A group of 43 American college students experienced the impact of the Abraham Accords during a 10-day trip to Israel and the United Arab Emirates over winter break. Organized by the Israel on Campus Coalition’s Geller International Fellowship, the trip offered students an immersive look at Middle Eastern culture, business, and politics, highlighting the success of the 2020 peace agreement.
The students engaged with leaders in various fields, including Israeli politician Ruth Wasserman Lande, Middle East expert Dan Feferman, and Jonathan Conricus of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. These discussions centered around entrepreneurship, coexistence, diplomacy, and peacebuilding in the region following the Abraham Accords.
Fellows who visited the UAE and Israel as part of the Geller International Fellowship. (ICC )
The Abraham Accords, brokered by the U.S. in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and the UAE, as well as Bahrain. This marked a significant milestone, being the first peace agreement between Israel and an Arab nation since 1994. The agreement aimed to foster peace and unlock the region's potential through diplomatic collaboration.
Abraham Accords signing ceremony at the White House on September 13, 2020. (Getty)
American college students participating in the Geller International Fellowship met with experts to witness the successes of the Abraham Accords. (ICC )
This experience proved particularly impactful given the backdrop of campus tensions related to the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. Students witnessed firsthand the potential for peace and cooperation, contrasting sharply with the anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism experienced on some American campuses.
Students met with experts in Israel and the UAE as part of the Geller International Fellowship. (ICC)
Over 40 American students participated in the Geller International Fellowship trip. (ICC )
Students visited the UAE and Israel during winter break. (ICC)
The rise of antisemitism and anti-Israel protests on campuses following the 2023 conflict underscored the importance of programs like the Geller Fellowship. The fellowship aims to empower students to advocate for Israel and promote understanding of the complexities of the region. The program sponsors, Martin and Lauren Geller, emphasized their commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders dedicated to strengthening U.S.-Israel relations and the principles of the Abraham Accords.
Martin and Lauren Geller sponsored the Geller International Fellowship. (ICC)
