A Conversation with Sara Brown: Light in the Times of Darkness

Join us this Hanukkah for an intimate discussion about how to embrace and be the “Light in a Time of Darkness.” Grounded in the themes of the holiday, this discussion will focus on how we hold on to our moral core during dark times. Our talk will examine current events in Israel, offering an insiders look and up-to-date information. We will also explore the impact of global events on our community here in San Diego. Together we will embrace the light of the Hannukiah and support, educate, and process the traumatic terror attack in Israel and resulting war, committing to a stronger, safer, and more unified future.

Sara E. Brown, Ph.D.
Regional Director, AJC San Diego

Sara E. Brown, Ph.D. is a non-profit executive, educator, and world-renowned expert on genocide studies. 

Sara holds the first Ph.D. in comparative genocide studies from the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University. She was a director of Chhange, a Holocaust, human rights, and genocide education non-profit and managed post-secondary education programming for USC Shoah Foundation. 

Sara has an extensive background in non-profit advocacy and in education. She has worked at the Interdisciplinary Center in Israel, conducted genocide-related research in Rwanda, and served as a project coordinator in refugee camps in Tanzania.

Sara has taught courses on history, human rights and mass violence at San Diego State University, Kean University, and Worcester State University and is widely published in major news outlets and academic journals.

Sara is the author of Gender and the Genocide in Rwanda: Women as Perpetrators and Rescuers and the co-editor of the Routledge Handbook on Religion, Mass Atrocity, and Genocide. Sara has also consulted for a number of international organizations, including the United Nations, Aegis Trust, and Common Circles.

Sara particularly enjoys teaching the next generation about the Holocaust and the State of Israel. She lives in San Diego with her husband Elliott, son Gavi, and dog Herzl.