The Academic Community in Mourning

"Dear AIS Members and Friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the deeply sorrowful news concerning Professor Ilan Troen, a foundational pillar of the AIS, its former President, a dedicated longtime board member, and the honored co-recipient of the 2023 AIS Lifetime Achievement Award.

Professor Troen's daughter and son-in-law were tragically murdered in a terror attack that took place yesterday in Israel, leaving our community deeply shaken and heartbroken.

In addition to this immense loss, Ilan's grandson is recovering from injuries sustained in the same attack. We, the AIS community, extend our heartfelt wishes for his swift and full recovery, and envelop the entire family with our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.

During this dark time, we extend our deepest condolences to Ilan, his wife Carol, and their entire family. They are firmly in our thoughts and prayers as we collectively mourn this tragic loss.

In these moments of profound grief and solidarity, let us come together to offer our support and compassion to Professor Troen and his family.

With heartfelt sympathy, SHELO TEDOU OD DEAVA"

Professor Ilan Troen was a visiting lecturer and a keynote speaker at the Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies.

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"Dear AIS Members and Friends,

It is with immense sorrow that we share yet more tragic news: Dr. Hayim Katsman – the distinguished winner of the 2019 Kimmerling Award for Best Graduate Paper – was murdered in his home in Kibbutz Holit on Saturday.

Dr. Katsman was an emerging scholar in the field of Israel Studies, having received his Ph.D. in international studies from the University of Washington's Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies in 2021. His research centered on the Religious-Zionist communities and current trends in Religious-Zionism and its relationship to radicalism.

His works have been featured in various scholarly publications, including the Israel Studies Review, and in edited volumes such as the "Routledge Handbook of Religion and Political Parties." He won the AIS Kimmerling Award for his paper, “The Hyphen Cannot Hold: Contemporary Trends in Religious Zionism," which he presented at the 2019 AIS Annual Conference at Kinneret College.

Beyond his academic achievements, Hayim was deeply committed to community service and engagement. His volunteer activities spanned various roles, including Co-Coordinator of the Israel/Palestine research group at the University of Washington, Board Member at The Center for Young Adults, Eshkol Regional Council, and committee member in Kibbutz Holit.

In these moments of profound grief, we remember Dr. Katsman for his invaluable contributions to our academic community. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and close ones.

With sincere condolences,

Rafi Cohen-Almagor, AIS President
Csaba Nikolenyi, AIS Vice-President
Asaf Shamis, Executive Director"
 

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"H-Judaic is devastated to learn that Sagui Dekel-Chen, son of Prof. Jonathan Dekel-Chen,  the Rabbi Edward Sandrow Chair in Soviet & East European Jewry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is among those missing and presumed hostage in Gaza.  Prof. Dekel-Chen told CNN that Sagui was defending his home at Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he lives with his pregnant wife and two daughters.   We extend our deepest sympathies to Prof. Dekel-Chen and join in the hope that Sagui may speedily be found and released.  

Jonathan D. Sarna
Chair, H-Judaic"

Professor Jonathan Dekel-Chen was a visiting researcher at the Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies.