The College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington has received a $2.5 million commitment from the Leslie J. Raffel Foundation to establish an endowed chair in the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism (ISCA). The new endowed chair will strengthen ISCA’s position as one of the world’s leading academic centers dedicated to the scholarly examination of modern antisemitism.
Established in 2009 under the auspices of the College’s Robert A. and Sandra S. Borns Jewish Studies Program, ISCA brings together faculty, visiting scholars, and students to explore the history, causes, and manifestations of modern antisemitism. Through lectures, conferences, publications, and collaborative research, ISCA works to elucidate the social, cultural, religious, and political forces that perpetuate anti-Jewish hostility.
The Leslie J. Raffel Chair will support a distinguished scholar whose work advances ISCA’s mission. The chair holder will engage in research, teaching, and public outreach on topics related to antisemitism, contributing to the institute’s reputation as a vital resource for scholars, policymakers, and the public.
“At a time of escalating hostility to Jews, Judaism, and Israel, few subjects are in greater need of ongoing attention than contemporary antisemitism,” said Alvin H. Rosenfeld, ISCA’s founding director and Irving M. Glazer Chair in Jewish Studies. “The Raffel Chair will enable us to recruit an outstanding scholar to our ranks and thereby substantially enhance ISCA’s commitment to pursue the study of this animosity at the highest levels.”
The gift is made possible through the generosity of the Leslie J. Raffel Foundation and its president, College of Arts and Sciences alumnus Bobby Gerber (B.A. ’94, Political Science, Criminal Justice). Gerber, a Chicago-based attorney and managing partner at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, has long been committed to advancing educational initiatives and supporting the College of Arts and Sciences. A dedicated volunteer and community advocate, Gerber serves on the College’s Executive Dean’s Advisory Board.
“Bobby’s vision and leadership, and the Leslie J. Raffel Foundation’s generosity, will have a profound and lasting impact on Indiana University,” said Rick Van Kooten, executive dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “This commitment will ensure that ISCA continues to be at the forefront of rigorous, scholarly engagement with one of the most urgent social issues of our time. We are deeply grateful for this investment in our mission.”
The establishment of this endowed chair comes at a time of renewed public attention to antisemitism in the United States and abroad. According to recent research, antisemitic incidents have reached historic highs, underscoring the urgency of ISCA’s work.
In addition to conducting research, the scholar appointed to the endowed chair will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor emerging scholars, and help lead ISCA’s public programming. This programming includes internationally recognized conferences and lectures that feature leading voices in the study of antisemitism.
For more information about the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, visit isca.indiana.edu.
About the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington
The College of Arts and Sciences is the beating heart of Indiana University Bloomington and traces its roots to IU’s founding in 1820. Part of a leading R1 (Research 1) university, the College has more than 70 academic departments offering undergraduate and graduate degrees within and across the natural and mathematical sciences, the arts, the humanities, and the social sciences. In addition, the College is home to The Media School, the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, and the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design.
College faculty are groundbreaking researchers and dedicated teachers and mentors to students. With an array of options, opportunities, and experiences to choose from, students are able to prepare for fulfilling work as well as a meaningful life. More than 90 percent of our undergraduates report a successful career outcome six months after graduation. Learn more at college.indiana.edu.
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