We are thrilled to inform, that from September 14 to 16, the Moses Mendelssohn Center at the University of Potsdam (MMZ) hosted the 13th Annual Conference of the European Association of Israel Studies (EAIS). Scholars from across the globe gathered to reflect and exchange ideas under the theme “Navigating Dire Straits: Israeli Polity in Times of Crises.” Unsurprisingly, many panels and discussions centered on Israel’s current challenges: internal societal turmoil, coping with the aftermath of October 7, shifting Israel–Diaspora relations, future perspectives on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, evolving neighborly relations in the post-war context, and, last but not least, the new directions and challenges for Israel Studies in both research and teaching.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Miriam Rürup, Head of the MMZ, and Olaf Glöckner, who led the Conference Committee with great commitment. Our gratitude also goes to the Israel Institute in Washington for its ongoing support, and keynote speaker Isabell Schierenbeck, whose lecture set the tone for vibrant and thought-provoking debates. We are also grateful to the MMZ’s neighboring institutions: the Einstein Forum, the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History (ZZF), and the Brandenburg Museum. A word of appreciation also goes to the Jewish Community of Potsdam (Jüdische Gemeinde Stadt Potsdam e.V.), which welcomed us warmly. Many participants visited the new synagogue center in the heart of the city and engaged in conversation with the local communities.