AJC Takes South Asian American Leaders to Israel

American Jewish Committee
Friday, 7 June 2002

A delegation of south Asian leaders from across the U.S. will visit Israel on an intensive American Jewish Committee study program from June 8-17.

This educational program is sponsored by AJC's Belfer Center for American Pluralism, long engaged in enhancing intergroup understanding in America, and organized by Project Interchange, an AJC institute dedicated to providing travel seminars in Israel for America's political, civic, ethnic and religious leaders.

"This delegation will have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the rich tapestry of Israeli society and gain a new appreciation of the complex issues facing Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East," said Ann Schaffer, Director of AJC's Belfer Center:

The delegation consists of Americans of Indian and Pakistani origins. The participants are professionals from various fields ranging from medicine, business, and politics, and represent the leadership of their respective communities.

The seminar will provide participants with a balanced overview of Israeli society and politics, as well as key issues in U.S.-Israel relations and the current Middle East military and political situation. The eight-day program will also provide in-depth briefings on education, immigration, social welfare programs, and trade and economic development.

The delegation will meet with high-level government officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense, Members of Knesset, Israeli business leaders and academics, and a representative of the Palestinian Authority. Seminar participants will also have the opportunity to meet with Israeli counterparts in the medical and high-tech fields to exchange views and ideas.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org