The second day of the Israel trip included speakers such as Mark Regev, the International Spokesperson for the Prime Minister, Israel Kimhi, a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Institute for Israeli Studies, and Professor Michael Leitner. Additionally, students had a chance to take a tour of Neve Daniel in Gush Etzion.
Mark Regev discussed his work as the International Spokesperson for Prime Minister Netanyahu and highlighted the problems currently facing Israel. Regev stated that the biggest threat facing Israel is the threat of a nuclear Iran. Regev stressed that a nuclear Iran would not only be a threat for Israel, but for the rest of the world as well. More than that, Regev discussed the importance of a good deal with Iran in order to prevent the state from becoming nuclear, which could lead to other dangerous states becoming nuclear.
Above: Mark Regev speaking to the students.
Israel Kimhi, a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Institute for Israeli Studies, took the students on a bus tour around Jerusalem. During the tour, he pointed out places of political significance. The most interesting site for many students was the crossing from Israel to Bethelem that Kimhi took them to see. This crossing is significant because Israelis are not allowed to use it, and if they do, they are not protected by the army or any form of Israeli security, something that is not often spoken about on campuses. If anything, this crossing would be looked upon in a negative light on campus.
Left: Israel Kimhi giving the students a geopolitical tour of Jerusalem.
Michael Leitner, a college professor, discussed different ways to be active on campus, and how to get the most out of any campus event in terms of audience size and response. Leitner expressed the importance of talking to school officials, including administrators, professors, and student government members, ahead of time so that the events are well attended and that the response on campus is positive overall. To finish the day, the students were taken to Gush Etzion for a new view of Israel. At one point, the students were able to see both the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, understanding the tiny width of Israel and the strategic importance of this land.
Right: Professor Michael Leitner.