Key Facts
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About
The Schusterman Center for Israel Studies (SCIS) is an academic center at Brandeis University dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship and education on the modern State of Israel. Established to foster a deeper understanding of Israeli history, politics, culture, and society, the center supports research, teaching, and public engagement initiatives. It funds fellowships, hosts lectures, conferences, and workshops, and promotes the development of curricula and resources for educators. The center plays a key role in training scholars and teachers, contributing to a broader discourse on Israel studies within academia and beyond, while emphasizing balanced and evidence-based perspectives. Founded with significant philanthropic support from the Schusterman family, particularly Lynn Schusterman as a founding member, SCIS has become a hub for innovative programs at Brandeis. It collaborates with faculty across departments to integrate Israel studies into various disciplines, including history, literature, and social sciences. Notable activities include doctoral fellowships, summer institutes for educators, and partnerships with the Association for Israel Studies, where center affiliates have held leadership roles. The center's work extends to public outreach, providing trusted information to counter misinformation and support informed dialogue on Israel-related topics. Since its inception, SCIS has grown to influence Israel studies nationally and internationally, producing publications, hosting prominent speakers, and supporting alumni who advance in academia and policy. It remains committed to exemplary scholarship amid evolving geopolitical contexts, with no major controversies documented in public records. The center's efforts align with Brandeis University's mission as a Jewish-sponsored, non-sectarian research institution, emphasizing ethical inquiry and intellectual rigor.