Preeminent Israeli Scholar to Conduct Important New Research on American Zionism at The Marcus Center

Dr. Zohar Segev to present findings in public forum on January 28

CINCINNATI, OH-The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati announces that Dr. Zohar Segev, distinguished American Jewish history professor at Haifa University in Israel, has been selected as the 2004 Rabbi Harold D. Hahn Memorial Fellow. Dr. Segev-cited as 1999's "Best Lecturer" and winner of numerous Haifa University Excellence Scholarships-will arrive at The Marcus Center on Sunday, January 18 to begin research on "American Zionism and the Jewish Establishment After 1948: Changing Identity and the Interrelationship with the State of Israel". The public is invited to attend Dr. Segev's formal research presentation on Wednesday, January 28 at 4 p.m. in the Barrows Reading Room of The Marcus Center- one of the world's largest repositories of materials documenting the history of North American Jewry. The Marcus Center is located at 3101 Clifton Avenue, 45220.

"The American Jewish experience is of tremendous interest to me both as a lecturer and a researcher because of the utmost importance of American Jews and American Zionists

in shaping Jewish history in general and Israel's history in particular," said Dr. Segev. "My research focuses on political history. I am trying to shed light on the political struggles and forces that have shaped our world and our nation."

The Rabbi Harold D. Hahn Memorial Fellowship-established and endowed by his widow, Nancy Hahn Klein and her husband, Jerry Klein-provides post-doctoral candidates, Ph.D. candidates and senior or independent scholars the opportunity to conduct in-depth research in subject areas relating to the history of North American Jewry. "Harold viewed the rabbinate as an opportunity for him to be part of American Jewish life," said Nancy Hahn Klein. "He was most interested in history of the Reform Movement, Israel and Zionism. Dr. Segev's research will lead us to an even deeper understanding of the ongoing impact of America's Jewish community on world Jewish history."

The Fellowship Program of The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives was established in 1977 by the institution's founder, the late Dr. Jacob Rader Marcus. Since the inception of the Fellowship Program, more than 300 scholars from 21 countries have conducted in-depth research at the American Jewish Archives. Today, The Marcus Center administers thirteen endowed fellowships, all funded by generous friends and supporters of the American Jewish Archives.