Washington, D.C. (June 26, 2025) – Today, The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law announced that Karen Paikin Barall, former Vice President of Government Relations for Jewish Federations of North America, will join the organization as Chief Policy Officer. As Chief Policy Officer, Paikin Barall will lead the multi-year public policy, advocacy, and communications strategy to advance the Brandeis Center’s mission across all levels of government and the public arena. With a focus on such areas as anti-Semitism in higher education, K12 schools, healthcare, and labor, she will engage with policymakers, members of Congress, and White House officials; coordinate Congressional testimony on pending federal and state legislation and regulations; and oversee the Brandeis Center’s policy and educational materials. “This work is deeply personal to me. I’ve devoted my career to the intersection of government, advocacy, and the Jewish community—driven by a belief that strong public policy, principled leadership, and the rule of law are essential to protecting our communities,” said Paikin Barall. “As anti-Semitism continues to rise across the country, we are facing a national crisis that demands decisive and strategic action. Legal tools are critical to defend rights and hold institutions accountable. I’m proud to step into this expanded national role at the Brandeis Center, where I’ll help strengthen the bridge between legal action and government engagement at every level.” In her nearly three years at JFNA, she led comprehensive advocacy efforts to advance JFNA’s mission and shaped public policy. Paikin Barall also built and led a team that drove critical policy initiatives – including advocacy for the Antisemitism Awareness Act, reauthorization and increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and ensuring sustained and supplemental U.S. support for Israel – and championed legislative efforts to protect and expand charitable tax deductions and advanced healthcare policies. Prior to her work at JFNA, Paikin Barall served as Director of Government Relations for Hadassah, CEO and Founding Partner at Barall & Company, and worked at several other major Jewish organizations. She also served as Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism at the U.S. Department of State, and was appointed by Honorable Governor of Maryland Lawrence Hogan, Jr. to the The Governor’s Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs, where she served as Commissioner for six years. “After an exhaustive search, we are thrilled to welcome Ms. Paikin Barall to the Brandeis Center. From her extensive expertise in the policy space to her years of dedication to combating anti-Semitism, she will be a valuable asset to our leadership team,” said Hon. Kenneth L. Marcus, chairman and CEO of the Brandeis Center and the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education who ran OCR during two administrations. “With Jewish communities under constant threat of violence and terror, it’s imperative that we bring together the best and the brightest minds to ensure the safety of all.” The Brandeis Center works to advance the civil and human rights of the Jewish people and promote justice for individuals in all sectors, including the workplace, housing, healthcare, public accommodations, government services, unions, academia, and corporations. While the Brandeis Center is most known for its work combating K-12 and campus anti-Semitism – such as the precedent-setting agreement with Harvard University – the organization has also filed lawsuits and helped Jews challenge discriminatory practices of Ben & Jerry’s, Microsoft, the New York Legal Aid Group’s union, and the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys.