. In the final weeks of 2024, as people slow down, semesters conclude, and families celebrate holidays together, the Brandeis Center has been busier than ever — anti-Semitism does not take a winter break. This month, we reached a settlement with Occidental College and sounded the alarm over rising anti-Semitism in healthcare on Capitol Hill. This year, the Brandeis Center responded to an influx of anti-Semitic complaints with significant growth and innovative legal strategies, and we are energized to continue the work in the new year. We are continually thankful for your steadfast support and wish you a meaningful holiday season. In this issue: Brandeis Center, ADL Reach Settlement in Occidental College Title VI Complaint The Spreading Disease of Anti-Semitism in Healthcare Kenneth L. Marcus Testifies Before Ohio Senate Saving College Students from Campus Anti-Semitism New Episode of American Thought Leaders Brandeis Center, ADL Reach Settlement in Occidental College Title VI Complaint Occidental College has agreed to take a series of steps to address and prevent anti-Semitism on campus as part of a sweeping settlement agreement reached in response to a federal Title VI complaint filed by the Brandeis Center and ADL. Under the terms of the settlement announced yesterday, the Los Angeles-based private liberal arts college has agreed to undertake a series of initiatives to repair the campus climate, including utilizing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism when reviewing complaints of anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination, and holding campus-wide Title VI trainings for both faculty and students, which will include specific sessions on anti-Semitic harassment. In a statement, Brandeis Center President Alyza D. Lewin shared, “This agreement demonstrates Occidental College’s commitment to counter all forms of contemporary anti-Semitism and underscores their recognition that effectively combatting anti-Semitism requires understanding the relationship between Jewish identity, Israel, and Zionism. We are gratified by the school’s engagement in meaningful discussions at the highest levels of the administration, and we are heartened that Occidental has committed to creating a safer environment for Jewish students. When implemented, this agreement will help ensure that Jewish students are able to learn and thrive in an environment free from anti-Semitic hate, discrimination, and harassment.” Read more on the settlement in Jewish Insider. The Spreading Disease of Anti-Semitism in Healthcare Earlier this month, the Brandeis Center partnered with Jewish Federations of North America, Hadassah, and the American Jewish Medical Association to host a critical Congressional briefing on anti-Semitism in healthcare. A panel of Jewish medical professionals and medical students shared their troubling experiences, from anti-Semitic indoctrination in medical school and discrimination against Jewish patients in medical care, to the spread of anti-Semitic ideology like “decolonizing therapy.”Kenneth L. Marcus, Chairman of the Brandeis Center, spoke about the rise in cases involving anti-Semitism in healthcare and the need for Congress to elevate this issue and take decisive action to stop it. Several Members of Congress joined the discussion, emphasizing the need for greater attention on this issue. Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) called for depoliticizing anti-Semitism and Israel policy, and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) urged advocates to continue educating their representatives about the growing problem. After listening to the experiences of the panelists, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) was shocked, calling it “profoundly troubling” and “disturbing.” Kenneth L. Marcus Testifies Before Ohio Senate On December 4th, Brandeis Center Chairman Kenneth L. Marcus testified before the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee as a proponent of S.B. 297. The bill would codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism into Ohio law and expand legal protections by broadening the definition of “ethnic intimidation” to include crimes such as riots or aggravated riots motivated by hate based on religion, race, color, or national origin. Marcus highlighted the benefits of legislation that responds to an increase in antisemitic incidents in Ohio and the broader United States, including physical assaults, harassment, and vandalism. The IHRA definition provides a framework for identifying antisemitic intent in discriminatory acts, enabling authorities to effectively recognize and prosecute hate-driven crimes. The full written testimony and a recording of his remarks are linked in this blog. Saving College Students from Campus Anti-Semitism Brandeis Center President Alyza D. Lewin sat down with Avi Abelow to discuss anti-Semitism on college campuses, including how to inculcate confident, resilient Jewish students and how the Brandeis Center is building a civil rights movement for Jews. Play Discussing Anti-Semitism on College Campuses videoTextBlockModalTitle × Your browser does not support the video tag. New Episode of American Thought Leaders In a new episode of American Thought Leaders on Epoch TV, Brandeis Center Chairman and former Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kenneth L. Marcus discussed how we can effectively protect civil rights in schools without relying on the U.S. Department of Education. Marcus outlines strategies for safeguarding students’ rights at local and state levels, emphasizing the role of parents, communities, and legal frameworks. The discussion includes approaches to address discrimination, foster accountability, and ensure equal opportunities in education, as well as how the Brandeis Center is holding institutions accountable. Play Kenneth L. Marcus on American Thought Leaders videoTextBlockModalTitle × Your browser does not support the video tag.