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Rhodes Scholars in Israel to examine Arab-Jewish coexistence

Group of scholars hailing from Kenya, US Australia and New Zealand to meet with Israeli and Palestinian policymakers, academics, and government officials

A delegation of 10 prominent Rhodes Scholars are in Israel March 24-29, for a first-hand look at the Jewish state, including its political, historical, cultural, technological, strategic and religious dimensions.

 

The educational seminar, which includes participants from the United States, Australia, Kenya, and New Zealand, is sponsored by Project Interchange, an educational institute of AJC.

 

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During the course of their Project Interchange seminar in Israel, the Rhodes Scholars will participate in-depth briefings related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israeli and Palestinian politics and society, high tech solutions to world problems, Israel as a "Start Up Nation", and meetings with Israeli and Palestinian policymakers, academics, and government officials.

 

One of the scholars, Varun Sivaram, said "I'm a scientist. I study physics. The real gem for me in Israel was learning about hi-tech. It gave a whole new dimension to the peace process. Because for the innovators here, the conflict is an annoyance – it's getting in the way of the real progress. The Middle East conflict is hindering the progress of technology."

 

Iona Mylek added: "What has most surprised me about Israel is the diversity and dynamism of Israeli and Palestinian society. I have a much deeper appreciation for the complexities and contradictions of just living here."

 

Scholars mount segways before touring Jerusalem (Photo: Project Interchange/AJC)
Scholars mount segways before touring Jerusalem (Photo: Project Interchange/AJC)

 

During the seminar, participants will examine economic development, pluralism, integration and absorption of immigrants, strategic and security issues, education, the public health system, Arab-Jewish coexistence, and the pursuit of peace. They will also visit areas of historical, strategic and religious importance.

 

"I’ve learned about the Israeli perspective … they face a real existential threat. And I’ve learned about the challenges Palestinians face internally with respect to corruption and unaccountability of the PLO and the rise of Hamas' leadership, in ability to control their own government as well as the settlement issue as the source of dissatisfaction and outrage which is going to pose a real challenge to peace in the future," said Daniel Shih, another participant.

 

Established through the will of Cecil Rhodes in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international graduate scholarships in the world, which bring outstanding students from many countries to Oxford. Rhodes’ vision in founding the scholarship was to develop outstanding leaders who demonstrate high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership, and physical vigor.

 

Project Interchange Executive Director Sam Witkin, noted, "We are delighted to host this delegation of international Rhodes Scholars to Israel. This seminar, in the best tradition of Project Interchange, will provide the opportunity for frank discussions of current events with senior Israeli and Palestinian leaders and world-class experts, while continuing to further strengthen relationships with future opinion leaders and decision-makers."

 

 

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פרסום ראשון: 03.28.12, 22:08
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