January 14, 2026 — Paris
Recognized for his national and international leadership, Pace University President Marvin Krislov has begun work as a Fulbright Specialist —hosted by AJC Paris—to help identify the most effective ways French and American leaders can stem a rising tide of antisemitism.
Krislov will lead a major joint U.S.–France initiative to identify, test, and help institutionalize policies that reduce antisemitism and strengthen democratic resilience in higher education. .
“The U.S. and France have the largest Jewish Diaspora communities in the world, which have been victimized by the scourge of antisemitism that has become a global issue, and even more so since October 7, 2023,” said Anne-Sophie Sebban-Bécache, Vice President Europe at American Jewish Committee. “Marvin’s extensive experience will help us identify specific policy recommendations and common new approaches that can be acted on now to ensure antisemitism does not become normalized and Jews on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond can feel safe and secure.”
Krislov will meet with leaders in the fight against antisemitism in the French government, parliament and civic society. He will also speak at an antisemitism conference organized by Strasbourg University at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
Krislov, an alumnus of AJC Project Interchange, has been president of Pace since 2017. He was president of Oberlin College from 2007-2017 and served as Vice President and General Counsel at the University of Michigan. He was also a senior official in the U.S. Department of Labor and in the Office of Counsel to the President during the Clinton administration.
“Antisemitism knows no boundaries,” Krislov said. “I’m honored to take on this important work at a time when antisemitism in the U.S. and France has reached record levels, particularly among young people. We understand the challenge before us. Now we must focus on identifying and implementing the most effective solutions. I look forward to working closely with AJC to turn this shared commitment into a meaningful lasting impact.”
According to AJC Paris’ Survey of Antisemitism in France 2024, one in four French Jews say they have been the victim of an antisemitic act since October 7. AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report found one in three American Jews say they have been the personal target of antisemitism – in person or virtually – at least once over the last year.
The Fulbright Specialist Program was unveiled last June at On the Frontlines: French-American Forum on Antisemitism, a conference hosted by AJC Paris in partnership with the Conseil Représentatif des Institutions Juives de France (CRIF). The conference focused on youth and highlighted how the challenges faced by the Jewish community, and especially young Jews, are global and require a coordinated and unified response.
AJC Paris strives to inform policy discussions within France. Our outreach efforts include public campaigns and events on relevant issues and ongoing relationships with a range of civil society organizations. We consistently convey the urgent message that antisemitism poses a grave threat not only to the Jewish people, but to the very fabric of European and democratic societies. Learn more at ajc.org/paris.
