About EPICA

The Emory Policy Institute on Countering Antisemitism (EPICA) is a research and policy institute dedicated to advancing rigorous scholarship, education, and practical policy solutions to address antisemitism in contemporary society. Led by former Ambassador and University Distinguished Professor Deborah Lipstadt, EPICA examines antisemitism through its impact on Jewish communities and as a broader challenge to democratic institutions, civic discourse, and social cohesion.

EPICA brings together scholars, policymakers, diplomats, educators, and students to examine how governments and institutions respond to antisemitism across global contexts. Distinct from traditional academic centers focused primarily on historical study, EPICA emphasizes policy development, implementation, and evaluation through an interdisciplinary and practice-informed approach.

The Institute reflects Emory’s broader commitment to combining academic excellence with public engagement and service.

Mission

EPICAS's mission is to advance research, education, and policy engagement that strengthen the capacity of governments, institutions, and communities to understand and counter antisemitism.

Grounded in Emory University’s commitment to scholarly rigor and public service, the Institute seeks to produce policy-relevant research, facilitate informed dialogue, and prepare current and future leaders to address antisemitism within democratic societies.

EPICA is committed to evidence-based scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and nonpartisan engagement across academic, governmental, and civic sectors.

Leadership

Deborah E. Lipstadt

Founder, Emory Policy Institute on Countering Antisemitism

dlipsta@emory.edu
404-727-2298

University Distinguished Professor and Former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.

Renowned historian and scholar of the Holocaust, Deborah Lipstadt returns to Emory University as University Distinguished Professor after her groundbreaking tenure as the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.

In that role, Ambassador Lipstadt served as a leading voice for global efforts to combat antisemitism, advocating for policies and initiatives to protect Jewish communities and promote understanding. Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, she made history as the first person to hold the position with ambassadorial rank, underscoring her exceptional expertise and influence.

During her time as Special Envoy, Ambassador Lipstadt strengthened international cooperation in the fight against antisemitism, navigating complex global challenges and promoting tolerance. Her work was instrumental in shaping U.S. foreign policy on antisemitism, advancing programs against hate speech, and addressing discrimination in the highest levels of government and international organizations.

A trusted voice in both academia and public policy, Ambassador Lipstadt has received numerous honors for her work. She was recognized as one of Time Magazine’s “Most Influential People of 2023” and is an elected fellow in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Ambassador Lipstadt was the founding director of the Tam Institute for Jewish Studies at Emory and the Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust Studies. She will continue her legacy by delivering public lectures and engaging directly with students to advance critical conversations about antisemitism, history, and justice.

Aaron Keyak

Executive Director, Emory Policy Institute on Countering Antisemitism

aaron.j.keyak@emory.edu

Aaron Keyak is the executive director of the Emory Policy Institute on Countering Antisemitism. Previously, he served with former Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt as the Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism at the U.S. Department of State from 2021-2025 where he worked to advance U.S. foreign policy to counter antisemitism throughout the world.

Deputy Special Envoy Keyak is an experienced leader and interfaith coalition builder who has previously held senior roles advising members of Congress, the Obama Administration, and the Biden Administration transition team.

Prior to that, he founded Bluelight Strategies, a full-service messaging, marketing, and media outreach and public relations firm, committed to issues of significant social importance. In 2020, he was named as one of the top 50 “influencers” by The Jerusalem Post.

As an accomplished foreign policy hand and publicist, he has counseled various members of Congress and served as the top Middle East adviser and communications director for Representatives Jerry Nadler and Steve Rothman.

Keyak serves as a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and was selected to participate in the President’s Leadership Workshop by the White House in 2024. He graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis.