Leadership
Dr. Rachel Fish serves as director of the Brandeis University President's Initiative on Antisemitism and is an associate research professor at the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies. She is co-founder and president of Boundless, an independent think-action-tank promoting Israel education and combating Jew-hatred. In addition, she teaches Israeli history and society at The George Washington University as Visiting Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership in the Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
Previously, Dr. Fish was the executive director of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, senior advisor and resident scholar at the Paul E. Singer Foundation in New York City, and executive director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University, where she trained the next generation of academics in the field of Israel Studies.
Rachel completed her dissertation titled, “Configurations of Bi-nationalism: The Transformation of Bi-nationalism and Palestine/Israel 1920’s-Present,” on the history of bi- nationalism and alternative visions for constructing the State of Israel. She has served on the faculty at Brandeis University, Harvard University, and The George Washing University, written articles for several publications in the mainstream press and academic journals, and co-edited the book “Essential Israel: Essays for the 21st Century.”
Rabbi Ron Fish previously served as the East Division Director of Engagement and Partnerships for the Anti-Defamation League, serving from Maine to Delaware. His role supported ADL's work in building partnerships with Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, especially focused on college campuses in addressing antisemitism. His mission was directed toward helping Directors of Equity and Inclusion (DEls), Provosts and University Presidents to understand the experience of Jewish students on campus and their unique and diverse needs. In partnership with ADL's national leadership and regional offices, he also oversaw volunteer engagement and coordination. Ron was also the Interim Regional Director of ADL's New England office, as well as the inaugural Director of Antisemitism Advocacy and Education for the East.
Rabbi Fish served as a congregational rabbi in three communities in the Northeast for 25 years. Most recently, Ron was the Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel in Sharon, MA. He is the immediate past president of the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis and has worked through the years as a committed and enthusiastic partner for interfaith dialogue. In the run up to vote on the affordable care act, Ron organized 400 colleagues across the state of Connecticut to advocate for universal healthcare.
Rabbi Fish is a graduate, cum laude, of Brandeis University and has an MA and rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He has also completed coursework and comprehensive exams for a Doctorate of Hebrew Letters from JTS.
He is the proud father of four and husband to Leah Bieler, a writer and fellow Jewish educator.
Rise Singer serves as director of administration for the Brandeis University President's Initiative on Antisemitism. Previously, she was associate director for administration at the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies which she joined after 10 years managing the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program, also at Brandeis. Prior to Brandeis, Rise enjoyed an extensive career in university technology management and international education. She holds an MA in intercultural relations from Lesley College and a BA in Russian language and intercultural studies from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.
Jodie Parmer serves as the assistant director of finance and operations for the Brandeis University President's Initiative on Antisemitism. Previously, she was the academic administrator with graduate guidance for the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies (NEJS) and Classical and Early Mediterranean Studies (CEMS) Departments, as well as the administrator for the University Writing Program. Prior to Brandeis, Jodie worked at Temple Emunah in Lexington, serving as their program director and family educator. She holds an MA from the Hornstein Program at Brandeis and a BA in Psychology from The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Visiting Research Scholar
Dr. Bar Guzi is the Head of Educational Opportunities at Boundless and a Visiting Research Scholar for the President's Initiative on Antisemitism at Brandeis University. He holds a doctorate in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis and is an accomplished educator and scholar of Jewish thought, history, and culture. Bar has a diverse teaching portfolio including faculty positions at Yeshiva University, Wesleyan University, and Golda Och Academy. Bar has also developed and led cross-cultural programs that aim to strengthen connections between Israeli and American Jewish communities. At Boundless, he leads educational initiatives that deepen understanding of Israel and address antisemitism. Guided by an interdisciplinary approach and a commitment to public engagement, Bar encourages critical thinking and honest conversation, helping diverse audiences gain lasting insights that resonate beyond the classroom.