Leah Garrett

Leah Garrett is the Larry and Klara Silverstein Chair in Jewish Studies and Director of Hebrew and Jewish Studies at Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), within the School of Arts and Sciences. She is affiliated with the Department of Classical and Oriental Studies, specializing in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. Currently on sabbatical for the 2024–2025 academic year, she remains an active scholar and public intellectual.

Her research centers on modern Jewish history, literature, and cultural identity, particularly in the context of World War II and the Holocaust. She explores how Jewish authors and soldiers have shaped narratives of war, resistance, and survival. Her work bridges literary analysis and historical investigation, with a strong focus on forgotten or marginalized voices in Jewish history.

Garrett’s recent publications reveal a consistent theme: uncovering hidden Jewish contributions to global events. Her books analyze Jewish war literature, commando units, and travel writing, demonstrating a deep commitment to preserving and illuminating Jewish experiences across time and geography. The interdisciplinary nature of her work spans history, literature, cultural studies, and memory studies.

Her notable scientific awards include the Jordan Schnitzer Book Award (2017), being a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award, and receiving the Fulbright Fellowship and ACLS Junior Faculty Mellon Fellowship. These honors reflect the scholarly impact and rigor of her research.

Garrett has advised or mentored numerous students through her role as director and faculty member, though specific names are not listed. She has secured significant research support through fellowships and grants, enabling extensive archival work and international research. Her public engagement includes media appearances and public lectures, such as those hosted by Hunter College’s Hunter@Home series.

She leads the Jewish Studies Center at Hunter College, shaping its academic direction and public programming. Her leadership fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and community outreach, positioning the center as a hub for Jewish scholarship and dialogue.