This week, dozens of students marked the end of the largest-ever extracurricular academic program for visiting Chinese students in Israel.
The program, run by the Zionist organization Im Tirtzu, consists of tours and lectures in Chinese and English that are aimed at turning the visiting students into “ambassadors for Israel” upon their return to China.
Now finishing its second year at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the program has already brought dozens of Chinese students around the country to places like Hebron, Jerusalem, Sderot, Samaria, Gush Etzion and the Negev Desert.
Over the past few years, enrollment from China in Israeli universities has skyrocketed, with thousands of students currently studying in the Jewish state.
According to Im Tirtzu, ensuring that these students learn the truth about Israel and can effectively advocate on its behalf back in China is invaluable to Israel.
Dov Trachtman, who oversees the project for Im Tirtzu, said that more and more Chinese students are requesting to join the program.
“The students have a tremendous desire to learn more about Israel and see it firsthand,” said Trachtman. “The students especially want to visit Judea, Samaria and the Gaza periphery, which are integral parts of the Land in Israel that, if not for our program, they would not have the opportunity to see.”
“These students are turning into some of Israel’s best ambassadors in one of the largest and most influential countries in the world,” added Trachtman.
