The Diane and Guilford Glazer Institute for Jewish and Israel Studies at Nanjing University was first established in May 1992 to meet a growing demand for Judaic studies in China and to promote the study of Jewish subjects among Chinese college students and a better understanding between the two peoples: Chinese and Jewish, following the establishment of full diplomatic relations between China and Israel in January 1992(originally named the Center for Jewish Studies). Since 2001, the Institute has increasingly responded to the needs of its expanding programs with a series of fund raising activities. Thanks to a most generous gift from Diane and Guilford Glazer Fund and donations from many individuals, the Institute is now in its current location with a space of over 3,000 square feet, housing a conference hall, a director room, a study room, a lecture hall, and a library. In order to express its gratitude and appreciation, the Institute was renamed The Diane and Guilford Glazer Institute of Jewish Studies in November 2006. In May 2012 with the establishment of a Diane and Guilford Glazer Endowment at Nanjing University, the Institute started to use the current name to emphasize its determination to deepen its study of Israel.
Due to its great efforts and the establishment of worldwide ties to Jewish academic circles over the last 20 years, the Institute is increasingly recognized as a leader in its field and an important resource for information and guidance in China, serving not only locally but also nationally.