Simon Wiesenthal Center Announces Appointment of Dr. Deborah Soffen as its Children’s Advocate

September 28, 2023

Dr. Deborah Singer Soffen MD has been appointed as the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s first-ever Center’s Children’s Advocate.

Dr. Soffen made the shift from pediatrician and has since devoted her time to promoting the idea that the “path to peace” for Israelis and Palestinians " begins in the classroom.” 

She considers the indoctrination and recruitment of children in armed conflict to be a form of “societal child abuse.” Dr. Soffen has co-authored a number of articles on the subject, has given expert written testimony on UNRWA schools as part of a Congressional hearing on UN Bias against Israel, has participated in briefings at the United Nations, the US Mission to the UN, and the US Congress, and has given talks advocating the importance that future generations be provided an education promoting peace and tolerance rather than hatred and violence. 

“It is an honor for me to serve as The Simon Wiesenthal Center’s first Children’s Advocate. As a pediatrician with over thirty years experience in clinical practice, and a proud zionist, this position provides me with a platform to combine my advocacy to see Israel at peace with its neighbors, and my professional obligation to make a positive impact on the lives of children everywhere. I am truly humbled to be given this opportunity to work with such a respected humanitarian organization that supports Israel and stands up to antisemitism, hate, intolerance, and human rights abuses worldwide,” said Dr. Soffen.

“Dr. Soffen, a respected Pediatrician and long-time activist for Jewish and humanitarian causes is the perfect selection, as the SWC’s first Children’s Advocate. The manipulation of children to serve as cannon fodder in armed conflicts and the brainwashing of young people to embrace a culture of death and terrorism is a global phenomenon, with profound and tragic consequences in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict,” added Rabbi Abraham Cooper, SWC Associate Dean and Global Social Action Director.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is one of the largest international Jewish human rights organizations in the United States. It is an NGO at international agencies including the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the OAS, the Council of Europe and the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).