Monthly Archives: August 2015

Dr. Jonathan Rynhold, Bar-Ilan University

Jonathan Rynhold is the director of the Argov Center for the Study of the Jewish People and the State of Israel in the Political Studies Department at Bar-Ilan University, where he is also a senior researcher at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. Dr. Rynhold’s research focuses on Israeli and American approaches toward the Middle
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Mark Hetfield, HIAS

Mark Hetfield is president and CEO of HIAS, where he has led the transformation of the organization from one focused on Jewish immigrants to a global agency that assists refugees of all faiths and ethnicities and is a major implementing partner of the United Nations Refugee Agency and the U.S. Department of State.  An expert
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Jessica Cohen, Jewish Federation of Cleveland

Jessica Cohen is the Managing Director of Community Relations for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.  Jessica began her career as a nonprofit consultant, specializing in foundation relations and nonprofit operations, and working with federal, state, and local public policy. Most recently, she held the position of Senior Director of Government and Foundation Relations at Friends of Breakthrough Schools. In
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Drug Policy Reform—The Next Major Civil Rights Issue

Mass incarceration and conflicts among police and citizens are fueled largely by the “War on Drugs,” which has simultaneously contributed to poverty and devastated families and poor and minority communities for decades. Four states and the District of Columbia have voted to legalize marijuana since 2012, and a bill or ballot initiative proposing marijuana reform
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Jonathan Greenblatt, Anti-Defamation League

Jonathan Greenblatt, the sixth National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), is an accomplished entrepreneur and innovative leader with deep experience in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. As chief executive of ADL, Jonathan leads all aspects of one of the most respected civil rights organizations in the country. Prior to heading ADL, Jonathan served
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Ruth Messinger, American Jewish World Service

Ruth W. Messinger is president of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the world’s leading Jewish organization working to end poverty and realize human rights in the developing world. Ruth came to AJWS in 1998 after a 20-year career in public service in New York City. Under Ruth’s leadership, AJWS has granted more than $230 million
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Ethan Nadelmann, Drug Policy Alliance

Described by Rolling Stone as “the point man” for drug policy reform efforts and “the real drug czar,” Ethan Nadelmann is widely regarded as the outstanding proponent of drug policy reform both in the United States and abroad. Ethan is the founder and executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, the leading organization in the
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Father Josh Thomas, Kids4Peace

Father Josh Thomas is Executive Director of Kids4Peace International, a Jerusalem-based interfaith youth movement serving more than 1,800 Jewish, Christian and Muslim youth, parents, volunteers each year.  Kids4Peace’s mission is to end conflict and inspire hope in Jerusalem and divided societies around the world.  KidsPeace operates a six-year, year-round program of dialogue and action for
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Nancy Kaufman, National Council of Jewish Women

Nancy K. Kaufman is the chief executive officer of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and
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Professor Dov Waxman, Northeastern University

Dov Waxman is Professor of Political Science, International Affairs, and Israel Studies at Northeastern University, and the Stotsky Professor of Jewish Historical and Cultural Studies. He is also the co-director of the Middle East Center at Northeastern University. He has previously taught at the City University of New York, Bowdoin College, and the Middle East
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