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The grassroots non-profit organization CAN (Combat Anti-Semitism Now), together with SAJAC (South African Jewish American Community), is thrilled to host Dr. Mordechai Kedar, one of Israel’s foremost scholars and a leading authority on Middle Eastern politics, Islamist movements, and Israeli-Arab relations. Kedar’s visit to San Diego will culminate in a public evening presentation at 7 p.m. at Congregation Beth El in La Jolla, offering attendees the chance to engage with an expert whose insights are as thought-provoking as they are timely.
Kedar’s visit is more than just a lecture. Throughout the day, he will also speak to high school and university students, meet with local leadership, and address the media. However, the centerpiece of his visit will be the evening presentation, where Kedar will dive into some of the most pressing topics surrounding the Middle East today, from the rise of Islamist movements to the political dynamics shaping Israel’s future. This event offers a rare chance to hear directly from someone who has spent decades researching, analyzing, and confronting the complexities of the Middle East.
Scholar, Analyst, and Advocate
Kedar is a renowned scholar specializing in Arabic culture and Islamic groups. He completed his academic journey at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, where he earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Arabic and Political Science and his Doctorate in Arabic. His doctoral dissertation, “The Public Political Language of the Assad Regime in Syria: Messages and Ways of Expressing Them,” highlighted the importance of political discourse in shaping power structures in the Arab world.
In addition to his academic credentials, Kedar served 25 years in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where he specialized in military intelligence. His service, combined with his scholarly work, gives him unique insights into the political and military dynamics of the Middle East. Currently, he is a lecturer at Bar-Ilan University and Vice President of Newsrael.com, a dynamic, Pro-Israel news platform that provides fact-based reporting on Israeli politics, security, culture, and global issues affecting the region.
One of the few Israeli pundits fluent in Arabic, Kedar regularly appears on Arabic-language satellite channels, directly engaging Arab-speaking audiences in debates about Israel’s right to exist. This ability to speak to both Israeli and Arab audiences makes Kedar a rare and vital voice in discussions about the Middle East.
Challenging False Narratives with Facts
One of the most compelling aspects of Kedar’s work is his commitment to grounding his arguments in historical fact, particularly when addressing controversial issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He frequently challenges common misconceptions and narratives surrounding the history of the region.
One of the key points Kedar addresses is the misconception surrounding the term “Palestine” and the historical identity of the Palestinian people. According to Dr. Kedar, the term Palestine was revived during the British Mandate in the 20th century, but it originated as a Roman attempt to erase Jewish identity from the land after the Jewish revolts in the 2nd century CE. The name was used to diminish the Jewish connection to the land, but it was eventually adopted by Arabs living in the region during the British Mandate.
Kedar also explains that Arabs living in the region between 1517 and 1917 were not considered Palestinians but Ottoman citizens of Arab ethnicity. The artificial borders drawn by colonial powers after World War I created the modern nation-states of the Middle East, but these borders did not correspond to distinct national identities. The citizens of these new states shared Arab ethnicity, but their national consciousness had been shaped by centuries of Ottoman rule rather than by the boundaries imposed by the British and French.
By focusing on historical facts, Kedar aims to challenge the widely accepted narratives that fuel much of the misinformation surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His insights provide a much-needed corrective to the biased and incomplete portrayals of Israel often found in the media.
The Legitimacy of Zionism
Kedar is also an outspoken advocate for the legitimacy of Zionism, which he argues is no different from other national movements around the world. Zionism, the Jewish national movement, is rooted in the historical and cultural connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel, and Kedar emphasizes that it is as legitimate as any other national movement seeking self-determination.
In today’s world, where anti-Zionism often serves as a thinly veiled form of anti-Semitism, Kedar’s defense of Zionism is more relevant than ever. He makes a clear distinction between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and outright denial of Israel’s right to exist, pointing out that much of the opposition to Israel is rooted in a refusal to accept the Jewish people’s historical and legal connection to the land.
The Islamist Threat
One of the primary focuses of Kedar’s research is the rise of Islamist movements in the Middle East, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, and Hezbollah. During his evening presentation, Kedar will delve into the ideologies driving these groups and explain how they have gained influence both in the region and on the global stage. He will also explore how these Islamist movements pose a threat not only to Israel but to the broader international community, with their rejection of democratic values and their use of violence to achieve political goals.
Kedar’s deep understanding of these movements, combined with his military experience, allows him to provide a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of the threats posed by radical Islam. His lecture will offer attendees a clear, fact-based understanding of the ideologies fueling Islamist terrorism and the steps that can be taken to confront it.
Why You Should Attend
Kedar’s visit to San Diego is a rare and valuable opportunity to hear directly from a leading expert on the Middle East. His ability to communicate complex political and historical issues in a clear and accessible way makes him a compelling speaker for audiences of all backgrounds. Whether you are a student of history, a concerned citizen, or simply someone interested in learning more about the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Dr. Kedar’s lecture will provide you with the knowledge and context needed to better understand these critical issues.
By attending this event, you will gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the Middle East today, from the rise of Islamist groups to the ongoing battle against anti-Semitism. You will also hear from someone who is not afraid to confront misinformation with hard facts, offering a refreshing and much-needed perspective in today’s polarized world.
Dr. Mordechai Kedar will speak Wednesday, November 20, at 7 p.m. at Congregation Beth El, La Jolla. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Early registration is recommended. Register now at
https://sajac.com/events/dr-mordechai-kedar/.
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