Kenneth L. Marcus, Jacob Dallal and Special Envoy Elan Carr: 2020 ISGAP-Oxford Summer Institute

Kenneth L. Marcus, Chairman of the Board, Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law
Former Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights (2003-2004, 2018-2020), U.S. Department of Education

Defining and Combating Anti-Semitism
In order to understand and address anti-Semitism, we must first define it. Yet defining anti-Semitism has been surprisingly difficult and controversial for scholars, commentators, and policymakers alike. This session will discuss the myriad challenges facing efforts to properly define and understand anti-Semitism, including conceptual issues, historical developments, and political disputes. We will look, in particular, at the uses and abuses and misunderstandings of the international Working Definition, as well as the prospects for future progress.

Jacob Dallal, Director of Academic Affairs, Ministry of Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy, Israel

“The Jewish State Combatting New Antisemitism”
Israel is the only country in the world to have its legitimacy and the premise of its existence called into question. This denial of the right of Jews to self-determination in their ancestral homeland is antisemitism in its newest form. This presentation will discuss what the Government of Israel is doing to counteract this attack on Israel’s legitimacy.

Special Envoy Elan Carr, U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism

“Philo-Semitic Curricula and Narratives – A Proactive Response to Anti-Semitism”
Governments and NGOs justly focus on defensive measures in combatting anti-Semitism. These are necessary but not sufficient. A key component of the fight against anti-Semitism is the development of curricula and materials that breed appreciation and affection for the Jewish people and the profound contributions of Judaism to civilization.

2020 ISGAP-Oxford Summer Institute
Wednesday, August 12, 2020