Expressing Our Deepest Condolences for the Tragic Loss of Dr. Hayim Katsman

Dear AIS Members and Friends,

It is with immense sorrow that we share yet more tragic news: Dr. Hayim Katsman – the distinguished winner of the 2019 Kimmerling Award for Best Graduate Paper – was murdered in his home in Kibbutz Holit on Saturday. Dr. Katsman was an emerging scholar in the field of Israel Studies, having received his Ph.D. in international studies from the University of Washington’s Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies in 2021. His research centered on the Religious-Zionist communities and current trends in Religious-Zionism and its relationship to radicalism. His works have been featured in various scholarly publications, including the Israel Studies Review, and in edited volumes such as the “Routledge Handbook of Religion and Political Parties.”

He won the AIS Kimmerling Award for his paper, “The Hyphen Cannot Hold: Contemporary Trends in Religious Zionism,” which he presented at the 2019 AIS Annual Conference at Kinneret College. Beyond his academic achievements, Hayim was deeply committed to community service and engagement. His volunteer activities spanned various roles, including Co-Coordinator of the Israel/Palestine research group at the University of Washington, Board Member at The Center for Young Adults, Eshkol Regional Council, and committee member in Kibbutz Holit. In these moments of profound grief, we remember Dr. Katsman for his invaluable contributions to our academic community. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and close ones.

With sincere condolences,

Rafi Cohen-Almagor, AIS President

Csaba Nikolenyi, AIS Vice-President

Asaf Shamis, Executive Director