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Meltzer Schwartzberg Center for Israel Studies

In 1998, Shimon Peres inaugurated the first center for Israel Studies in the country at American University. The center sponsors frequent public programs, including conferences, discussions, lecture series, performances and exhibits, in addition to the Minor in Israel Studies.

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CIS Events

"A Future Path for Jews and Arabs in Israel" 11/19/24

From "A Future Path for Jews and Arabs in Israel," 11/19/24:
Both Professor Ilan Troen, a founder and leading representative of Israel Studies, and Mohammad Darawshe, a leader of the Arab-Jewish dialog in Israel at Givat Haviva Center for Shared Society, lost close relatives on October 7, 2023. Michael Brenner led a wide-ranging discussion with them on how the two communities face the tragic events of our time and their visions for coexistence in the future.

Research

Guy Ziv Book Talk: Netanyahu vs The Generals

On March 20, 2024 AU Professor Guy Ziv discussed his recent book Netanyahu vs The Generals: The Battle for Israel’s Future.

Read more about the book and Professor Ziv's research here.

View more videos from the Center for Israel Studies.

Join the Center for Israel Studies

  • We invite AU students to learn more about us in the website, attend events, or Minor in Israel Studies and apply for the Waisman Scholarship.
  • We invite the public to be a part of the growth of our center by attending our programs and offering your support. Your commitment and generosity will ensure that CIS will continue to serve as a model throughout the nation in this growing field.

Quick Links

Center for Israel Studies 25th Anniversary

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, American University’s Center for Israel Studies (CIS) is one of the nation’s premier educational centers for nurturing and catalyzing Israel Studies. CIS's multidisciplinary approach goes beyond the Arab-Israeli conflict to study modern Israel’s history, vibrant society, culture, multiethnic democracy, and complex geopolitical issues. Using AU’s expertise in global education and its central location in Washington, DC, the Center serves as a national and international hub for building bridges and highlighting the diverse achievements and challenges across Israel. 

News & Notes

2024 Israel Studies Yediaut newsletter

Annual Newsletter

Download our 2024 Yediaut newsletter.

 

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More news

  • Dan Arbell spoke with Fox News about the IDF’s warning to Israeli soldiers to avoid international travel following Israel’s airstrikes across Lebanon. He also spoke with CGTN about the aftermath of the airstrikes. 

  • Dan Arbell (Meltzer Schwartzberg Center for Israel Studies) appeared on CGTN to discuss a resolution aimed towards ending the Israel-Hamas war. 

  • Washington Jewish Week published an article on the Center for Israel Studies’ “Israel at 100: Scenarios for the Future of Israel in 2048” Conference, held at American University. 

  • Guy Ziv (Center for Israel Studies) spoke with Fox 5 about Israel’s potential response to rocket attacks from Iran. He also spoke with Spectrum News about the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel.

  • Michael Brenner (Meltzer Schwartzberg Center for Israel Studies) authored an article for The Conversation about the recruitment tactics of the Israel Defense Forces. 

  • Guy Ziv (Meltzer Schwartzberg Center for Israel Studies) spoke with LAist about the Israeli Supreme Court ruling on compulsory military service for the Ultra Orthodox.

  • Michael Brenner discussed the origins of Zionism on NPR's Throughline

Amy and Alan Meltzer

With a New Name AU’s Center for Israel Studies Turns 25

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