Her academic background focuses on Jews in Renaissance Italy. She has since expanded her work to study contemporary antisemitism. Her writing has appeared in publications including The Guardian, Smithsonian Magazine, Slate, and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. She previously served as an associate professor of Jewish, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at Washington University. She now holds the role of Lavine Family Director of the Brandeis Center for Jewish Studies. She is also a member of the Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis.

The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival will host a panel called “Missouri’s Own” on Friday, Nov. 6. The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. It takes place at The J’s Staenberg Family Complex at 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. Cassen will join three other authors on the stage. Samuel Cohen will discuss his book “Banning Books in America.” Mark Heller will present “Scoop Dreams & Rocky Roads.” Debbie Kimberg will speak about “A Blind Spot on Autism.” Tickets for the event cost $19.46.