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New American Jewish Studies Program at Haifa University
(JNS.org) Jeffrey F. Barken and Jacob Kamaras - The new Ruderman Program for American Jewish Studies at the University of Haifa is designed to improve Israeli understanding of the American Jewish community. "Israeli universities have all sorts of programs studying Asia, Africa and the Arab world, but no one is studying the American Jewish community, which is probably the most important community affecting the future of Israel," says Jay Ruderman. "The idea is that over the course of time you have a cadre of Israelis who've gotten a master's in the American Jewish community, and that they will help Israel shape this relationship." A highlight of the curriculum will be a 10-day trip to the U.S., "the equivalent of Birthright for Israelis," says Prof. Gur Alroey, director of the new program.