Experts Salute Stein, Emory and Israel Studies
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Experts Salute Stein, Emory and Israel Studies

Emory University’s Institute for the Study of Modern Israel celebrated its 20th anniversary.

By Bob Bahr January 3, 2019, 5:52 pm Edit
Proud sons flank Ken Stein: from left, Jason Stein and Todd Stein.
Proud sons flank Ken Stein: from left, Jason Stein and Todd Stein.

Emory University’s Institute for the Study of Modern Israel celebrated its 20th anniversary with a public lecture in November by Dr. Asher Susser, a leading Israeli academic and longtime observer of Israel’s relationship with the Arab world. He described the Arab War with Israel as over, in part a legacy of the peace treaty Israel signed with Egypt in 1979.

Then he and a distinguished group of academics and think tank experts explored what comes next for Israel and the Middle East during a thoughtful and provocative 20th anniversary weekend seminar.

The weekend was created by Dr. Ken Stein, professor of Contemporary Middle Eastern History, Political Science and Israeli Studies at Emory, who founded the ISMI after serving as an advisor to President Jimmy Carter and director of The Carter Center.

He played the role of a proud, if somewhat anxious, parent during the weekend.  Not only was he concerned about what’s next for Israel, but also what’s next for his institute.

Despite strong support from Emory and public statements endorsing his work, Stein underscores the continued need for financial support from the Atlanta community.

“If you have an institution that’s providing a voice that says we think Israel study is important to us, you need to consider how you can help us sustain this. I think that’s a serious request.”

Stein often speaks at educational and community events in Atlanta and has strived consistently over the past two decades to fund the work of the Emory institute. He hopes all his outstanding achievements over the past 20 years won’t be forgotten.

“The impact of the Institute needs to continue to be recognized,” he emphasizes.  “Because if the Institute atrophies and goes away, what could replace it? Ten years from now, could we have at Emory, an anti-Israel environment like we have now at the University of California Riverside or San Francisco State?”

View the original story here. 

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