New York, NY: December 1, 2021 –Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) is continuing to boost collaboration between Israeli and US institutions as 25 participants, including 21 professors, from universities and colleges across the U.S. prepare to travel to Israel on the first of two 2021/22 Winter Faculty Fellowship Programs.
Supported by the JNF-USA Boruchin Center and other generous donors, participants on the trip (December 26, 2021 – January 9, 2022) will travel throughout Israel, meeting Israeli professors from their respective disciplines and with the same, or similar, research interests, all with the goal of developing collaborations, research projects, co-authoring articles, and establishing exchange programs between faculty and students. The tour, which more than 300 have already taken part in, is a fully paid intensive program to Israel for full-time U.S.-based academics from a recognized university/learning institution. JNF-USA also runs the annual Caravan for Democracy Student leadership Mission to Israel, of which 80 college students will travel to Israel in December, the Summer Faculty Fellowship Program in Israel, and a host of other trips and missions.
Prior to the pandemic, the 2019 Winter trip brought 25 professors from universities and colleges across the nation on the semi-annual Summer Faculty Fellowship Program in Israel. “The Faculty Fellowship program in Israel is a life-changing experience that tantalizes all the senses,” said Professor Molina Walters, STEM Education, Arizona State University. “One sees the life of Israel, hears the history of Israel, tastes the flavors of Israel, smells the aromas of Israel, and feels the heart of Israel.”
Participating U.S.–based schools include: Auburn University, St. Louis University, University of Central Florida, Rutgers University, Northwest State Community College, Emory University, California State University Fullerton, University of Texas El Paso, Kennesaw State University, George Washington University, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State University, University of Puerto Rico, New Mexico State University, University of Miami, and Thomas Jefferson University.
During the trip, the 25 participants, of whom 21 are program awardee recipients, will meet Israelis from all walks of life and will hear from a variety of speakers. They will also be exposed to contemporary Israeli society, culture, historical sites, the people, and the way of life in Israel. The academics meet with professionals and experts involved in government, industry, education, media, and other sectors to understand the many facets of Israel’s evolving national and international policies. Those who take part will gain a deeper awareness of Israel as a ‘start-up nation,’ its success in water innovation, and how the country addresses regional and global challenges.
To learn more about the universities and professors taking part in the 2021-2022 Winter Faculty Fellowship Program in Israel or from prior years, or to register for future programs, visit http://www.ff2israel.org/ or contact Rene Reinhard at 212.879.9305 ext. 235 or Eileen Wedeen at 212-439-7855.
