American Students Experience the Abraham Accords in Israel and UAE
Amidst ongoing tensions regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, a group of American college students embarked on an eye-opening journey to Israel and the United Arab Emirates over the winter break. Their 10-day trip, organized by the Israel on Campus Coalition’s Geller International Fellowship, allowed these students to witness the positive impacts of the historic Abraham Accords, which continue to influence the political climate in the region.
Fellowship Experience
Forty-three undergraduate students from various institutions across the United States participated in this enriching experience. Throughout their journey, they engaged with business leaders, academics, and political officials, gaining insights into Middle Eastern culture while exploring the intricacies of the Abraham Accords, a peace agreement established during the Trump administration in 2020.
A Student’s Perspective
Eden Yadegar, a senior from Columbia University majoring in Middle Eastern studies, expressed her profound appreciation for the fellowship. “Witnessing the successes of the Abraham Accords first-hand with a group of college students who are passionate about peace and coexistence… has been a poignant reminder of what the future of the Middle East can hold,” she told Fox News Digital. Yadegar emphasized that the principles of peace, security, and coexistence are attainable realities, thanks to ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States, Israel, and the UAE.
The Abraham Accords: A Historic Achievement
Brokered by the United States in 2020, the Abraham Accords marked a significant milestone in Middle Eastern diplomacy. The agreement established full diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, with Bahrain also recognizing Israel’s sovereignty. This was the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab nation since the Israel-Jordan peace treaty in 1994.
Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed of the UAE celebrated this historic diplomatic breakthrough. They jointly affirmed that the agreement reflected bold diplomacy and recognized the shared challenges and mutual benefits facing their nations.
Engaging with Experts
During the fellowship, students interacted with various experts, including Israeli politician and diplomat Ruth Wasserman Lande and Middle East analyst Dan Feferman. They discussed critical issues surrounding entrepreneurship, coexistence in the post-peace accord environment, diplomacy, and peacebuilding. This educational exchange aimed to enhance students’ understanding of the complexities involved in fostering relationships in the region.
Transformative Experiences
Jacob Baime, the CEO of the Israel on Campus Coalition, emphasized the fellowship’s broader mission: “The Geller International Fellowship highlights the promise of the next generation of pro-Israel leaders,” Baime stated. The program aims to empower students to become informed advocates for Israel, promoting a deeper comprehension of its complexities and the principles behind the Abraham Accords.
Aidan Bloomstine, a senior studying public policy at the University of Southern California, described the trip as the “opportunity of a lifetime.” Bloomstine noted that the fellowship reignited his hope for peace and prosperity in the region, providing firsthand insights into the positive outcomes of diplomatic and economic cooperation between Emiratis and Israelis.
Confronting Campus Tensions
As the students returned to a tumultuous political atmosphere back home, they carried with them renewed confidence in their advocacy for Israel. The ongoing war in Israel, which erupted in October 2023, has led to incidents of antisemitism and significant protests on college campuses across the nation, including intense demonstrations at prestigious institutions such as Columbia, UCLA, Harvard, and Yale.
Students reported feeling unsafe on their campuses following protests, raising alarms around the escalating antisemitism. “Being surrounded by like-minded campus leaders, all deeply committed to ensuring that truth prevails in these challenging times… has given me confidence that the next generation of leaders in our country will continue to champion Western values and steadfastly support America’s closest ally, Israel,” shared Sam Heller, a senior at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Investing in Leadership
Martin and Lauren Geller, sponsors of the fellowship, underscored their commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to promoting the principles of the Abraham Accords. They stated that the fellowship represents more than just an educational program; it is an investment in future leaders committed to strengthening U.S.-Israel relations and deepening the understanding of Israel’s heritage and resilience.
A Future of Diplomacy
As political discussions converge on the future of Middle Eastern relations, calls to expand the Abraham Accords are gaining momentum. Trump, during his recent campaign, pledged to focus on expanding peace agreements in the region if re-elected. “If I win, that will be an absolute priority: just getting everybody in. It’s peace in the Middle East. We need it, and it’s very important. It will happen,” he stated in an interview, reaffirming the critical importance of the accords.
Conclusion
The fellowship experience not only served as a platform for exchange and education but also equipped students with the tools necessary to navigate and advocate within a challenging climate surrounding U.S.-Israel relations. As these young leaders return to their campuses, they hope to share their newfound knowledge and perspectives, contributing to future dialogues around peace, security, and coexistence in the Middle East.
