The annual Ruth and Phil Sokolof Lecture in Israel and Jewish Studies is the fruit of a generous donation by the Sokolof-Javitch family. Speakers in this series have included former Ambassadors Martin Indyk and Stuart Eizenstat, renowned authors Dan Senor, Daniel Gordis, and Ari Shavit. To support this lecture, please visit the Support Us tab.
2024 Ruth & Phil Sokolof Lecture
The Israel Hamas War and the Contest of Wills:
International Law versus Public Opinion
Join us May 9, 2024
Banquet & Lecture
6:00-9:00 PM
Scott Conference Center
6450 Pine Street, Omaha, NE. 68106
Registration Required
The 2024 Sokolof Lecture will explore the tensions between international law and public opinion as it relates to the ongoing Israel Hamas War. Spencer will examine the dilemma that the conflict poses to liberal democracy as a test of the post-World War II western way of war. The lecture will consider the implications of shifting public perceptions of international laws of war as applied to Israel in the current conflict.
There will be a book signing for Spencer's most recent publication, Understanding Urban Warfare, after the lecture.
Below are Newsweek magazine editorials that Spencer has recently published.
Ultimately, Hamas Owns Every Death in Gaza—Civilians Included
Israel Has Created a New Standard for Urban Warfare. No One Will Admit It
The Road to Ceasefire Leads Through the Rafah Offensive
I Have Delivered Aid in War Zones. They Were the Missions We Feared Most
Hospitals Are Protected by International Law but They Can't be 'Off Limits'
Stop Comparing Israel's War in Gaza to Anything. It Has No Precedent
Israel Tried to Prevent Civilian Casualties More Than Any Nation in History
2022 Phil & Ruth Sokolof Lecture
Prof. Eugene Kontorovich
"Three Modern Blood Libels about Israel: Vaccines, Evictions, and Apartheid"
Feb. 22, 2022 at 7:00 PM CT | Register Now for this Virtual Event
Prof. Eugene Kontorovich, Antonin Scalia School of Law, and Director, Center for International Law in the Middle East at George Mason University, will present the 2022 Ruth and Phil Sokolof Lecture on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 7 P.M. CT. Topic: "Three Modern Blood Libels about Israel: Vaccines, Evictions, and Apartheid."
This event is presented by the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies and cosponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha.
Past Lectures
Dr. Simon Rabinovitch
"What's Jewish About the Jewish State? Examining Israel’s Fierce Debate on the Nation-State Law"
Dr. Jonathan Sarna
"That Obnoxious Order: Ulysses S. Grant and the Jews"
Seth M. Siegel
"Let There Be Water: Israel's Solution to a Water-Starved World"
Dr. Jonathan Adelman
"Russia and Israel:New Emerging Powers in the Middle East"
Honorable Dennis Ross
"U.S. - Israeli Relationship from Truman to Obama"
Ari Shavit
"My Promise Land: A Personal Journey Through the History of Israel" (Courtesy of UNO Television)
Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat
"The Future of the Jews: How Global Forces are Impacting the Jewish People, Israel, and Its Relationship with the United States."
Dr. Stephen Berk
"Our People are Your People: American Jewry and the Struggle for Civil Rights, 1954 - 1965"
Dr. Daniel Gordis
"Year 2048: Can Israel Survive to the Age of 100?"