Dick and Lee Laster Annual Lecture

Listening to the Wide Spectrum of Young American Jewish Thought on Israel Series
The response to the eruption of violence in Israel and Gaza in May of 2021 revealed a changing perspective on the part of younger American Jews regarding the Jewish State and its relationship with the Palestinian people.  In order to fully understand this shift, we are inviting thought leaders representing varying views as expressed by younger American Jews.  We invite you to join us in listening, confronting and wrestling with divergent opinions as we consider the relationship between Israel and American Jewry. 

David Harris has led American Jewish Committee (AJC), described by the New York Times as the “dean of American Jewish organizations,” since 1990. He was referred to by the late Israeli President Shimon Peres as the “foreign minister of the Jewish people.” David has been honored more than 20 times, including by the governments of Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Moldova, Poland, Spain, and Ukraine for his international efforts on behalf of the defense of human rights, advancement of the transatlantic partnership, and dedication to the Jewish people. He has written hundreds of articles in leading media outlets. Educated at the University of Pennsylvania and London School of Economics, he has been a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins University and Oxford University.

Please note: This program has been rescheduled from the original date of January 2 and will take place on Zoom only.