Arab students visit Israeli embassy in Washington

Students from Arab countries experience first close-up encounter with Israel as part of US-led young leadership program
Itamar Eichner

Dozens of students from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bahrain, The United Arab Emirates and Qatar visited the Israeli embassy in Washington this week.

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The Arab students, who arrived in Washington in the framework of a young international leadership training program sponsored by the US government, listened to diplomatic briefs from embassy employees and asked questions.

“It was a unique opportunity to explain Israel’s position first hand,” said Rafi Harpaz, director of Public Affairs at the embassy, in a report sent to the Foreign Ministry.

When the briefing was over, the Arab students, all from affluent homes, shook Harpaz’ hand and asked to take photos with him, telling the director it was their first time meeting an Israeli.

Each student received a PR kit that included brochures about Israel, photos and CDs.