SPxFP Dedications

 Setting Precedence by NOT Following PROTOCOL…

delivers critical information for helping ‘typical’ human beings understand contemporary antisemitism

designed and delivered by Christine Maxwell, PhD (https://www.settingprecedence.net/)

to empower proactive understanding, encourage remembrance, inspire individual agency

See more at https://www.settingprecedence.net/projects/combating-antisemitism

Without a doubt, "changing times signal changing conversations" (Maxwell 2018); yet nevertheless, the Holocaust "continues to summon us to address it, and to refrain from offering a single answer to explain it" (Knight 2018). On completion of my doctorate, I dedicated my creativity and lifelong love of learning to the success of RFTF2: Researching for the Future, a permanent endowment in the Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies, which led to my realization of Setting Precedence. Following in my mother Dr Elisabeth Maxwell's footsteps, I hope to not only practice innovative academic research through leveraging enabling technologies, but to achieve understanding to enhance the ongoing relevance of the Holocaust for future generations. Standing on the 'shoulders' of giants' in this field, the four presentations that make up the Setting Precedence by NOT Following Protocol... project have been shaped by the examples and inspiration of many, but especially the following leaders who continue to influence me personally as well as professionally.

(NOT) Following Protocol

This presentation is dedicated to the memories of Reverend Doctors Franklin Littell & Hubert Locke co-founders of the Annual Scholars’ Conference on the Holocaust and the Churches. Thank you for enabling me to find my way in a ‘family’ of ASC like-minded scholars who welcomed me into the fold and nurture my unique interests and strengths. I continue to enrich my learning and my determination to reach out because of your legacy.

At the end of World War II, Littell and Locke recognized the need for scholarly engagement in what would become the pioneering academic discipline of Holocaust Studies. They uniquely recognized the importance of embedding into the ASC’s foundation, that it be international, inter-faith, and interdisciplinary. Its objective continues to include advancing Holocaust research, ensuring that its lessons remain relevant for contemporary society.

Understanding the Protocols of the Elders of Zion

This presentation is dedicated to the memory of Doctor Elisabeth Maxwell, executive chairman of Remembering for the Future – and my mother. Thank you for setting an incredible example of how to bring the lessons of the Holocaust to new audiences. I am honored to continue the good work by making a positive difference with my own efforts to combat contemporary antisemitism through education and awareness.

In 1986, Dr Elisabeth Maxwell created a Holocaust education organization called Remembering for the Future (RFTF), which she directed for twelve years, to establish the historical truth about the Holocaust through new research, but also to move forward, bringing the acquired expertise and research to bear on contemporary genocides with a view to finding ways to prevent these in the future. The idea for an international scholarly conference had taken shape in Dr Maxwell’s mind on her way to a visit with Elie Wiesel. Soon after that meeting, she met with American pioneers in the field of Christian-Jewish relations, Franklin Littell, Roy Eckardt, and Yehuda Bauer to further her idea.

Being [In]Human...

This presentation is dedicated to the memory of Reverend Doctor Hans-Martin Rumscheidt, respected theologian, scholar, teacher, author and mentor. Thank you for living a life worthy of the Eternal Flame Award (2018). I continue to be both humbled and inspired by your passion to foster better understanding of how Christian theology can be reimagined in light of the Holocaust.

Rumscheidt was an advocate for Holocaust remembrance and reconciliation. He developed a unique theology of mourning that was profoundly influenced by his experience as the child of a Holocaust perpetrator. Rumscheidt’s work focused heavily on fostering understanding and reconciliation between Jewish and Christian communities. He saw this as an essential part of the mourning process and a way to heal historical wounds.

Making a Difference

This presentation is dedicated to Doctor Deborah Lipstadt, US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, with the rank of Ambassador. Thank you for your tireless work in education, advocacy, and diplomacy. I continue to be impressed with your fearless ability to balance the personal and professional, life and work, so gracefully and graciously.

In 2000, Deborah Lipstadt was one of the members of the RFTF2000 Steering Committee. I didn’t know until much later, that at the same time, she was in embroiled in a precedent-setting legal battle in the Highest Court of the United Kingdom. She was sued for libel by one of the most well-known and prolific Holocaust deniers, David Irving. The film “Denial” (2016) tells the mesmerizing and stunning story of how Lipstadt won her case. It most importantly highlights the importance of defending historical truth against those who seek to deny or distort it.