Inspiration

Understanding Our Differences

Promoting understanding of and respect for worldwide cultural differences is one reason the Schnitzer family of Portland funded a Judaic studies program at the UO in 1997.

The Schnitzers’ $1.5 million gift enabled the University of Oregon to hire one of the country’s leading scholars in Judaic studies, Judith Baskin, as director. The Schnitzers’ generosity inspired others to give as well for such purposes as bringing in visiting scholars and sponsoring Holocaust education activities.

Today, the Judaic studies major and UO courses in Islam and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict attract students from a wide range of ethnic and religious backgrounds and career interests.

“It’s extremely important that we respect and understand our differences. That leads to better communication and, through communication, we can solve our societal problems.”

Harold Schnitzer
of the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation